Berlin is as perfect as ever. The squares, the simple architectural forms, and the laconic parks are washed clean by the autumn rains. November's fresh, sometimes frosty chill wraps tourists in warm scarves and hides them in galleries, exhibitions and cosy restaurants. This is precisely how you'll find this extraordinary city if you visit in November.
Holidays in Berlin in November: pros and cons
There's no hiding it: the weather in November isn't exactly balmy. Winds, drizzling rain and temperatures drop now and again towards the end of the month, so reviews of holidays in Berlin in November are weather-related.
But if you choose to travel in November, even the nasty weather should not upset you. You can dress up warmly, and there's always something to see in Berlin, regardless of the time of year.
So, what's appealing about travelling to Berlin in November:
- The last month of autumn brings some sunny days, which can be used for sightseeing, of which Berlin has plenty.
- The German capital's excellent transport system makes it easy to plan your route in bad weather.
- November is a month of music festivals; if you're a music lover, it's an excellent time to get away.
- Christmas markets and pre-holiday sales begin in late November, but the influx of tourists is still limited. So you can get an early taste of the holiday atmosphere by arriving at the end of the month.
There are certainly reasons why you might wonder whether you should plan a trip in late autumn:
- The weather in November is capricious and fickle. Weather forecasters report 14 to 15 rainy days in the month.
- Although temperatures range from zero to ten degrees and rarely drop below zero, the air is cool and windy, and you must dress warmly to avoid the chill.
Another reason to think about travelling with young children: walking with a pram now is uncomfortable.
The weather in Berlin in November
The weather in November and December is increasingly rare with warm days without rain or snow. But that doesn't mean you can't count on comfortable, dry weather. There are still a few days of temperature, so make the most of walks in Berlin's squares and parks.
The weather in early November is already cool, although temperatures are usually around +10°C.
Still, don't forget to bring an extra warm jumper and scarf to be prepared for the vagaries of Berlin's weather in November. Temperatures in Berlin during mid-November gradually drop below freezing, reaching no more than +5°C during the day towards the end of the month.
The weather in Berlin in late November can be freezing at night, with freezing rain and sleet, and winter weather gear like a hat, gloves and a cosy scarf a necessity, especially if you're heading out into the evening.
Air temperature
Berlin's moderately continental climate allows you to enjoy sub-zero temperatures even during winter. While at the beginning of the month, the thermometer is still at +10°C during the day, by the end of the month, the possible night-time temperature is around -3°C.
Air temperature in Berlin in November
Daytime temperatures at the start of November are +10°C and around +4°C to +6°C at the end of the month. Nighttime temperatures will be a little cooler, so nightlife lovers, many of whom are in Berlin, need a warmer jacket. The beginnings of the month may see nighttime temperatures between +6°C and +8°C and, around the end of the month, it's +2°C to -1°C. The average temperature in Berlin in November is around +7°C during the day and around +4°C at night.
Amount of precipitation
The total precipitation in November in the capital is relatively low, around 35 mm. Fogs and drizzles are frequent in the morning. Weather forecasters attribute the increased humidity to many green spaces — up to 40% of the city area. It is these that keep the cold air masses over Berlin at bay. Thus, the number of rainy days in November is erratic, ranging from 7 to 14. Towards the end of the month, wet snow is possible.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
According to long-term observations, November has an average of nine sunny days. Cloudy days are forecast at around eight and cloudy days at about 13, so it's a good idea to carry an umbrella to avoid getting into trouble. It's an excellent opportunity to walk around Berlin's squares, even in this unpleasant month.
Excursions: What to see in November
Don't get hung up on the vagaries of the weather if you decide to visit Berlin in November. There is a lot to see. Clean, washed-out squares take you for a walk on a dry, sunny day, and hundreds of exhibitions and galleries open their doors to shelter you from the weather. Cosy cafés and restaurants cater to hungry tourists.
In Germany's capital city, you have the unique opportunity to see the city's history at a glance in a museum! The "Little Big City Berlin" museum shows a miniature replica of Berlin with models depicting iconic events in the city's history.
Sound and light effects make it original, unusual and appealing to children. And for adults, it's an excellent way to get their bearings in the city.
If you want to see as much of the capital as possible and stay warm in early November, you can take a special City Tour Berlin bus with audio accompaniment from the train station to the city centre.
Note the pictures of the flags on the bus; it means that inside, you can listen to the tour in these languages. There is also a budget alternative — bus number 100: the same route, costs about three euros, though it does not have a audio accompaniment for the tour.
Berlin's calling card and symbol is, of course, the 25-metre-high Brandenburg Gate. To see it and get in touch with German history, stroll around Paris Square.
And don't miss the city's tallest building at 368 metres: the Berlin TV Tower. In about 40 seconds, a high-speed lift takes you up to 200 metres into the sky, giving you a great vantage point for views across the city. It's terrific in the evening light. It's already quite chilly in mid-November, so you can also admire the views through the enormous windows of the revolving coffee shop up there. It takes half an hour to complete one rotation. For extreme lovers, the tower has 986 stairs. Would anyone dare to check them out?
The TV Tower is right on Alexanderplatz, another of Berlin's most visited landmarks. Today it's a composite of modern buildings, an old church, and the town hall. It is also home to the city's transport interchange.
You don't need to search for addresses and build itineraries to visit Berlin's museums. There are five at once on Museum Island. This ensemble took a century to build and now includes the Bode Museum, Pergamon Museum, Old National Gallery, and New Museum. Museum Island is a 15-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate. And if it's a nice day at the end of November, you can stroll there.
Holidays, events and festivals
The chances of attending the festivities in Berlin in November are suitable for tourists. And the events are quite varied and will allow you to experience the local culture and traditions. So what can you prepare for? The main thing is not to get scared; prepare your stomach, be a music lover and live the anticipation of the festivities.
- If you plan a trip at the beginning of the month, you'll be right in time for All Saints' Day, celebrated on 1 November. Residents decorate homes, cafes, bars, and restaurants the night before with more gruesome paraphernalia — pumpkin heads with candles inside, spider webs, and zombie vampire symbols. Servers and bartenders, dressed in matching costumes and terrifying makeup, will offer you dishes decorated in the holiday style. And if a whole crowd of zombies comes straight at you in the street, emitting chilling screams, don't be alarmed; it's the original way Berlin's Halloween parade takes place.
- St Martin's Day is celebrated on 11 November in several European countries. Germany is no exception. In addition to the traditional roast goose, you're sure to get at a restaurant, you'll also get an original spectacle in Berlin. Children at schools and kindergartens make paper lanterns a month before the festival. On the festival day, a procession moves from the cathedral into columns of adults carrying torches and children carrying lanterns towards the agreed location. The goose is then cooked, and the meal proper begins.
- All European jazz fans flock to Berlin in early November to attend the Berlin Jazz Festival, which has been taking place for over 50 years. It is a prestigious music festival that brings together European jazz stars. The programme covers all areas of jazz and is presented at several music venues around the city.
- The start of the Christmas fairs cannot be overlooked. They open in the second half of November. The city is lit with festive lights, the Christmas spirit is in the air, and tourists can enjoy the positive atmosphere in the last month of autumn. Berlin has several traditional markets in the city's squares and palace parks. Here you can buy handmade souvenirs, Christmas decorations and sweet treats. And there are plenty of attractions and activities for children at each fair.
Shopping
Berlin has never been considered a shopping capital, but it has become increasingly popular with shoppers in recent years. The big bargains don't arrive until late December or January, but the sale season has already started, and there's still plenty of room for bargains. Christmas sales begin towards the end of November, with shops displaying the first signs with enticing SALE labels. On weekends, malls will hold special deals on specific product groups. But don't forget that, with a few exceptions; shopping centres are closed on Sundays.
Cost of vacation
November is a pre-holiday month and is not a popular travel destination. That's why prices in Berlin fall in November, albeit only slightly. Tourist activity begins to pick up towards the end of the month.
Airfares
Airfares in November are slightly lower than in December and the previous October — by about 10% to 12%. But if you want to save money, booking your tickets several months in advance is better.
Package Tours
November tours to Berlin are also not very popular. But if you are planning a school holiday in the autumn, or if you will experience the Christmas atmosphere at the opening of the fairs beforehand, you can pay 10% less for a trip compared to October. In December the price will increase considerably.
Food
Nothing warms up a chilly November day like a nice, hot meal. You can always grab a quick bite to eat and a hot cup of coffee while strolling around town. You can buy a bun for one euro, a portion of cheesecake costs 4-5 euros, and a cappuccino costs about 4 euros. Be sure to try the traditional Berlin sausage with curry sauce; currywurst is sold all over Berlin.
Tips for holidays with children
New experiences are always exciting. And if you decide to spend the autumn holidays with your child on a trip to Berlin, think about the places you want to visit with the November weather in mind.
For holidays with little ones, we recommend choosing warmer months or dressing warmly and resting indoors.
Be sure to get a second-floor seat on the 100 bus — your child will appreciate it. Visit the Natural History Museum and Planetarium — you'll need this knowledge at school. Don't forget the entertainment.
The enormous Legoland Discovery Centre will delight your children while the cleverly named Ludoteca, with its hundreds of board games, will be a memorable experience for the whole family. There are always a few sunny days in the rainy ones, and a cup of hot, fragrant coffee will delight you more than ever in the cooler weather. The daylight hours are getting shorter, but evening Berlin is so beautiful, and there's always more time to enjoy the lights in the German capital.
May your family or romantic trip in November bring back only fond memories, and our recommendations make it warm, easy and carefree.
