Weather in Spain in November: Region by Region Guide

How’s the weather in Spain in November and is it still warm enough to justify a visit?

The temperatures in Spain in November do drop off following a warm (albeit soggy) October. It’s still fairly mild, although Madrid and the northern regions feel closer to winter than summer.

The weather in southern Spain in November is much warmer but definitely not hot. Sea temperatures are brisker as beach season officially ends on the mainland and Balearic Islands.

Jump ahead to hear about the beach-friendly weather in the Canary Islands in November if that’s what you’re hankering for!

November is very much shoulder season territory in Spain. While September and the first half of October remain fairly busy in key tourist spots, November feels distinctly quieter and it’s the best time to visit Spain on a budget.

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A Quick Overview of the Weather in Spain in November

November picks up where October left off. The mean temperature in Spain in November falls across the board and there’s a pinch of winter in the air at night.

There’s an uptick in rain in some locations while others see the end of a wet spell the month prior. That’s not to say November is the worst time to visit Spain.

While you’ll need to bulk out your Spain packing list with a couple of winter warmers, the weather is still glorious for adventuring without the summer crowds.

Average Temperature in Spain in November: This fluctuates significantly. Cities in southern Spain average around 15/16°C (59/61°F) during the day and a few degrees cooler at night. Madrid and Northern Spain are colder and feel more like winter than fall.
Precipitation in Spain in November: October and November are the wettest months for many cities in Spain. Northern Spain sees over 100 mm whereas southern areas will be affected by brief bouts of rainfall.
Sea Temperature in Spain in November: The Mediterranean Sea settles around 18°C (64°F) and 19°C (66°F) on average. Swimming is more probable the further south you venture. The Atlantic coast is off-limits as air temperatures plummet. Sailing is still possible in some resorts.

It’s certainly not beach weather in Spain in November, unless you enjoy just walking or taking a cold plunge!

How does the Spanish Weather in November Compare?

Compare the weather in Spain in November with our other month-by-month guides.

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October

Barcelona: Chilly But Cheerful Weather in Spain in November

Temperatures cool off and daily sunshine hours dwindle to around five hours in the Catalan capital. It’s noticeably nippier than previous months and progressively gets colder as December inches closer.

The weather in Barcelona in November can also be damp although it’s usually drier than October.

Average Temperature: The daytime average drops down to around 13°C (56°F) with highs of 18°C (64°F) and evening lows of 8°C (48°F).
Precipitation: 65 mm over five days.
Sea Temperature: Now averaging at 18°C (64°F) with pluckier air temperatures, swimming is only on the table for the hardiest swimmers.
Activities: Embrace Barcelona’s indoor culture: take a Barcelona food tour and mooch around the museums. Gobble up the hot toasted chestnuts (castañas/castanyas) that crop up on street stalls all over the capital.

November is a nice time to visit the more popular cities in Spain and avoid the crowds at the best restaurants which usually have bookings for days out!

Northern Spain: Raining Cats and Dogs

Northern Spain can be wet, cloudy, and cold with reduced sunshine hours. The Atlantic coastline typically receives the wettest weather in Spain in November.

It’s not the best time to visit if you’re affected by inclement weather. However, a lot of travelers find the brooding landscapes of Galicia and the Basque Country quite magical and atmospheric.

Average Temperature: Ranging from lows of 8°C (46°F) to highs of 16°C (61°F) subject to the precise location.
Precipitation: The northern regions receive eight to 17 days of rainfall in November. Bilbao receives 120 mm, Santiago de Compostela receives 159 mm, and San Sebastian gets 165 mm.
Sea Temperature: 16°C (61°F).
Activities: Hole up in a cabin with a sea view and a pot of homemade Galician soup on the boil. Catch the end of the leaf fall in the Picos de Europa National Park at the very start of the month.

Málaga and the Costa del Sol: Flash Floods

November is the wettest month in the Costa del Sol. The rain usually affects seven days and it can come down heavy and even cause flooding.

The wet weather in Málaga in November is accompanied by six hours of sunshine and mild weather. It’s not the best month to visit for an outdoorsy itinerary but there are lots of indoor things to do in Málaga and lovely for road trip adventures along the deserted Costa del Sol.

Average Temperature: The average sits at 16°C (61°F) with highs of 20°C (68°F).
Precipitation: A surprisingly high 95 mm can’t be ruled out.
Sea Temperature: At 18°C (64°F) it’s too cold to swim unless you time it for the hottest part of the day.
Activities: A pampering session in the Hammam Al Ándalus is a sound remedy for Málaga’s November weather. Go golfing in Marbella – it’s much cheaper at this time of year.

The plazas and outdoor dining areas become a little quieter at this time of year, but you will always find people sitting outside with tapas and pintxos (mostly so that they can also smoke).

Valencia: Fickle Temperatures in Spain in November

The November weather in Spain’s Valencia region is cold but sunny with an average of six hours of sunshine per day. This is the end of the rainy season in Valencia with the end of the month yielding drier skies.

It’s fairly unpredictable but you can anticipate a mix of exploring the open-air and indoor attractions in Valencia. This month also sees the start of the orange harvest season.

Madrid: Hello, Winter

The weather in Madrid in November is cold in comparison to Mediterranean resorts. There are a couple of rainy days to contend with and only five hours of sunshine a day. You’ll need to wrap up warm at night.

That said, the city sees a welcome lull marking the transition from late summer to the busy Christmas period.

Average Temperature: The average of 9°C (49°F) can drop to lows of 4°C (39°F) and highs of 15°C (59°F). Marid has the most unpredictable weather in Spain in November.
Precipitation: 50 mm affects nine days on average.
Activities: Go leaf peeping in Retiro Park and Casa de Campo. Attend the Christmas light switch-on on the final Friday of the month. Observe the votive offerings for Madrid’s patron saint as part of the Fiesta de la Almudena. Install yourself in the churrería of Madrid with a plate of piping hot churros and dipping chocolate.

The usually hot region of Andalucia is perfection at this time of year, especially for visiting the historical sites.

Alicante: Awesome November Weather in Spain

As with Valencia, Alicante sees six hours of sunshine in November. When the sun is out, this city can see some of the warmest weather in Spain in November.

After a wet October, November is a drier month with only three days of rain on average. The winds pick up during this month so it can sometimes feel colder.

Average Temperature: An average daytime of 15°C (59°F) can sometimes leap up to 20°C (68°F).
Precipitation: An average of 42 mm falls over three days.
Sea Temperature: Sitting around 19°C (66°F) the water is a little chilly for swimming but not impossible.
Activities: Alicante is the gateway for road cycling, mountain biking, and golfing on the Costa Blanca. This quieter month is ideal for getting outdoors on trails and courses free from congestion. There are cycling routes suitable for all experience levels and families with children. Order a rental from Alicante Bike Hire and use Komoot for route planning.

Almería: Desert Bloom

Almería sees mixed weather in Spain in November. The mean temperatures drop although it can still touch the 20s on a hot day. Rain is possible so you will need to monitor the forecast to plan your itinerary.

The low season is a great time to visit this underrated vacation destination.

Average Temperature: A comfortable 16°C (61°F) with highs of 21°C (70°F).
Precipitation: Pretty much the same as October with 30 mm affecting six days on average.
Sea Temperature: At 18°C (66°F) you could swim on a warmer day.
Activities: If you do encounter rain, plan an outing to the Tabernas Desert to see the rare flower bloom that sometimes occurs after a damp episode. Go stargazing at the Calar Alto Observatory.

If you head up to the Basque Country in November, be sure to pack your rain jacket! We hiked some of the Camino earlier in the year and it was raining, it’s usually always raining.

Seville: Fresh November Weather in Spain

Seville’s sizzling summer is a thing of the past by the time November rolls around! This month is quite cold compared to the mild October weather and precipitation is around about the same.

Visit earlier in the month for some of the best weather in southern Spain in November.

Average Temperature: Around 15°C (59°F) with highs of 20°C (68°F).
Precipitation: Seville gets rainier toward the end of October and November averages out at 67 mm.
Activities: Take a day trip to Doñana National Park and watch the winter migration of birds, ducks, and geese. Cozy up with an invigorating flamenco theater in the evenings – that’ll leave you feeling warm.

Ibiza: Quiet Island Retreat

The November weather in Spain’s party island is a few degrees cooler but drier than October. Ibiza experiences slightly longer daylight hours than the mainland, averaging out at eight hours a day in November.

Ibiza’s clubs have closed for the season and there’s not much happening on the island. It’s a great time to visit if you fancy an off-season hideaway. Explore some of the more popular towns in Ibiza without the usual crowds.

Average Temperature: A fresh 16°C (61°F) that can feel colder due to the winds.
Precipitation: After a drizzly October, the island is drier with an average 39 mm scattered over 10 days.
Sea Temperature: Similar to the mainland coastal areas, the Balearic Sea cools to 19°C (66°F).
Activities: Rent a car and explore Ibiza’s hidden coves and hiking trails. Ibiza Outdoors organizes guided walks and e-bike tours if you’d prefer not to drive.

If you want a bit of warmth, head to the Canary Islands.

Canary Islands: Calm Before the “Calima”

The weather in the Canary Islands in November is mild and pleasant. You can’t call it hot but it’s certainly warm enough to pack your shorts and sunglasses. November is wetter and windier with a mixture of sunny skies and cloudy spells.

One important thing to note about the weather in the Canary Islands in November is the Calima. This is a desert haze that sweeps across from the African continent and can cause sandstorms.

Calima can happen at any time of year but is likelier during winter and can impact air quality and disrupt flights. It tends to impact the easterly islands Lanzarote, La Graciosa, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria more.

Average Temperature: It tends to hover around 20°C (68°F) across the archipelago with highs and lows two or three degrees either side.
Precipitation: 47 mm in Tenerife, 22 mm in Gran Canaria, and 14 mm in Lanzarote. Stay in the south of Gran Canaria and Tenerife for warmer and drier weather.
Sea Temperature: A swimmable 22°C (72°F).
Activities: Anything goes: enjoy a mix of hiking, water sports, and lounging on the volcanic beaches. This is a low season before December gets busy again so you might find a good deal on a resort.

Valencia is one of the warmest places in Spain in winter, so you can expect at least a little bit of sunshine here in November.

What Else Is Happening in Spain in November?

November isn’t quite as jam-packed as October but it’s not the worst time for events and festivals.

Olive harvest: As well as the Valencian orange harvest season, the final month of autumn in Spain marks the start of the olive harvest. It’s a good time to look out for olive mill tours and tastings and stock up on bottles to take home.

International Sherry Week: This boozy festival is a lovely antidote for the cooling Spanish weather in November. Activity is concentrated in Jerez de la Frontera and its surroundings in early/mid November.

All Saints’ Day: Also known as Día de Todos los Santos, this religious holiday is celebrated on 1 November but tends to last a few days as families gather to remember their loved ones. It’s a fairly private affair but smaller towns often host parades and all are welcome.

Fiesta de San Andrés: This quirky, traditional Spanish festival is most associated with Tenerife in the Canary Islands and the wine regions of northern Spain. Fiesta de San Andrés takes place on 29-30 November and marks the end of wine harvest. Fires are lit, dances are danced, wine is drunk. The youngsters of Tenerife will also ride planks of wood down the steep streets.

Weather in Spain in November: Region by Region Guide - The Spain Travel Guru (2024)