Western Europe in November: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for November
Average temperature across Western Europe in November.
Country Weather in November
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 11° | 5° | 55 mm | low | Cold |
| Netherlands | 10° | 4° | 98 mm | low | Cold |
| Belgium | 10° | 4° | 78 mm | low | Cold |
| Luxembourg | 8° | 2° | 77 mm | low | Cold |
| Monaco | 15° | 8° | 104 mm | low | Cool |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
The British Isles (United Kingdom & Ireland)
November brings shorter days, persistent rain in the west, and a chill that moves in from the north-expect 4-10°C in much of England and Ireland; higher ground in Scotland may see the first snow. Coastal ferry services can be disrupted by gales and trains may face delays from fallen leaves; this is not a month for exposed boat trips. City breaks are inexpensive, but check opening times for rural attractions and be prepared for grey skies and early nights.
The Low Countries & Northern France (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Northern France)
November can feel damp and raw with frequent grey skies and temperatures around 4-9°C; city streets are quieter and canals look atmospheric under low light. Early winter storms are possible on the North Sea coast, making ferry crossings choppy and exposed beaches rough. It’s a good month for indoor cultural trips, chocolate sampling in Brussels, and lower hotel tariffs outside holiday weekends.
Paris & Central France (Paris, Loire Valley, Burgundy, Champagne)
November brings a shift toward colder, damper weather-daytime temperatures near 6-11°C-with dull skies and occasional mist over river valleys; tourist numbers fall and many rural châteaux operate reduced hours. Indoor cultural life in Paris comes into its own with exhibitions and theatre; evening dining and cosy wine bars are appealing. A warm coat and waterproof footwear are advisable for wet, muddy countryside walks.
The Alps (French, Swiss & Italian Alps)
November is a transitional month of preparation for winter: ski resorts undertake snowmaking and lifts are tested while villages get quieter; higher roads and passes may close with early heavy snow. Temperatures generally hover between -2 and 8°C in valleys, and wet, grey periods alternate with clear, cold snaps. If you’re targeting early-season skiing, check resort opening dates and recent snow reports carefully.
Mediterranean Coast & Islands (French Riviera, Liguria & Catalonia; Corsica & Balearics)
November is mild compared with inland Europe-temperatures usually between 10-16°C-making it comfortable for off-season sightseeing, market visits, and quieter coastal walks, though ferry schedules begin to thin. Some hotels close for seasonal maintenance on smaller islands, so check openings if island-hopping. A warm sweater and rain jacket are handy for cooler evenings and occasional wet spells.
Atlantic France & Northern Iberia (Brittany, Bordeaux, Basque Country, Galicia & Northern Portugal)
November is cool, windy and frequently rainy with temperatures near 8-12°C; exposed headlands are dramatic but inhospitable for long hikes. This month suits food-focused itineraries-mussels, oysters and winter fish feature strongly-but bring waterproofs and plan shorter outdoor excursions. Ferry services and some tourist amenities reduce frequency in smaller seaside towns.
Iberian Interior & Southern Spain & Portugal (Madrid, Andalusia, Extremadura, Algarve)
November cools further with daytime temperatures around 12-18°C in the south and cooler inland; autumnal light makes cultural and rural trips appealing. Northern and western parts of Portugal see more rain, but southern Spain and the Algarve keep many sunshine hours. This is a good time for lower-season hotel deals and fewer tourists at major monuments-bring a warm layer for evenings.