If love for this ancient city has already settled in your heart, then neither the November chill, cold wind, nor autumn rains will displace it. And even if the Mediterranean Sea can only be admired, the beach season is already closed, and you are unlikely to get a Spanish tan, given the late autumn outside the window, the capital of Catalonia will captivate you even now. Welcome to Barcelona in November!
Holidays in Barcelona in November: pros and cons
It is unlikely that going on a trip in the last autumn month, you expect a beach holiday and swimming in the sea. Usually, tourists come here at this time to see the city and get acquainted with its attractions. And reviews of holidays in Barcelona in November are generally not related to the weather but to the impressions they have seen. This city cannot fail to inspire. So why choose a trip in November?
- The month is not popular with tourists, so there are no crowds, and you can count on no queues in museums and galleries.
- For the same reason, the prices for tours are much lower than in the previous month and the next.
- Hotels are almost free — you can choose any room you want.
- Even in late autumn, there is plenty of sunshine, so the walks can be very comfortable if you don't forget about a warm jacket.
Some disadvantages of travelling in late autumn are also worth knowing about to plan your holiday properly and take the necessary things with you.
- The approach of the coldest time of the year is hard to miss, especially at the end of November. The number of cloudy days increases, periodically blowing cold, gusty winds, and it rains. And if your trip is finally agreed, stock up on warm clothes, a mackintosh and an umbrella — who knows what a surprise the November weather will bring you.
- Given the uncomfortable weather conditions, travelling with a small child is unlikely to be enjoyable. It's better to wait for spring and go and bask in the warm Spanish sun.
The weather in Barcelona in November
The Catalan capital opens the season of cold winds and high humidity, which makes the weather in November and December seem even cooler. Although November temperatures do not drop below +3°C, it is unusual for sunny Barcelona and its green palm trees.
The weather in early November can be pretty warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from +14°C to +20°C. Sunny days are not uncommon at this time, so you'll be sure to find time for a walk. Daytime temperatures in Barcelona in mid-November are slightly lower and range from +12°C to +16°C, while at night, they can drop to +5°C, although there are seasons when they stay between +10°C and +12°C.
The approach of winter can be felt by the weather changes in Barcelona at the end of November.
Days are increasingly cloudy; temperatures drop by several degrees, and gusty winds blow. So warm clothes are handy when travelling.
Air and water temperature
Barcelona's Mediterranean climate is relatively mild, so snowfalls or frosts are abnormal even in winter, not to mention late autumn. The temperature in Barcelona in November usually does not fall below +3°C at night; during the day, it does not rise above +20°C. So it's hard to know precisely which jacket — windbreaker or warm coat — you'll need. Rather, you'll have to take both with you.
Air temperature in Barcelona in November
The average daytime temperature during the month is around +17.4°C and, if the day is sunny, it's a great time to go out and explore the city. However, it can get colder towards the month's end as winter approaches. The average night-time temperature in November is +12.5°C.
Sea temperature in Barcelona in November
The beach season ended last month, and the Mediterranean coastline is deserted. The current water temperature does not allow swimming and averages around +18.1°C. Warm, gentle waves will be available only in a few months, but in the meantime, you can admire from afar how the sea is beautiful in the rays of the Spanish sun.
Precipitation
November is the rainiest month of the year. There are about four days with precipitation, totalling 69.7 mm. Most days only half-day rains are expected, so you can adjust your holiday plan accordingly.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Sunny days in late autumn become slightly less, about 19 during the month. There are about eight cloudy days, possibly with rain, while in the remaining 8-9 days, the sun occasionally peeks out from behind the clouds, keeping travellers happy.
Tour Holidays
Plan your excursions in November based solely on the weather forecast. On a sunny, warm day, take a stroll along La Rambla, and on a cool or rainy day, take shelter from the weather in Barcelona's endless array of exciting and unique museums. In early November, when warm, sunny weather is much easier to get, choose a day and head to Parc Güell.
Its architectural buildings by Antoni Gaudi, which exactly resemble brightly coloured gingerbread houses, can be viewed endlessly. They are a favourite with both young and old visitors.
Stroll the front terrace, sit on a mosaic bench, see the Hall of a Hundred Columns and visit the Gaudi House Museum, located in a mansion within the park.
In the centre of Barcelona, near La Rambla, is one of the most popular places in the Catalan capital — the Maritime Museum. And if you have a nasty or cloudy day in mid-November, dedicate it to this excursion — it will more than compensate you for the vagaries of the weather.
Here, you can see the evolution of ships — from fishing boats to liners, created according to the latest technology. A special pride of the museum is the exposition of ancient vessels and a collection of figures used to decorate the bows of ships. You can also see various types of diving equipment and a group of devices for marine navigation and visit the captain's and sailors' cabins.
In Barcelona, any tourist can give his children real magic. To do this, go to the Museum of Illusions. It is the world's oldest shop selling magic items, opened by Catalan illusionist in 1881. Here, you'll find all sorts of hand games and can uncover some of the secrets of magical deceptions. The documentary part of the exhibition contains posters, books, illustrations and photos of famous illusionists.
A theatre is attached to the museum, where the evening shows are held every week: Thursday and Friday at 9.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday — two shows per evening.
Holidays, events and festivals
Despite the not always friendly autumn weather, the capital of Catalonia does not lose heart even in late autumn. Barcelona's festivities in November give it a unique flavour and will not let tourists who come on holiday in late autumn get bored. Just step outside and join the fun-loving Catalans, and you'll be in a good mood.
At the very beginning of the month, on the 1st of November, Catalonia celebrates All Saints' Day, a public holiday, and the next day is called the Day of the Dead. Locals usually gather at the graves of their relatives to honour their memory by bringing food, drinks and flowers. Children go door to door the night before, traditionally begging for sweets.
Everywhere, there are pumpkin heads with candles inside; many bars and restaurants try to decorate the interior as horribly as possible and take care of the frightening appearance of their staff. Only on these days, special biscuits made of marzipan, pine nuts and egg whites — panelletes — are baked, and chestnuts and sweet potatoes are also traditional dishes. There are theatrical performances in the cemeteries and streets of the city, so there will be plenty of entertainment for tourists on these days.
Your trip to Barcelona in November is sure to be jazz-inspired. The city awaits all lovers and professionals of this musical trend at the International Jazz Festival for over a month- from the end of October to the beginning of December.
It is one of the most prestigious events in jazz music. You can now see young and already very famous artists performing here.
In addition to a rich competition programme, workshops and various events are held to popularise this genre. Concert programmes occur not only in the city's street venues but also in halls, theatre stages and restaurants so that you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Catalan capital with timeless jazz during your November trip.
Shopping
Barcelona's sale season starts in December, so you won't be able to get great bargains in November. However, if your trip is planned for the end of the month, you can get to the Night of Sale, which is the opening of the Christmas discount season.
Shops organise whole shows, inviting artists and DJs, lasting from 20.00 to 1.00. Usually, the performances are themed, for example, in the style of the fairy tale "Alice in Wonderland" or retro. Get ready for queues, bargains and great show programmes. Go shopping the day before and decide what you would like to buy because it will be much harder to do it in the crowds on the night of shopping.
Cost of vacation
Due to the weather and the upcoming holidays, late autumn is not popular with tourists, so there is a slight decrease in prices in Barcelona in November.
This tourist lull won't last long — Christmas fairs, sales, and winter holidays will soon increase the city's population. So why not seize the moment and make your trip now?
Airfares
Compared to the previous month, the prices for air tickets drop insignificantly — by 5% - 10%, but next month, they are expected to rise by up to 25%. Therefore, in November, you can travel with inexpensive tickets.
Package Tours
The cost of Barcelona tours for a week will vary slightly between October and December (for example, the price of a package tour in November is 9% more expensive than in October), and hotels will be happy to provide you with any room at a relatively low cost, given the large number of vacancies.
The cost of hotels in November is one of the lowest of the year. Compared to October, prices for hotel rooms dropped by 40-45%. If you plan your trip in advance, accommodation will cost you even cheaper.
Food
Barcelona in November is associated with the widespread smell of roasted chestnuts, which start to be sold here at the end of October. Prices range from €3 to €5 per bag; you can buy them right on the street where they are roasted.
You can try a seasonal green salad with pumpkin and chestnuts for €11 per serving in restaurants.
You can warm up on a chilly day with a cup of local cappuccino for €2. Try Spanish beer — around €3 for 0.5 litres. Traditional food for this time, sweet potato slices, will cost you about €4 per serving.
- Prices in Barcelona for Food in Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets
- Spanish Food: 48 Must-Try Dishes in Spain
Recommendations for travellers with children
Despite free hotel rooms and a few tourists on the streets of Barcelona, we recommend planning a trip with kids for a warmer time of the year or at least for the beginning of November. Currently, temperatures are more likely to cross the +10°C mark. And don't forget to bring warm clothes — the winds here are gusty and chilly.
For children of primary and secondary school age, a trip to the capital of Catalonia will be a wonderful educational and entertaining excursion with walks on a warm day and visits to fascinating museums on a cool day.
Our recommendations will help you choose excursion routes to make your holiday interesting and rich. Let the November sunshine please you, holidays will not let you get bored, and walks will become a remarkable page of family history.
