In November of 2023, Dave and I spent a week on our own exploring Barcelona and Mallorca. We spent week’s researching and trying to decide whether Barcelona in November was worth a visit.
We had a fantastic time in Barcelona in November. There were almost no crowds, we hit a warm week and spent every meal sitting outside, and never got hot walking around the city.
In this article you can see exactly what you can expect when you visit Barcelona in November as well as some of the best things to do in the off season in Barcelona.
You might also like: How to Spend A Day in Barcelona.
Should you Go to Barcelona in November?
Barcelona is a great place o visit in November.
Unless you are looking for sun bathing weather – November is a great month to visit the city. You can expect cooler temperatures compared to the summer, but the lack of crowds and th relaxed feeling to the city easily make up for the lack of hot weather!
Dave has spent many weeks in Barcelona as he often travels for work and he heartily agrees that November is a great month in the cityy.
What’s the Weather in Barcelona in November
In November, Barcelona experiences mild and pleasant weather characterized by cooler temperatures compared to the summer months. We happened to hit a warm week with temperature in the 70’s Fahrenheit although low 60s is more common this time of year.
Temperature in Barcelona in November
Average daytime temperatures hover around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius (61 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit), while evenings tend to be cooler. This is warm enough to sit outside during the day, although make sure to pack a layer for the evening.
Precipiation in Barcelona in November
Rainfall is moderate during this time, and occasional showers are not uncommon. It is not as rainy as the true winter months, but you can expect some rain.
Things to do in Barcelona in November
Sagrada Familia
A masterpiece by architect Antoni Gaudí, this iconic basilica is a must-visit. and if you only do one thing in Barcelona – take a tour of the Sagrada Familia.
To visit the Sagrada Familia, you should pre-purchase tickets as there can be a line. Tickets are sold for a specific time and you can reserve them on theofficial website. The Sagrada takes about 1-2 hours to enjoy.
Park Güell
Yet another masterpiece by Gaudí, this park provides breathtaking views of the city along with distinctive architectural designs. Situated a bit farther from other city attractions, prioritizing a visit to the park in the morning or evening is recommended. Entry to the park requires tickets.
La Rambla
A vibrant thoroughfare teeming with shops, restaurants, and street performers, La Rambla is effortlessly accessible as it winds its way through the city. Additionally, several other attractions are conveniently located directly on or in close proximity to La Rambla.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Explore narrow medieval streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. This is another must-visit part of Barcelona in my opinion. I loved this part of the town and we visited this area everyday on our visit to Barcelona. Some of our favorite restaurants are in the Gothic Quarter and after taking a tour of the Sagrada Familia, this is our other top activity.
Casa BatllóandCasa Milà
Casa Batllo is a modernist building designed by Gaudí, known for its imaginative and distinctive architecture. Casa Mila has a stone facade the makes this building a marvel of modernist architecture. These houses need to be visited separately but they are relatively close to each other and you will need to purchase tickets.
If you only have time for one house, I enjoyed Casa Batllo a bit more.
Both tickets include a self-guided audiotour.
Barcelona Cathedral
A stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. This is a large building nestled right in the center of the maze of streets in the Gothic Center. You can simply take in the building from the outside or pay a small fee to enter.
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The fountain was not operating when I visited but it is a popular stop for many people on their Barcelona itinerary, but is a popular stop for most people – it’s worth checking whether the fountain is operating when you visit.
Camp Nou
For football enthusiasts, a visit to FC Barcelona’s stadium is a awesome.
Camp Nou is the legendary home stadium of FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most successful football clubs. With a seating capacity exceeding 99,000, it stands as Europe’s largest stadium. You can see more and find out if the team is in town during your visit on theFC Barcelona website.
Picasso Museum
Housing one of the most extensive collections of artworks by Pablo Picasso. This museum is in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and is a beautiful building. If you are a fan of Picasso – make sure this is on your list.
Barceloneta Beach
Relax by the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere. The waterfront of Barcelona is a combination of beaches and marinas. Whether you want to spend time relaxing in the sand or just want a stroll, the beaches are a great place to wander. We enjoying taking a morning walk each day along the water, but since we visted in November, we didn’t do any swimming!
Montserrat
Take a day trip to the Montserrat mountain range for breathtaking views and the famous Montserrat Abbey. This won’t fit on your one day itinerary, but it makes a great day trip if you have a few days in Barcelona. Montserrat is about a 1.5 hour trip outside the city and you can spend the day exploring the Monestary or hiking in the hills.
The weather in Montserrat in November can be a bit on the cool side, so bring layers but still pack sunscreen.
Mercat de la Boqueria
A bustling market where you can explore a variety of fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies. This is in a great location and you can enjoy some food and local goods. We stopped here for some snacks on our way to dinner and had some oysters and purchased some cheese for our next day. There are a few places to eat, but it is mostly a market to grab some food to take away.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is concert hall in Barcelona, renowned for its elaborate modernist architecture envisioned by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this venue showcases a diverse array of musical performances, providing visitors with a captivating fusion of artistic elegance and cultural significance.
Tibidabo Amusem*nt Park
Positioned just a bit beyond the central hub of the city, reaching it is most convenient via public transportation or a leisurely extended stroll. If you intend to include a visit to the park in your one-day Barcelona itinerary, anticipate it occupying a substantial portion of your day.
National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)
Explore a vast collection of Catalan visual art from the Romanesque period to the present day. This is a gorgeous building that showcases this part of the country.
Special Events in Barcelona in November
Barcelona International Jazz Festival: November often sees the city hosting the Barcelona International Jazz Festival. This event attracts jazz enthusiasts from around the world and features performances by renowned international and local artists. Various venues across the city host concerts, creating a lively atmosphere.
Mercat de Mercats: This annual food festival usually takes place in November, celebrating the diverse and rich culinary scene of Barcelona. Mercat de Mercats brings together local markets, chefs, and food producers, offering visitors a chance to savor a wide array of Catalan and Mediterranean gastronomy.
Catalonia’s National Day (La Diada): While Catalonia’s National Day is officially on September 11th, the spirit of celebration often extends into November with various cultural events, parades, and demonstrations. This period reflects Catalonia’s cultural identity and history, providing a unique experience for visitors.
What to Pack for Barcelona in November
Since the weather cools off in the evenings, you will want to make sure to pack layers for your visit to Barcelona as well as a rain coat for rainy days. In addition to your normal packing list, we recommend bringing:
- Light jackets or sweaters for cooler evenings.
- Long-sleeved shirts and blouses.
- T-shirts for daytime.
- Comfortable pants
- Scarf and gloves for added warmth.
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city.
- Waterproof or water-resistant jacket.
- Sunglasses or a hat for sunny days.
