Things to Do in Munich in November

November Weather in Munich

8°C (46°F) High Temp

2°C (35°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas market season begins mid-November - experience authentic Glühwein and handcrafted goods without December's crushing crowds at Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt
Museum season in full swing - spend quality time at Deutsches Museum and Pinakothek galleries while locals shelter indoors, with extended winter hours and fewer tour groups
Authentic brewery atmosphere peaks as locals gather for hearty seasonal beers - try Märzen and winter bocks at traditional beer halls like Hofbräuhaus and Augustiner-Bräu
Hotel prices drop 30-40% from October peak season - book centrally located accommodations near Marienplatz for €80-120/night instead of summer's €150-200 rates

Considerations

Daylight limited to 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 4:30pm) - outdoor sightseeing must be planned around short daylight window
Frequent drizzle and overcast skies make outdoor photography challenging - only 5-6 sunny days expected throughout the month
Many beer garden terraces close or operate with limited hours due to cold temperatures - outdoor dining culture shifts entirely indoors

Best Activities in November

Traditional Christmas Market Tours

Mid-November marks the opening of Munich's legendary Christmas markets, particularly Christkindlmärkte at Marienplatz. Experience warm Glühwein (€3-5 per mug), handcrafted ornaments, and roasted chestnuts without December's shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. The crisp November air creates perfect mulled wine weather, and vendors have fresh seasonal energy. Evening markets (4-9pm) offer magical lighting against early November darkness.

Booking Tip: Book guided market tours 7-10 days ahead for €15-25 per person. Look for tours that include multiple markets and Glühwein tastings. Evening tours preferred for atmosphere. See current options in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Immersion Days

November's cool, damp weather makes this ideal for Munich's world-class museums. Deutsches Museum, Pinakothek galleries, and BMW Museum offer heated comfort while rain patters outside. Locals flock indoors, creating authentic cultural experiences. Museum pass (€35-45) covers multiple venues over 3 days. Extended winter hours accommodate shorter daylight.

Booking Tip: Purchase museum passes online 2-3 days ahead for skip-the-line access. Combination tickets typically €35-45 for multiple venues. Plan indoor days around forecasted rain. See current museum tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Bavarian Beer Hall Experiences

November transforms beer halls into cozy havens as temperatures drop to 2-8°C (35-46°F). Locals embrace hearty seasonal beers like Märzen and winter bocks alongside warming dishes like Schweinshaxe. Authentic atmosphere peaks as outdoor beer gardens close - experience genuine Bavarian conviviality indoors. Evening sessions (7-11pm) offer traditional oompah music and communal seating.

Booking Tip: Reserve tables at traditional halls for weekend evenings - book 5-7 days ahead for groups over 4 people. Expect €25-35 per person for beer and hearty meal. Look for halls with live traditional music. See current beer hall tours in booking section below.

Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trips

November offers clear mountain views as autumn haze dissipates, revealing dramatic Alpine backdrops for castle photography. Tourist numbers drop 60% from summer peaks, allowing quality time inside the fairy-tale castle. Cool temperatures (0-5°C/32-41°F in mountains) require warm clothing but create atmospheric conditions. Snow may dust peaks, adding magical elements.

Booking Tip: Book castle entry tickets 2-3 weeks ahead - essential even in November. Day trips from Munich typically €45-65 including transportation and entry. Morning departures (8-9am) recommended for best light and smaller crowds. See current castle tour options in booking section below.

Salzburg and Austrian Alps Excursions

November's crisp weather and reduced crowds make this perfect for exploring Mozart's birthplace and surrounding Alpine scenery. Early winter atmosphere enhances Salzburg's baroque architecture, while nearby mountains show first snow dustings. Day trip distance of 150 km (93 miles) allows comfortable exploration before Munich's early 4:30pm sunset.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-14 days ahead for €55-85 per person including transportation. Look for tours combining Salzburg city and Lake District. Weather can change quickly in mountains - tours include backup indoor activities. See current Salzburg tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Bavarian Food Walking Tours

November brings comfort food season to Munich - perfect timing for exploring hearty Bavarian cuisine. Discover warm pretzels from traditional bakeries, sample seasonal wursts, and experience Viktualienmarkt's winter preparations. Indoor food halls and covered markets provide shelter from 58mm (2.3 inches) monthly rainfall while showcasing authentic local flavors.

Booking Tip: Book food tours 5-10 days ahead for €40-60 per person including tastings. Look for tours covering both traditional markets and modern food scenes. 3-4 hour tours typically include 6-8 tastings and warm beverages. See current food tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Munich Christmas Markets Opening

Munich's famous Christkindlmärkte traditionally open around November 25th at Marienplatz, with smaller markets throughout the city following. Experience the magical first days with fresh vendor energy, new seasonal crafts, and authentic local excitement before international tourists arrive in December.

Mid November

Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums)

Annual event typically held in mid-November where 90+ Munich museums and cultural institutions stay open until 2am for one special ticket (€15-20). Perfect for November's long nights and indoor weather - experience world-class collections with special exhibitions and events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - November brings 10 rainy days with persistent drizzle rather than heavy downpours

Warm, comfortable walking boots - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily sightseeing

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 2°C (35°F) morning to 8°C (46°F) afternoon require adaptable outfits

Warm gloves and wool scarf - essential for Christmas market browsing and outdoor photography in sub-10°C temperatures

Compact umbrella - frequent light rain makes this more practical than relying on jacket hoods in crowded areas

Thermal base layers - indoor heating varies widely, and churches/castles remain cold despite exterior temperatures

Warm hat covering ears - November wind chill makes temperatures feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder than actual readings

Moisture-wicking socks - feet stay drier during long walking days on wet pavements

Portable phone charger - camera use increases in shorter daylight window, draining batteries faster in cold weather

Small backpack with rain cover - protect electronics and purchases during unexpected showers while exploring

Insider Knowledge

Warm up in department stores like Galeria Kaufhof on Marienplatz - locals use these as free heating stations between outdoor activities

Christmas market Glühwein mugs are collectible souvenirs - each market has unique designs, and mugs cost €2-4 deposit that becomes the souvenir price

Many restaurants offer special November 'warming menus' with seasonal game and comfort foods not available other months - ask servers about Wildzeit (game season) specials

U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations provide extensive underground walking networks - locals navigate between Marienplatz, Hauptbahnhof, and major sites while staying dry during rain

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming outdoor beer gardens operate normally - most Biergartens close outdoor seating by early November, leaving only heated indoor areas

Underestimating how early darkness affects sightseeing - with 4:30pm sunset, outdoor photography and walking tours must finish by 4pm for natural light

Packing only light rain gear - November's persistent drizzle and humidity requires more substantial waterproofing than summer shower protection