What to do in Barcelona in November 2024

Published

*This site contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission when you buy. See my full disclosure.

It’s finally autumn in November in Barcelona! Leaves are finally falling around this time and people are starting to put on an extra layer of clothes. Crowds will be smaller, so you can get around a lot more easily. I’m an American who’s been living in Barcelona since 2008, so you can say that I have a lot of experience living in this gorgeous city. Read my guide on what to do in Barcelona in November!

Why you should visit Barcelona in November

Barcelona is a beautiful city! In November, the leaves will finally start to fall as it cools down a bit. (October is still warm. For example, it’s October 11, 2024, and I wore shorts today!) While November may not be the peak tourist season, there are still many reasons to visit Barcelona during this time:

  1. Weather: November is typically a mild month in Barcelona with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius. It’s perfect weather for exploring the city without being too hot or too cold.
  2. Smaller crowds: November is considered low season in Barcelona, which means you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with at popular tourist attractions like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
  3. Festivals and events: There are several festivals and events that take place in Barcelona in November, such as the Barcelona Jazz Festival, the International Short Film Festival.
  4. Food and drink: November is a great time to explore Barcelona’s culinary scene, with plenty of delicious food and drink options available. The city is famous for its tapas, seafood, and Catalan cuisine, so eat your heart out while you’re here.
  5. Art and culture: Barcelona is home to many museums and art galleries, including the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
  6. Shopping: Barcelona is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end designer stores to local boutiques and markets. November is an excellent time to do some holiday shopping and take advantage of the city’s many sales and discounts. Read my Barcelona shopping guide!

Read my best travel tips when you visit here in Barcelona!

Typical weather in Barcelona in November

In November, Barcelona’s climate is mild and mostly pleasant, although it can be quite variable. The temperature typically ranges from around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. It’s a good idea to bring layers, as the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly.

November is one of the rainiest months of the year in Barcelona, with an average of 7 rainy days throughout the month. HOWEVER, 2023 was quite dry with only two rainy days. Just check the weather forecast!

Tips for dressing appropriately in Barcelona in November

In November, Barcelona’s weather can be variable, so it’s important to dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day. Here are some tips for dressing appropriately in Barcelona in November:

  1. You can get around Barcelona’s center by walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for going through Born and the Gothic Quarter.
  2.  November weather in Barcelona can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed. A light sweater or cardigan can be handy to have with you during the day.
  3. PERSONALLY, I would not wear shorts in November. October is still OK. But November is a no-no. If anything, a few people under age 20 might be sporting them. You may have a sunny days, where climbing up the hill to the Sagrada Familia would be more comfortable in shorts.  But I’d say the majority of locals have their legs covered.
  4. It can get chilly in the morning and at night, so it’s a good idea to bring a scarf or hat to keep you warm.
  5. Barcelona is a stylish city, so it’s important to dress appropriately when visiting some of the more formal attractions. If you’re planning to visit a museum or a fancy restaurant, dress in smart casual or formal wear.

What to pack in Barcelona in November

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light jacket or sweater
  • Scarf and hat
  • Umbrella or raincoat
  • T-shirts or short sleeve shirts
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Pants or jeans
  • Skirts or dresses (for warmer days)
  • Cardigans or light jackets
  • Comfortable socks
  • Underwear and bras
  • Swimwear (if you plan to visit indoor swimming pools)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Power bank or charger for your devices
  • Adaptor plug (if needed for your electronics)
  • Travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
  • Medications or prescriptions
  • Travel documents (passport, visa, boarding passes, etc.)

Remember to pack light, as it’s easier to navigate Barcelona’s narrow streets and public transportation with a smaller, lighter suitcase or backpack. Read more about what to wear in Barcelona in the fall!

What to do in Barcelona in November 2024

If you’re looking for the must-dos in Barcelona (like Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, etc.) read them here! But here is the events guide of things to specifically for this month:

November 1, 2024: All Souls’ Day. Shops and restaurants are closed.

In-Edit Barcelona. Oct 23, 2024 – Sun, Nov 3, 2024. Music documentaries are a thing of their own at the In-Edit festival. 2019’s film titles included “Gay Chorus Deep South”, “Mystifying Michael Hutchence”, and “David Bowie: Finding Fame”. Intrigued? Check it all out on the In-Edit website.

Women’s Race Barcelona. November 17, 2024. The Carrera de La Mujer happens all around Spain, and women run a 7.8-kilometer race for charity. Power to the woman!

Black Friday sales. November 29, 2024. Black Friday is now a worldwide thing, and it probably won’t go away. If you’re eyeing something to buy, know that some shops hold their own Black Friday sales like El Corte Ingles, FNAC, H&M, etc. Check out shopping on Passeig de Gracia. Read my Barcelona shopping guide here!

Festa Major de Sant Andreu. November 29, 2024 – December 8, 2024. The Festa Major de Sant Andreu closes the calendar of major festivals in the city. You can’t miss the correfoc (“fire run”) of guys dressed as devils from Sant Andreu.

What to eat in Barcelona in November

Panellets: These are small almond-based sweets that are typically eaten during the All Saints’ Day festival in early November. They come in a variety of flavors, such as coconut, chocolate, and fruit. Catalan people celebrate the castanyada eating these, and schools usually ask kids to share some at school. But most kids don’t like it!

My homemade panellets!

Butifarra amb mongetes: I love eating this all year. This is a dish of grilled sausage served with white beans. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold November day.

Churros con chocolate: This is another dessert that I love eating all year! These are fried dough pastries that are served with thick hot chocolate for dipping. They are a popular snack or dessert in all over Spain! Head to Calle Petritxol, where you’ll find two beloved places patronized by many locals: Granja Dulcinea and La Pallaresa.

Extra travel tips for going to Barcelona in November

  1. November is a popular time to visit Barcelona, so it’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
  2. Some attractions in Barcelona may have shorter opening hours or may be closed on certain days in November, so check opening hours in advance.
  3. November is considered the low season in Barcelona, so you may be able to find cheaper prices for flights, accommodation, and attractions.
  4. Check the weather forecast! Barcelona might be rainy in November, so it’s a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket and shoes. 2023 was pretty dry (Barcelona is suffering a drought.)
  5. Barcelona has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trains, and the metro. Using public transportation can be a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

That’s it! Have any questions about November? Let me know!

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.