Fancy a trip to Andalucia in November?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, attractions and events.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Traveling to Andalucia in November: Quick Answers
Is the weather nice in Andalucia in November? Is this a good time to visit?
November is a month we highly recommend to travelers who prefer a peaceful atmosphere, low prices, and cultural exploration. Temperatures remain mild along the coast, ranging from 18°C to 20°C in Málaga, and visitors can explore the historic sites in a peaceful atmosphere rarely found at other times of the year. You can explore the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, or the Cathedral of Sevilla without waiting in line, in an atmosphere that’s much more peaceful than during peak season. On the other hand, November is also the rainiest month of the year in many parts of Andalucia: days that are entirely cloudy or rainy are possible, especially inland and along the Atlantic coast. Swimming in the sea is definitely over for the vast majority of visitors. We recommend November for those who love cities and culture, though the weather is less predictable than it is from March through October. Be sure to bring a raincoat and adjust your plans as the days go by.
WHERE TO STAY IN Andalucia
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
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Traveling to Andalucia in November: A Summary of Conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are cool, with a noticeable difference between the coast and the inland areas. Along the coast, daytime temperatures in Málaga range from 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), with nighttime lows around 10°C to 12°C. Inland, Sevilla and Córdoba see daytime temperatures of 16°C to 19°C (61°F to 66°F), with cool nights around 8°C to 10°C. Granada, at a higher elevation, is significantly cooler: expect 13°C to 16°C (55°F to 61°F) during the day and nights that can drop to 4°C to 6°C. A warm coat and a waterproof jacket are essential.
Water temperatures
In November, the Mediterranean Sea ranges from 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F) along the Costa del Sol. Swimming season is definitely over for almost all visitors, although a few fans of swimming in cool water still venture out.
Crowds and prizes
November is the slowest tourist season of the year, with the exception of All Saints’ Day weekend. Sites likethe Alhambra in Granada still require advance booking, but there are plenty of time slots available. Accommodation rates have reached their lowest point of the year, with very attractive deals available in major cities as well as coastal areas. This is the most affordable time of year to visit Andalucia.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Opening conditions
Major tourist attractions, museums, and monuments operate as usual in November during their winter hours, generally from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some sites close earlier than in the summer: check the hours before your visit. Most of the beach bars and seasonal coastal establishments are closed. Restaurants and bars in town remain open, serving dinner starting at 9 p.m., even though the outdoor seating areas aren’t very popular when the weather is cool. Museums and indoor attractions are especially popular on rainy days.
Length of day
The average length of daylight is 10 hours, decreasing from 10 hours and 45 minutes at the beginning of the month to 9 hours and 45 minutes by the end of November. The sun rises around 7:45 a.m. and sets around 5:45 p.m. at the end of the month. The days are short: it’s best to schedule outdoor visits in the morning and early afternoon, and plan indoor activities for the end of the day.
Top Attractions in Andalucia in November
November is the perfect month for an in-depth cultural exploration. Without the crowds typical of summer, we had plenty of time to linger at each place. Among the must-haves:
- The Alhambra in Granada, a 14th-century Nasrid masterpiece, can be visited in almost complete tranquility
- The Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba, with no lines and bathed in a very special winter light
- Sevilla Cathedral and the Alcázar, whose gardens are taking on their autumnal hues
- Málaga’s museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou Málaga, are perfect for rainy days
- White villages like Ronda or Arcos de la Frontera, bathed in a pleasant winter calm
- The Albaicín district in Granada, where the narrow streets take on a different atmosphere in the winter light
- The sherry cellars in Jerez de la Frontera, where the new vintages arrive at the beginning of the month
- The Sierra de Aracena, known for its autumn chestnut groves and mountain villages in the heart of the Iberian cured meat season
- Coastal walks in Málaga or Cádiz, which are pleasant even in November on a clear day
- …. See the Andalucia’s top attractions.
And lots of activities like these:
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Guided Hike on the Caminito del Rey
Weather in Andalucia in November – what to expect
The Andalusian climate in November is distinctly autumnal, with a mix of mild, sunny days and periods of rain, which can sometimes be heavy. Statistically speaking, November is one of the rainiest months of the year in several provinces. That said, we had some truly beautiful weeks in November in Andalucia, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures that were warm enough to go for a walk in long sleeves in the afternoon. The key is to stay flexible: plan indoor activities for rainy days and make the most of sunny spells for outdoor visits.
On the coast
The Costa del Sol remains the mildest region in Andalucia in November. Daytime temperatures remain between 18°C and 20°C, and sunny spells are common even when the rest of the region is cloudy. Málaga enjoys a particularly favorable microclimate thanks to its geographical location, which is sheltered from the north winds by the Sierra de Málaga. We were often able to have lunch on a terrace in Málaga in November, which is rare at that time of year in other European destinations. The Costa de la Luz, which is more exposed to Atlantic winds, experiences more variable weather conditions.
Inland
Inland cities such as Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada experience cool days in November that can be very pleasant on clear days, with the low, golden light of winter. Mornings are cold, especially in Granada, where the temperature can drop to 4°C to 6°C before sunrise. Historic districts are regaining their local charm: neighborhood markets, tapas bars, and shops are frequented primarily by locals. We found the atmosphere to be very authentic, quite different from the tourist bustle of spring and summer. Rainy days are the perfect excuse to explore museums, Arab baths, and remarkable interiors that we don’t usually take the time to visit in the summer.
In the mountains
The Sierra Nevada enters its winter season in November. The first significant snowfall is hitting the ridges above 2,000 meters, and the Sierra Nevada ski resort is preparing to open, which is usually scheduled for December. The Alpujarras, at lower elevations, remain accessible for short hikes in good weather, but conditions can change quickly: snow is possible above 1,500 meters by the end of the month. The Sierra de Aracena, in the province of Huelva, is at its best in November: the cork oak and chestnut forests are in full autumn splendor, and it is the peak season for the montanera, the period during which Iberian pigs are fattened in the wild under the oak trees before the matanza (traditional slaughter).
Temperatures in November in Andalucia
Temperatures are dropping significantly compared to October. The cool nights in Granada and the chilly mornings inland mean you should pack warm clothes. Here are the averages for Andalucia’s main destinations.
Weather in Sevilla
- Average daytime temperatures: 18°C (64°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Temperature in Málaga
- Average daytime temperatures: 19°C (66°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 11°C (52°F)
Temperature in Granada
- Average daytime temperatures: 14°C (57°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Rain and Wind
November is one of the rainiest months of the year in Andalucia, especially in the provinces of Sevilla, Huelva, and Cádiz, which are exposed to Atlantic weather systems. Rainfall comes in the form of continuous, sometimes prolonged showers, interspersed with periods of calm. The Costa del Sol, sheltered by the surrounding hills, receives significantly less rainfall than the rest of the region. We recommend incorporating rainy days into your travel plans rather than just putting up with them: it’s a chance to explore museums, covered markets, and historic interiors that are often overlooked when the weather is nice.
- Rainfall in Sevilla: 65 to 90 mm
(over 6 to 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Málaga: 70 to 100 mm
(over 6 to 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Granada: 50 to 75 mm
(5 to 6 days on average)
Snow begins to fall in November in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, generally at altitudes ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 meters. The villages of the Alpujarras located above 1,200 meters may receive a few centimeters of snow during the coldest spells. In lowland cities such as Sevilla, Córdoba, and Málaga, snow is extremely rare and almost never sticks.
West and southwest winds prevail in November, bringing moisture from the Atlantic. Winds may blow steadily during the most active storms, with gusts in exposed coastal areas. The Costa de la Luz is the windiest area in the region at this time of year. Inland, calm days alternate with windy spells associated with rain fronts.
Sunshine
In November, daylight hours range from 10 hours and 45 minutes to 9 hours and 45 minutes.
Sunrise is around 7:45 a.m. and sunset is around 5:45 p.m. at the end of the month.
There is limited sunshine in November: we recorded an average of 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, with significant variation from week to week. Days with beautiful weather are among the best of the year—the low, golden winter light in the late afternoon highlights the monuments with rare intensity. But they alternate with gray, rainy days. The Mediterranean coast, and Málaga in particular, remains the sunniest area in the region in November. If you want to maximize your chances of good weather, plan your trip to the coast rather than inland.
Sunset occurs as early as 5:45 p.m. at the end of the month, which means that outdoor visits should be scheduled for the morning and early afternoon. The end of the day is the perfect time to settle into a tapas bar or explore a museum. Life in Andalucia doesn’t stop when the sun goes down: people in Seville and Córdoba always have dinner after 9 p.m., and the streets come alive well into the evening, no matter the weather.
Water temperature – swimming in Andalucia in November
For the vast majority of visitors, swimming in the sea is definitely over by November. The Mediterranean Sea gradually cools off throughout the month, and the beaches are deserted.
- Water temperature in Málaga: 19°C (66°F) on average
- Water temperature in Marbella: 19°C (66°F) on average
- Average water temperature in Cadiz: 18°C (64°F)
Crowds and other conditions
November is the quietest month of the year for tourism in Andalucia, along with January. Major cities are operating as usual, without the pressure of tourist crowds. We visited the Alhambra in November and saw no more than thirty other visitors in the Nasrid Palaces: it was a radically different experience from the one we had in July, and one of rare contemplative beauty. The tapas bars in Sevilla and Córdoba are frequented almost exclusively by locals, which gives the interactions a spontaneity that you don’t find during the high season.
A few practical points to keep in mind: The All Saints’ Day weekend (November 1) brings a surge of Spanish visitors to certain cities, particularly Granada and Sevilla, where historic cemeteries—such as San Fernando in Sevilla—are very popular. Be sure to pack a warm, waterproof jacket for getting around town, especially in Granada, where the mornings can get really cold. Restaurants and cafés are operating on their usual schedules; dinner is still served after 9 p.m., but outdoor seating is giving way to the cozy interiors of neighborhood bars.
Nature and Fine Dining in November
November is the peak season for Iberian ham in Andalucia. The montanera—the period during which purebred Iberian pigs (pata negra) are raised in the open on the dehesas of cork and holm oak forests in the Sierra de Aracena and the Sierra de Huelva—is in full swing in November. Villages such as Jabugo, Cumbres Mayores, and Cortegana live in step with this centuries-old tradition. This is the best time to visit these villages, explore the farms, and sample charcuterie of exceptional quality, recognized as some of the best in the world.
In addition, in November, the autumn landscape displays its final colors in the forests of the Sierra de Cazorla and the Alpujarras. The chestnut groves of the Sierra de Aracena are at their peak at the beginning of the month. In the cities, orange trees heavy with yellow fruit are beginning to brighten the streets of Sevilla and Córdoba—a sight that is very characteristic of the Andalusian winter and heralds the holiday season. Doñana Natural Park remains a bustling hub for birdwatching in November: thousands of wintering birds, including cranes, geese, and ducks, have flocked to its wetlands, which have been replenished by the autumn rains.
Events in November in Andalucia
- All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2): All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are celebrated with great solemnity in Andalucia. Historic cemeteries such as San Fernando in Sevilla or San José in Granada are popular destinations, adorned with flowers, and open to the public. This is a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant folk tradition that has a very different atmosphere from Northern European celebrations.
- Granada Jazz Festival: This international jazz festival, one of the oldest in Spain, is held every November in Granada. Spanish and international artists perform at venues throughout the city, including the Convention Center and various theaters in the historic district. It’s an event that’s very popular with jazz fans visiting the city outside of the peak season.
- Jerez Flamenco Festival (start): This world-renowned festival, dedicated to the most authentic flamenco, sometimes begins in November and continues through February. The performances take place in historic bodegas and intimate venues throughout Jerez de la Frontera, featuring a lineup that brings together the finest artists in cante, baile, and toque in a truly unique atmosphere.
- Cortegana Iberian Ham Fair: This food festival dedicated to Iberian ham is held in the Sierra de Huelva every November. Producers, artisans, and visitors come together for tastings, quality competitions, and activities celebrating the tradition of extensive Iberian livestock farming. It is one of the most authentic food fairs in Andalucia.
- Sevilla International Film Festival (continued): This European film festival, one of the largest in Spain, takes place in November. Preview screenings, meetings with filmmakers, and retrospectives will take place in several venues throughout Sevilla’s historic center during the festival week.
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Prices in November
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget. In November, rates reach their lowest level of the year, on par with January. Accommodations in major cities such as Sevilla, Granada, and Córdoba are very affordable, with rates often 30 to 50% lower than during the high season. The only time to watch out for is the All Saints’ Day weekend, which may cause a slight increase in the most popular cities. Apart from this weekend, November is the perfect month to enjoy the region on a budget.
Other months
When to go to Andalucia, other months…
- Andalucia in January
- Andalucia in February
- Andalucia in March
- Andalucia in April
- Andalucia in May
- Andalucia in June
- Andalucia in July
- Andalucia in August
- Andalucia in September
- Andalucia in October
- Andalucia in December
Or read our article on the best time to visit Andalucia.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
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