If you want to visit Salzburg without breaking the bank, it's hard to imagine a better time than November. The city has taken a break from welcoming tourists and preparing for the New Year holidays. The streets are empty, making for best camera angles. Download some Mozart music onto your phone and, combined with the sadness of the season, get a feel for the soul of this beautiful Austrian city.
Holidays in Salzburg in November: Why go there?
Why do we recommend a trip to Salzburg this month? There are several reasons:
- Experience the local holiday atmosphere without the influx of curious commuters.
- Experience the romantic side of the city as it prepares for the cold season.
- Take great pictures of the old architecture in the deserted streets.
- Indulge in the melancholy atmosphere of a cosy café while tasting Salzburg Nockerln.
- Save a little money on your trip (flights and accommodation are both cheaper).
- Just relax and enjoy some classical music.
Despite the autumn chill, visiting Salzburg in November will make you feel incredibly peaceful. However, you should be prepared for the following in order to avoid unpleasant moments and the desire to write negative reviews about a holiday in Salzburg in November:
- Autumn is an unpredictable season, so it's worth packing a small umbrella in case you get caught in the rain.
- For the same reason, it's a good idea to pack a spare pair of shoes or rubber boots for you and your child.
- Dress warmly and simply, as walking on the pavement in fancy boots can be tiring.
- Plan your route well in advance, as the weather can change at any time.
- Take some cash with you in case you want to splurge on a long-lasting sale or buy something from the new collection at Europark Shopping Centre.
Weather in Salzburg in November
The weather in November and December forces residents and visitors to the city to dress warmer. Temperatures drop below zero at night, but the daytime temperatures are still above zero in early November. The temperature in Salzburg in mid-November is only slightly lower than at the beginning of the month. This is the season for mulled wine and coffee cocktails to keep you warm on your walks. At the end of November, the weather in Salzburg gets noticeably colder. It's not winter yet, but it's not autumn either. Rain, fog and the first snow are often the main ingredients in this month of autumn.
Air temperature
Although the European climate is not as harsh as ours, you should still be prepared for the vagaries of nature and take some warm clothing with you. The temperature in Salzburg in November doesn't scare away tourists with too much frost. That's because hard frosts simply don't happen here. Only light frosts silvery old roofs and bare trees.
Air temperature in Salzburg in November
From the beginning to the end of November, the temperature drops steadily by 5-7 degrees. While the daytime temperature reaches +10°C in the early days, it drops to +7°C in mid-November and to +4°C at the end of November, when the night frost is already noticeable, to a maximum of -4°C, but more often to -1°C. The nightly chill dries the pavements, and in the morning the city is back to its former glory.
Amount of precipitation
The average rainfall in Salzburg during November is 60 mm. This month is one of the driest, with only 7 out of 30 days usually seeing rain. Don't worry about the possibility of snow, as the extreme temperatures can mean light drizzle. At the same time, there is no annoying dampness creeping up under your clothes.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
As the weather in November often laments the warm days that have passed, rain clouds cover the sky for days on end. The ratio of sunny days to cloudy days is fairly constant from year to year, at 75% and 25% respectively. Rarely does the sun peek out from behind the clouds to please those around it. But this natural factor gives the city's majestic architecture its special mystical atmosphere.
Where to go in Salzburg in November
So, dressed warmly and comfortably, with headphones in, a Mozart symphony, an umbrella and cash in hand, you stroll through the streets of the old town on the left bank of Salzburg. After soaking up the historic atmosphere, broaden your horizons at the following places:
- Fortress Hohensalzburg, the jewel of the city, which is visited by tourists from all over the world, even in mid-November. It is the largest and best-preserved fortress in Central Europe and the pride of Austria.
- Mozart's House is the birthplace and home of the famous composer. You can learn more about his life, see the rooms where he played his famous works, see his portraits from different years of his life and discover many other interesting things. At the end of November, these walls are full of mourning, because that is when the illness that robbed the world of this great man began.
- Mirabel Palace and Park is the most romantic place in Salzburg. This Austrian Versailles was built with great love and is now a popular wedding destination for Austrians. You can admire the beauty of the park, see brides in snow-white gowns and listen to knowledgeable guides tell the love story of Prince Wolf Dietrich and the beautiful Salome.
- Finally, if you have the energy, you can finish your walk with a visit to Salzburg's cathedral district, where you can finish your admiration of the city with a photo opportunity in front of the cathedral.
If you're travelling with children, make sure you include a visit to the Zoo, which is open all year round and features exotic animals. If the weather doesn't allow you to spend much time outdoors, visit the Toy Museum, where the joy of your little companions will make you feel like a child again. The House of Nature is also a great place for the whole family. It's a wonderful interactive museum that will help answer many of the questions that little 'geeks' have.
Shopping
After spiritual food, head into the historic city centre to Getreidegasse and Judengasse. These are the streets of Salzburg where the discerning shopper has his or her pick of the bargains.
Sales at the end of autumn and spring aren't as hefty as after winter and summer, when discounts can reach 70-80%, but if you're a keen shopper, you can still pick up a few bargains. Don't forget to visit the Swarovski Museum, for which Austria is famous. For leftovers from the autumn collections, head to Europark Shopping Centre. It's only logical to end your shopping trip with some souvenirs.
Holidays, events and festivals
Holidays in Salzburg in November have a homely feel. They are as warm, family-friendly and cosy as a roaring fire. The month begins with All Saints Day. The light of memorial candles can be seen in the windows, wreaths are floated down the Salzach and an extra appliance is placed on the table.
In mid-November, Salzburg celebrates St Martin's Day, when each family serves a special recipe of roast goose for dinner. Most restaurants follow the tradition and offer a special menu for the evening, including this dish and a young wine. Many Salzburgers head to one of these restaurants to celebrate. It's a great way to immerse yourself in Austrian life and get to know the locals in the intimate atmosphere of the feast. Drinking young wine makes them much more talkative and friendly.
At the end of the month you can catch the start of the Salzburg Christmas Carols, which also take place in early December. It's a huge event that attracts many Austrians from other cities.
And if you want to immerse yourself in the world of classical music, you can attend one of the symphony evenings dedicated to Mozart. They go on non-stop here, passing the baton from one concert hall to the next.
Cost of vacation
Prices in Salzburg are lower in November than in October and December. It's a midseason, when it's possible to save money on a trip here. What's more, you don't have to spend too much if you buy the Salzburg Card. The card allows you to visit all of Salzburg's attractions and museums for free, as well as not having to pay for any form of public transport. It can be bought at all the city's tourist offices and most hotels.
It costs between €27 and €45 for an adult, depending on the time of year and duration, and between €13.5 and €22.5 for children aged 6 to 15, with the same criteria as for adults. Either way, it will cut your expenses several times over and free up your budget for more interesting expenses.
In terms of airfares, the average price of a ticket remains the same as in October, but prices will increase by 27% in December.
Tips for parents planning a trip to Salzburg in November
If you are travelling with children, keep an eye on the weather. Pre-school children should stay at home with their grandmother, as long walks in the city in November can lead to colds.
Older children can go with their parents, as long as they warm up in the cosy local cafés between walks. Even adults can get cold feet in damp conditions. If you're planning a trip later in the month, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast beforehand and plan alternate outdoor activities so the kids can comfortably combine fresh air with indoor fun. The main thing is not to overdo it, so that no one gets cold and everyone has a great time.
Whatever time of year you decide to visit Salzburg, it's an unforgettable trip. The city is beautiful in any season. The buildings are steeped in history, the medieval atmosphere is in the air and the narrow streets are perfect for a stroll. It's also like a music box — open the lid and you'll hear a melody. Whether it's birdsong in the park, whispers in the wind on the castle walls or the sound of heels scraping the pavement. Visit Salzburg and experience the magical world of music. Or perhaps you can create your own symphony of love, romance and the beauty of the local streets.
