Although a generally cold month in the Northern Hemisphere, November is an excellent time to visit Barcelona. The city has fewer tourists, and the weather is still warm and sunny. Spain’s weather in November is generally favorable, given the Mediterranean climate.
There is plenty of things to do in Barcelona in November, making this one of the best times to book your tickets. You’ll also find all sorts of activities and festivals during this time.
In this guide, we will give you the low down on Barcelona weather in November, how to prepare for your trip, and the many fun things to do.
Barcelona Weather in November
November in Spain is during fall, just before winter sets in, and is still warm and sunny. The average temperature in Barcelona in November during the day is around 18°C (60°F) and drops to about 8°C (47°F) at night. Although this is a little cold for a beach holiday, you can still explore the vibrant city and all it offers.
Generally, the weather in Barcelona in November is quite enjoyable and still allows you to explore the city. Something to bear in mind is that the days are shorter meaning there are fewer daylight hours. So, you will most likely have to wake up earlier if you want to experience some of the daytime attractions.
What You Should Pack
Rainfall begins to get high during November with an average monthly precipitation of 70mm. While rainy, the cloud cover is low, so you are guaranteed to have clear skies most days. Fog and snow aren’t expected, so there’s no need to worry about the weather taking a turn for the worse.
With this in mind, it is best to carry warmer clothes like a slightly heavy sweater and some rain protection.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Barcelona?
November is a low season for Barcelona, meaning that not many tourists come to the city. This means that hotel and apartment prices are more affordable. Backpackers usually choose to save a little on hostel beds, and these hostels aren’t very crowded. Visiting during this month is easier on your pockets.
There is a mix of traditional celebrations and more contemporary festivals in terms of things to do. Although there aren’t many street parties, the city’s nightlife is still alive, and you can plan pub crawls.
What to do in Barcelona in November?
Here’s a list of things to do in Barcelona in November.
Enjoy a Tapas Tour
A tapas tour is a great activity if you want to experience Spanish culture and get a taste of the country’s most famous traditions. There are different tapas tours, including some that provide a live flamenco show. Enjoy the passionate performance before being served some of Spain’s greatest dishes. Some tours also offer wine tastings if flamenco isn’t your style.
These tours usually take about 3 hours during the evening, and there are options to book a tour for a private group.
Tip: Tapas tours are a lot of fun if you travel with your partner or a group of close friends.
Tour the Palau de la Musica
Barcelona’s aesthetic comes from the art movement called Modernisme, of which Gaudi was a proponent. His contemporaries, Domenech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch are also held in the same esteem as Gaudi for the architectural legacy they left.
When you visit the Palau de la Musica, you will witness some of Barcelona’s most beautiful facades, as well as Montaner’s architectural feats. This concert theater is located in the center of Barcelona and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The theater hosts concerts year-round, with some shows that are not to be missed.
You can also take a guided tour of the Palau de la Musica. During this tour, you can see the concert halls, the inverted golden dome skylight, and learn a little more about the history of the theater.
Visit La Sagrada Familia
One of Gaudi’s most breathtaking architectural feats, La Sagrada Familia, is a very popular attraction. This unfinished church is an iconic symbol for Barcelona, and its construction continues to this day.
If you choose to take a private tour of the church, you will learn about the Sagrada Familia’s history and its secrets. November is a perfect time to visit La Sagrada Familia as it is less busy and allows you more time to revel in its beauty.
Commemorate All Saints’ Day and La Castanyada
All Saints’ Day is a national public holiday to honor and remember the dead. It usually takes place on the 1st of November, and many traditions go with it. Vendors line the streets to sell floral arrangements to people who want to leave something at their departed’s graveside.
The day is not a solemn one and is a celebration of their deceased loved ones. Traditionally, people also eat small almond cakes called panellets sold in bakeries around the city.
Another tradition of All Saints’ Day is to eat roasted chestnuts served in newspapers. Hawkers start selling them around the holiday and continue to do so throughout the winter.
Stroll Through Park Güell
Another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces, this 18-acre park is a visual delight, especially during the cool month of November. The park is an excellent idea if you are looking for things to do with children. With its colorful mosaics and colonnaded paths, this park will be an adventure for anyone, no matter their age.
The park features Gaudi’s best works, including the Dragon Stairs, the Guardian House, and the Hypostyle Hall. Stop by Barcelona’s best bakery, Forn Baluard, grab some picnic supplies and enjoy a cool day in the park.
Take a Cooking Class
One of the many reasons people visit Spain is that the food is fantastic. Barcelona is known for its flavorful foods like paella, bombas, and patatas bravas. You’ve probably read our list of what to eat in Spain. But why not go further? Why not learn how to cook authentic Spanish dishes?
Taking a cooking class in Barcelona allows you to take a little taste of Spain home with you. During your Barcelona cooking class, you will be taught the basics by professional chefs. The lessons also provide you with the history of Spanish cuisine and give you valuable tips for making authentic tasting dishes.
For all you foodies out there, a cooking class is something you should add to your list.
Go Museum Hopping
Museum hopping is a great idea if you want to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s rich culture and history. Barcelona is home to many great museums, such as the Picasso Museum, FC Barcelona Museum, and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. History, art, and entertainment define these establishments and give you a peek into Barcelona’s culture and heritage.
You can even purchase a Barcelona Museum Pass that allows you to skip the line for six of Barcelona’s best museums. These passes are valid for 12 months and are cheaper than buying individual tickets upon arrival.
Watch a Film at L’Alternativa
If you fancy yourself more of a cinephile than a music enthusiast, why not catch a Barcelona Independent Film Festival film? The festival offers a selection of independent films from across the world.
The festival’s focus is to promote and support alternative film production and is something you should check out if you are a fan of filmmaking. The festival screens over 170 movies every year and is held over two weeks from mid-November to early December.
Attend Barcelona Jazz Festival
Hosted in various concert halls around the city, Barcelona Jazz Festival runs from late October until late November. The event attracts many prominent jazz musicians from Spain and worldwide. Any music lover would not want to miss out on this stellar event.
The festival hosts different kinds of jazz musicians, both masters of the art and up-and-coming artists. We’re sure there’ll be a concert for you.
Take a Cable Car Ride
One of the best ways to see the city is from above, and the Montjuïc Cable Car offers just that experience. It is also a great way to experience the city away from the bustling streets. The cable car runs from the lower terminus next to the Montjuïc Park upper station and climbs up to the Montjuïc hill to a terminal near the castle.
The ride lasts approximately 10 minutes and reaches an altitude of 57 m. You can see the entire city and its seaport from the cable car. There is also a terrace bar overlooking the city to enjoy a snack and drinks.
Take Part in Correfoc Festival
For the more adventurous people, Correfoc is a fire-running festival celebrated throughout Spain. People dress up as devils, and light fireworks fixed on devil’s pitchforks. The festival evolved from medieval practice, representing the struggle between good and evil.
This festival is on the 24th of September, but many related events and attractions are happening at the beginning of November. You can expect live folk music, fireworks, and a celebratory atmosphere amongst the city’s people.
Visit the Dali Museum and explore Girona
If you’re willing to explore other parts of Catalonia not too far off from Barcelona, take a day-trip to Girona. Girona is a large medieval town that has a great cathedral and was featured in Game of Thrones for several King’s Landing scenes. It’s a great place to explore, especially if you are a fan of the show.
The Dale Theatre and Museum is also located in Girona, Dali’s hometown, and is one of the most entertaining art museums. The museum showcases Dali’s unique style and proves why he is the father of surrealism. Dali is buried in a crypt below the stage of the theatre.
Try Out An Escape Room
The worldwide craze has also reached Barcelona, and it is just as fun and exciting. Escape rooms allow participants the chance to pit themselves against the clock as they try to solve a series of puzzles to find the key or code to exit the room.
The escape room usually has a time limit of thirty minutes to an hour. You need to solve all the clues before time is up so you can exit the room.
Each escape room has its own theme, such as having to rescue Gaudi’s blueprints for La Sagrada Familia. An escape room is perfect for one of those rainy days in Barcelona and is a great opportunity to sharpen your wits while still having fun.
Barcelona Pensa Festival
If you consider yourself somewhat of a philosopher, then Barcelona’s philosophy festival is one to attend. It is held in mid-November every year and promoted by the Department of Philosophy at the Univerity of Barcelona.
The festival is a bid to get the city more involved in philosophical thinking. The festival takes place in various locations around the city and has talks, presentations, workshops, and debates. You may need to brush up a little on your Catalan, though.
Watch an FC Barcelona Match at Camp Nou
Camp Nou is a legendary stadium and home to FC Barcelona. The stadium also holds the FC Barcelona museum, so even if you can’t get tickets to watch a game, you can still visit the museum.
Standard tickets for the museum and stadium tour are €24 ($26), and the tour takes you through the history of the football club. Book your tickets for a Camp Nou tour today.
Final Thoughts on Barcelona in November
Barcelona is a stunning city with many fun activities, no matter your age. The city is a fascinating exploration of Catalan culture and traditions. The food is delicious, the architecture is breathtaking, and the friendly people. What’s not to love?
Barcelona’s November weather is also still quite warm, and you don’t require much to keep warm if you choose to do some outdoor activities. The Catalan city comes alive this month as it hosts many festivals and cultural events.
If you are looking for places to stay in Barcelona, why not check out our list of where to stay in Barcelona?
