Things to Do in Spain in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Spain
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing drops significantly - accommodation costs typically 30-40% less than summer peaks, and you'll find flight deals from major European hubs averaging €150-250 return instead of €400-plus in high season
- Comfortable walking weather across most of Spain - daytime temperatures of 12-18°C (54-64°F) in major cities mean you can explore for hours without the exhausting heat of summer or the bone-chilling cold of January
- Autumn produce season peaks in November - markets overflow with wild mushrooms, chestnuts, new wine, and game meats, plus this is when locals actually eat jamón at its best because the curing houses have just released their premium stock
- Fewer tourists at major attractions - the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, and Prado Museum have 50-60% fewer visitors than peak months, meaning you'll actually see the art instead of the backs of heads, and same-day tickets are often available
Considerations
- Daylight hours shrink to roughly 9.5 hours - sunset hits around 6pm across most of Spain, which compresses sightseeing time and means dinner reservations feel absurdly late when it's been dark for three hours
- Northern Spain gets genuinely wet - cities like Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastián average 150-200 mm (6-8 inches) of rain in November, and that Atlantic moisture means damp, grey days that can derail outdoor plans
- Some coastal beach towns essentially close - Mediterranean resorts from Costa Brava to Costa del Sol see restaurants, beach clubs, and tour operators shut down for winter, leaving these areas feeling somewhat abandoned if you're expecting summer vibrancy
Best Activities in November
Prado Museum and Madrid Art Triangle Walking
November's cooler temperatures make Madrid's museum district actually pleasant to navigate on foot, and the shorter queues mean you can hit the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza in one day without the summer crowds. The light in November is softer too, which sounds precious but genuinely makes viewing Velázquez and Goya more enjoyable. Most importantly, locals return to museums in autumn after avoiding them all summer, so you'll see Spanish families and students which adds authentic energy.
Andalusian Hill Town Routes
The white villages of Andalusia - Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema - are spectacular in November when temperatures sit at 15-18°C (59-64°F) instead of the punishing 35°C-plus (95°F-plus) of summer. The light is golden, the hiking trails are actually walkable, and you'll have viewpoints largely to yourself. This is also olive harvest season, so you'll see nets spread under trees and families working the groves, which gives you an authentic glimpse of rural Spanish life.
Rioja and Ribera del Duero Wine Region Tours
November is crush season aftermath - the harvest is done, new wine is fermenting, and bodegas have time to actually host visitors properly instead of rushing through tastings. The vineyards turn copper and gold, temperatures hover around 10-14°C (50-57°F) which is perfect for cycling between wineries, and many producers release special November-only tastings of young wine. You'll also catch the tail end of mushroom season, so winery restaurants pair tastings with wild fungi dishes.
Camino de Santiago Final Stages
Walking the last 100 km (62 miles) from Sarria to Santiago in November means you'll encounter serious pilgrims rather than summer's casual walkers - the atmosphere is more contemplative and authentic. Yes, it rains frequently in Galicia this month, but albergues are less crowded, you can book accommodations day-of instead of weeks ahead, and the misty forests and stone villages look exactly as medieval pilgrims would have seen them. Pack proper rain gear and embrace the mud.
Barcelona Gothic Quarter and Modernisme Architecture Walks
November weather in Barcelona sits at 14-17°C (57-63°F) - cool enough that walking 8-10 km (5-6 miles) daily feels comfortable rather than exhausting. The city empties after October half-term, so you'll actually get photos of Park Güell and Casa Batlló without 50 people in frame. Sagrada Familia's stained glass looks particularly stunning in November's lower-angle sunlight. Street performers and pickpockets both thin out, making the Gothic Quarter more pleasant to wander.
Valencia and Mediterranean Coast Cycling
Valencia's Turia Gardens - a 9 km (5.6 mile) park built in a drained riverbed - is perfect for November cycling when temperatures reach 17-19°C (63-66°F). The city has 150 km (93 miles) of bike lanes, and November means you're cycling alongside locals commuting rather than dodging tourist groups. The Mediterranean coast south toward Albufera lagoon is stunning in autumn light, and you can combine cycling with paella in its birthplace without the summer tourist markup.
November Events & Festivals
Magosto Chestnut Festivals
Throughout Galicia, Asturias, and Castilla y León, villages celebrate the chestnut harvest with bonfires, roasted chestnuts, new wine, and traditional music. These aren't tourist events - they're genuine community gatherings where locals share food and celebrate autumn. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you'll taste chestnuts prepared a dozen different ways alongside local cider and orujo liquor.
Dia de Todos los Santos Cemetery Visits
November 1st is All Saints Day, when Spanish families visit cemeteries to clean graves, leave flowers, and remember the dead. It's a solemn but beautiful tradition - cemeteries fill with chrysanthemums and candles, and bakeries sell special sweets like huesos de santo and panellets. Not a tourist attraction per se, but witnessing this cultural practice offers genuine insight into Spanish family traditions.
San Martín Wine Festivals
November 11th marks the traditional day for opening new wine across Spain's wine regions. Towns in Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Penedès host tastings, barrel openings, and celebrations of the new vintage. Expect street parties, wine blessings, and the chance to taste wine that's barely finished fermenting - cloudy, yeasty, and nothing like what you'll find bottled.