Things to Do in Austria in November

November Weather in Austria

6°C (43°F) High Temp

-1°C (30°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets open from mid-November - experience authentic Glühwein and handcrafted goods before tourist crowds peak in December
Hotel rates 35-50% lower than December/January ski season - luxury Alpine lodges available at €120-180/night vs €300+ in peak winter
Perfect snow conditions in higher elevations (above 1,200m/3,937ft) for early skiing while lower valleys remain accessible by car
Cozy indoor cultural season begins - Vienna's concert halls, opera houses, and museums offer special autumn programming with shorter queues

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - can swing from 8°C (46°F) sunny days to -5°C (23°F) with snow within 48 hours, making packing difficult
Daylight limited to 9 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 4:30pm) - outdoor sightseeing must be planned carefully around short days
Many mountain cable cars and high-altitude attractions close for maintenance between ski seasons (typically November 5-25)

Best Activities in November

Vienna Christmas Market Tours and Imperial Palace Visits

November marks the opening of Vienna's famous Christmas markets (Christkindlmärkte) around November 15th, before December crowds arrive. The Schönbrunn and Belvedere markets offer authentic Austrian crafts and foods. Indoor palace tours provide perfect respite from cold weather, with heated imperial rooms showcasing Habsburg history. Morning visits to palaces pair perfectly with afternoon market strolls when temperatures peak.

Booking Tip: Book combination palace-and-market tours 2-3 weeks ahead through certified Vienna guides. Tours typically cost €45-75 per person including skip-the-line palace access. Book morning slots (9am-12pm) for better lighting in palaces and reference booking widget for current multilingual options.

Salzburg Mozart Trail and Old Town Walking Tours

November's crisp air and smaller crowds make exploring Mozart's birthplace ideal. The baroque Old Town remains stunning under grey skies, and indoor concert venues offer superior acoustics in cold weather. Salzburg's Christmas market opens late November, providing authentic Alpine atmosphere without summer tourist buses. Indoor Mozart museums provide cultural depth when weather turns harsh.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours with indoor stops cost €25-40 and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Look for tours including heated venues like Mozart's Residenz and birth house. Most tours run 2-3 hours with indoor breaks every 30 minutes during cold spells.

Hallstatt Lake District Photography and Cultural Tours

November transforms Hallstatt into a moody, atmospheric destination with dramatic mountain reflections on the lake. Fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities, and the famous Instagram viewpoint isn't packed. Morning mist creates ethereal scenes, while afternoon light illuminated the colorful houses. Indoor salt mine tours offer fascinating history plus warmth during cold snaps.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from Vienna or Salzburg typically cost €85-120 including transport and guided walks. Book 7-10 days ahead for small group tours (8-12 people max). Tours include indoor cultural stops like the Bone House and salt mine for weather protection.

Innsbruck Alpine Cable Car and Mountain Hut Experiences

Early November offers unique shoulder season access to Alpine viewpoints before full winter closures. The Nordkette cable car typically runs until November 20th, providing stunning snow-capped mountain views and access to heated mountain huts serving traditional Tyrolean food. Perfect for experiencing Alpine culture without extreme winter conditions or summer hiking crowds.

Booking Tip: Cable car combination tickets cost €35-50 per person and should be checked for operational status 48 hours before visiting as November weather can cause temporary closures. Book mountain hut meals in advance through local tourism offices for guaranteed indoor dining with panoramic views.

Danube Valley Wine Harvest and Cellar Tours

November marks the end of wine harvest season in the Wachau Valley, offering access to fresh wine tastings and warm cellar tours. Vintners open their cellars for Heuriger (new wine) tastings, and the riverside landscapes show beautiful autumn colors until mid-November. Indoor wine cellars provide perfect refuge from cold weather while experiencing Austria's wine culture.

Booking Tip: Wine cellar tours with tastings cost €30-55 per person including 4-6 wine samples and traditional Austrian snacks. Book through local wineries 1-2 weeks ahead as many close for winter by late November. Transport from Vienna available through certified tour operators - see booking options below.

Thermal Spa and Wellness Experiences

November's cold, damp weather makes Austria's thermal spas particularly appealing. Bad Ischl, Baden bei Wien, and other spa towns offer outdoor thermal pools heated to 36-38°C (97-100°F), creating dramatic steam effects in cold air. Indoor spa facilities provide full-day wellness experiences perfect for grey November days. Many spas offer seasonal packages combining thermal baths with traditional Austrian treatments.

Booking Tip: Day passes to major thermal spas cost €25-45 per person, with premium spa packages ranging €80-150. Book accommodation-spa packages 2-3 weeks ahead for November deals. Most spas offer 4-8 hour experiences including outdoor thermal pools, saunas, and indoor relaxation areas.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Vienna Christmas Markets Opening

Vienna's traditional Christmas markets (Christkindlmärkte) begin opening around November 15th, starting with Schönbrunn and Am Hof markets. Experience authentic Austrian crafts, Glühwein, and Lebkuchen before December tourist crowds arrive. Markets feature live music, traditional foods, and handmade gifts in historic settings.

Late November

Salzburg Advent Concerts Season

Classical music venues throughout Salzburg begin their winter concert series featuring Mozart, Schubert, and contemporary Austrian composers. The Mozarteum and Salzburg Cathedral host special performances in heated historic venues perfect for cold November evenings.

Throughout November

Wiener Festwochen Autumn Cultural Programs

Vienna's theaters, opera houses, and concert halls launch their winter seasons with special November programming. The State Opera, Musikverein, and Theater an der Wien offer discounted preview performances before peak cultural season begins in December.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof insulated boots rated for -5°C (23°F) - essential for walking on potentially icy cobblestones in historic city centers

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, wool sweater, waterproof outer jacket for temperature swings between -1°C to 6°C (30-43°F)

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - November wind chill can make 2°C (36°F) feel like -3°C (27°F) during outdoor sightseeing

Compact umbrella rated for wind - November brings frequent light rain and snow flurries lasting 30-60 minutes

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, crucial for navigation and photos

Wool or thermal socks (3-4 pairs) - feet get cold quickly on stone surfaces in palaces, churches, and outdoor markets

Lip balm and moisturizer - 78% humidity combined with indoor heating causes rapid skin dehydration

Sunglasses - essential for snow glare at elevations above 800m (2,625ft) and bright reflections off wet cobblestones

Cash in small denominations - Christmas markets and traditional establishments prefer €5-20 bills over cards

Daypack with laptop sleeve - many indoor attractions require bag storage, and you'll need layers removal space

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with 24-hour front desk service - November weather can delay flights and trains by 2-4 hours, requiring flexible check-in times

Austrian restaurants switch to winter menus around November 10th - this is when you'll find the best seasonal game dishes, roasted root vegetables, and hearty stews before tourist-oriented menus return in December

Purchase the Vienna City Card or Salzburg Card online before arrival - November's unpredictable weather makes having skip-the-line access to indoor attractions essential for itinerary flexibility

Many Austrians take November vacation breaks before Christmas season work - expect some smaller family-run restaurants and shops to close for 1-2 weeks mid-November, particularly in rural areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness affects sightseeing - with sunset at 4:30pm, outdoor activities must finish by 3:30pm for adequate lighting and safety

Assuming all mountain attractions remain open - many cable cars, high-altitude restaurants, and hiking trails close November 5-25 for maintenance between seasons

Packing only for cold weather - November can have surprise warm days reaching 12°C (54°F), so bringing only winter gear leaves you overdressed and uncomfortable