Spain in November: Weather, Festivals, Packing Tips & Best Places

Thinking of visiting Spain in November? It’s one of the most underrated times to explore the country. With fewer tourists, cooler but still pleasant weather, and plenty of cultural events, November offers a different side to Spain that many travellers overlook.

Compared with the summer months, travelling in November means skipping long queues at attractions, paying less for flights and hotels, and enjoying a more local feel in Spain’s cities. The weather may be cooler, but it’s still comfortable enough for sightseeing, dining outdoors, and even sunny days on the coast or in the Canary Islands.

When I visited Barcelona in November 2022, I quickly realised how rewarding this time of year can be. The city felt calmer, the weather was mild, and I stumbled across experiences that wouldn’t have been the same in peak season. I’ll share more about that later, but Spain in November genuinely surprised me in the best way.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about travelling to Spain in November: from the weather and the best places to visit, to festivals, packing tips, and insider advice that will help you make the most of your trip.

What Is the Weather Like in Spain in November?

One of the first questions travellers ask is what the weather in Spain in November is really like. The answer depends a lot on where you go. Spain is a large country with big regional differences, so your experience in Andalusia will feel very different to Galicia or the Canary Islands.

In southern Spain, temperatures are often still pleasantly warm during the day, averaging between 15–20°C. Cities like Seville, Cartagena and Granada are perfect for sightseeing without the intense heat of summer. You’ll want a light jacket in the evenings, but you can still enjoy sunny afternoons at an outdoor café.

In central Spain, places such as Madrid and Toledo are noticeably cooler, with average highs around 12–15°C. Nights can be crisp, so packing layers is important. Autumn showers are possible, but they usually don’t last long.

In northern Spain, expect a chillier and wetter climate. Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country often see more rain, and daytime temperatures average around 10–14°C. The trade-off is that this is one of the best times for seasonal food, especially hearty stews and wine festivals.

If you’re craving warmth, head to the Canary Islands, where temperatures average 20–24°C even in November. This is the only part of Spain where you can still realistically plan for beach weather at this time of year. Gran Canaria in particular is a fantastic option, and I’ve put together a month-by-month guide to help you decide the best time to visit.

From my own experience in Barcelona in November, the weather was comfortable for sightseeing and dining outdoors, though evenings were cooler than expected. I hadn’t packed enough warm clothes and ended up buying a jumper. It was a good reminder that layers are essential if you’re travelling in November.

In short: Spain in November brings mild days, cooler evenings, and fewer crowds. Pack layers, expect some regional variation, and you’ll be perfectly prepared.

Best Places to Visit in Spain in November

Spain in November is all about choosing the right region for the kind of trip you want. Whether you’re looking for autumn sunshine, cultural sightseeing, or seasonal food and wine, there’s a destination that shines this month.

Southern Spain and Andalusia

Andalusia is one of the best regions to visit in November. Cities like Seville, Cartagena, and Granada are comfortably warm during the day, perfect for sightseeing without the sweltering heat of summer. You can wander through the narrow streets of Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter or explore Granada’s Alhambra with far fewer crowds than in high season.

Evenings are cooler, so pack a light jacket, but overall the weather is ideal for soaking up the rich history and lively tapas scene of southern Spain. If Seville is on your list, this guide on the best time to visit Seville that will help you plan your trip in more detail.

Barcelona and Catalonia

Barcelona in November offers a very different experience compared with the busy summer months. When I visited in 2022, the city felt calmer and easier to enjoy at my own pace. Visiting the Sagrada Familia was a highlight. There were still plenty of tourists, but the atmosphere was much more relaxed. I remember sitting on a stone bench, taking in the stained glass as the autumn light streamed through.

Me and a friend also attende an outdoor music event in a converted bullring, with live bands in the afternoon followed by a DJ playing classics from the 70s to 90s in the evening. It was the kind of cultural surprise that November travel often brings, aimed more at locals than tourists. Add in the fact that you can still eat outdoors at many cafés, and Barcelona in November feels like an insider’s version of the city.

Beyond Barcelona, Catalonia as a region has plenty to offer in November. The Pyrenees are perfect for crisp hikes and autumn colours, while the Costa Brava coastline is much quieter once the summer crowds have gone. For day trips, a visit to Girona lets you explore one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval towns, while Tarragona offers some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the country along the coast. Together, they show just how diverse Catalonia can be in the autumn months.

Canary Islands

For travellers chasing the sun, the Canary Islands are unbeatable in November. With daytime temperatures around 20–24°C, you can still enjoy the beach, go hiking in volcanic landscapes, or take boat trips without worrying about chilly winds. Gran Canaria is a particularly versatile choice, offering everything from golden beaches to rugged mountain villages.

Northern Spain

Northern Spain is cooler and wetter in November, but that does not make it a bad time to visit. The Basque Country, Asturias, and Galicia may not offer beach days, but they come alive with seasonal food. Think hearty stews, roasted chestnuts, and wine festivals that mark the end of the harvest season. This is also a great time to experience the region with fewer tourists, giving you a more authentic feel of Spanish life.

Festivals and Events in Spain in November

Travelling to Spain in November is not just about milder weather and quieter streets. It is also a month full of cultural events that give you a glimpse of Spanish traditions and modern creativity.

All Saints’ Day (1 November)

November begins with All Saints’ Day, a national holiday across Spain. Families visit cemeteries to honour loved ones, and bakeries fill with special treats like panellets in Catalonia, huesos de santo in Madrid, and buñuelos in Andalusia. It is a quieter celebration, but if you are in Spain at this time, sampling these seasonal sweets is a must.

Film and Jazz Festivals

Several cities host cultural festivals in November. Seville’s European Film Festival brings international cinema to southern Spain, while Madrid’s International Jazz Festival fills the capital with world-class performances in theatres and smaller venues alike. These events are a great way to see Spain’s cultural side beyond its famous monuments.

Wine and Food Celebrations

November is also harvest time, which means plenty of food and wine festivals across the country. In regions like La Rioja and Catalonia, you can taste the first wines of the season and enjoy hearty dishes that celebrate autumn produce. The cooler weather makes it the perfect season for traditional stews, roasted chestnuts, and warming red wines.

Local Surprises

One of the joys of travelling in November is discovering smaller, local events that rarely make it into guidebooks. From village food fairs and autumn markets to impromptu music performances in public squares, you are more likely to encounter traditions aimed at locals rather than tourists. These unplanned moments often end up being the highlights of a November trip to Spain.

What to Pack for Spain in November

Packing for Spain in November can be a little tricky because the weather varies depending on where you go. You might enjoy sunny afternoons in Andalusia or the Canary Islands, but you will also need to be prepared for cooler evenings and the occasional rainy day, especially in northern Spain. The key is to bring layers that you can easily add or remove.

Essential Clothing

• Light layers such as t-shirts, blouses, and long-sleeved tops for daytime sightseeing.
• A jumper or cardigan for cooler afternoons and evenings.
• A light jacket or coat that works for both city walks and countryside trips.
• Comfortable walking shoes, which are ideal for exploring historic centres, cobblestone streets, or hiking trails.

Extras to Consider

• A compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat if you are travelling to northern Spain, where showers are more common.
• A scarf or pashmina to keep warm in the evenings and when visiting churches or cathedrals.
• Sunglasses, because the sun can still be surprisingly strong in southern Spain and the Canary Islands.

My Experience

When I visited Barcelona in November, I underestimated how quickly the temperature could drop after the sun went down. I ended up buying a jumper to keep warm in the evenings. During the day, though, it was still warm enough to eat outside, which made me glad I had packed lighter clothes as well.

The golden rule for Spain in November is simple: pack for variety. A flexible wardrobe with both light and warm layers will ensure you are comfortable no matter which region you visit.

Advantages of Visiting Spain in November

Visiting Spain in November comes with plenty of advantages that make it one of the best months for a trip. While you will not get peak summer heat, you gain a quieter, more authentic experience that many travellers actually prefer.

Fewer Crowds

Popular attractions such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (3 of Spain’s 12 treasures) are noticeably less crowded. You can explore at your own pace without the long queues and packed tour groups that come with summer. When I visited Barcelona, the calmer atmosphere inside the Sagrada Familia made the experience feel far more personal.

Better Prices

Flights and accommodation are often cheaper in November. My upcoming trip to Valencia is a good example. Three nights for two people, including flights and accommodation, cost just £250. Deals like this are much easier to find outside peak season, making November a smart choice if you are travelling on a budget.

Comfortable Weather

November weather is cooler but still pleasant for sightseeing, especially in Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands. You can enjoy walking tours, outdoor cafés, and even beach days in the islands without worrying about extreme heat.

Authentic Experiences

With fewer tourists around, you are more likely to encounter events, markets, and traditions aimed at locals. From seasonal food festivals in northern Spain to small-town autumn fairs, November often brings those unplanned cultural moments that make travel memorable.

Sample Itinerary Ideas

If you are planning a trip to Spain in November, the type of itinerary that works best will depend on how much time you have and the kind of experiences you want. Here are a few broad ideas to get you thinking:

• City Break (3–5 days): Spend a long weekend in Barcelona or Madrid, mixing cultural highlights with relaxed café time. Barcelona pairs beautifully with a day trip to Girona or Tarragona, while Madrid can be combined with Toledo.
  
• One Week in Andalusia: Base yourself in Seville and add visits to Córdoba and Granada. The cooler weather makes November ideal for exploring historic sites like the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada without the summer crowds.
  
• Sunshine Escape in the Canary Islands: If warm weather is a priority, head to Gran Canaria or Tenerife. November days are still sunny enough for the beach, but you can also hike volcanic landscapes and enjoy small-town fiestas.

These are just a few ideas to spark inspiration. If you would like a personalised itinerary tailored to your interests, I will soon be launching a travel planning service that can help you design the perfect trip to Spain.

Final Thoughts: Spain in November

Visiting Spain in November is all about balance. You may not get the scorching summer sun, but what you gain is just as valuable: quieter streets, more affordable travel, and the chance to see a more authentic side of Spanish life. From exploring historic cities in Andalusia to enjoying the last of the autumn colours in northern Spain, November has a way of making the familiar feel fresh again.

For me, Barcelona in November was a reminder of why off-season travel can be so rewarding. The calmer atmosphere, the autumn light streaming through stained glass, and the unexpected joy of local events made it a trip to remember.

Whether you are drawn by culture, food, festivals, or simply the chance to enjoy Spain at a slower pace, November is a month that delivers. With the right layers in your suitcase and an open mind, you will find that Spain in November can be one of the most memorable travel experiences of the year.