Things to Do in Warsaw in November

November Weather in Warsaw

6°C (43°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

35 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas market season begins mid-November with authentic Polish pierogi, oscypek cheese, and grzane wino (mulled wine) - markets stay open until 10pm with fewer crowds than December
Museum and indoor attraction season peaks with extended hours - Royal Castle open until 8pm, and major exhibitions launch their winter programs
Hotel rates drop 40-50% compared to summer months, with luxury properties offering November packages including breakfast and spa access
Złoty (PLN) exchange rates typically favor visitors in November, with dining costs averaging 60% less than Western European capitals

Considerations

Daylight hours shrink to just 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 3:45pm) limiting outdoor sightseeing time significantly
Persistent dampness makes 6°C (43°F) feel closer to freezing - locals call this 'przenikliwy chłód' (penetrating cold)
Many outdoor food stalls and seasonal attractions close, including popular Vistula riverside venues until spring

Best Activities in November

Warsaw Old Town UNESCO Site Walking Tours

November's crisp air and fewer crowds make this the ideal time to explore the meticulously rebuilt medieval streets. Morning tours (10am-12pm) maximize daylight, and the cobblestones aren't slippery from summer rain. Tour groups average 8-12 people versus 25+ in summer months.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed city guides. Tours typically cost 80-120 PLN ($20-30) per person. Look for guides certified by Warsaw Tourism Organization. Many offer indoor museum extensions when weather turns harsh. See current options in booking section below.

Royal Castle and Łazienki Palace Indoor Cultural Tours

November launches the winter cultural season with special exhibitions and extended evening hours until 8pm. The Palace on Water in Łazienki Park looks stunning with autumn foliage, while Royal Castle offers heated interiors showcasing Poland's royal heritage during the cozy indoor season.

Booking Tip: Combination tickets cost 60-90 PLN ($15-22) and include both venues. Book online 3-5 days ahead to avoid weekend queues. Audio guides available in 12 languages. Bundle with nearby museums for rainy day flexibility.

Praga District Alternative Culture Tours

Warsaw's artistic right-bank district thrives in November when indoor venues like Soho Factory and local galleries launch winter programming. The gritty, authentic neighborhood offers heated pubs, underground clubs, and artist studios perfect for escaping November's chill while experiencing modern Polish culture.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost 100-150 PLN ($25-37) and include 2-3 venue stops with indoor time. Book through alternative tourism operators 1 week ahead. Evening tours (5-8pm) work well with short daylight hours and include traditional Polish vodka tastings.

Traditional Polish Cooking Classes

November marks the beginning of hearty Polish winter cuisine season. Learn to make pierogi ruskie, bigos (hunter's stew), and traditional Polish soups in heated cooking studios. Classes last 3-4 hours, perfect for cold afternoons, and include eating your creations with local beer or vodka.

Booking Tip: Classes cost 180-280 PLN ($45-70) per person including ingredients and meal. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as November starts peak indoor activity season. Look for classes in English near Old Town or Mokotów districts. Most include recipe cards and shopping tips.

Warsaw Christmas Markets and Winter Shopping

Christmas markets begin around November 20th, offering authentic Polish handicrafts, regional foods, and hot beverages in heated stalls. Castle Square and New Town markets feature local artisans selling amber jewelry, wooden toys, and traditional textiles without December's overwhelming crowds.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to enter with individual purchases ranging 20-200 PLN ($5-50). Visit weekday evenings (5-9pm) for best atmosphere and fewer families. Guided market tours cost 80-120 PLN and include tastings of regional specialties and shopping guidance.

Copernicus Science Centre and Interactive Museums

November's indoor season makes this the perfect time for Warsaw's world-class interactive science center and other modern museums. The planetarium runs special autumn programs, while hands-on exhibits provide engaging activities regardless of weather. Located in heated modern buildings with cafes.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost 35-50 PLN ($9-12) for adults, with planetarium shows additional 20 PLN. Book online 2-3 days ahead for weekend visits. Allow 4-6 hours for full experience. Combine with nearby Museum of Contemporary Art for full-day indoor cultural immersion.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Warsaw Film Festival

Poland's premier international film festival showcases 200+ films across 15 venues throughout the city. Features Polish premieres, international competitions, and director Q&As. Most screenings include English subtitles, offering insight into contemporary Polish and European cinema culture.

November 30th

St. Andrew's Day Traditions

November 30th brings Andrzejki, Poland's traditional fortune-telling night when locals practice wax divination and other folk customs. Many restaurants and bars offer special Andrzejki parties with traditional games, fortune telling, and seasonal foods like St. Andrew's cakes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof boots with good tread - cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk on uneven medieval streets daily

Layered thermal system: merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell - temperature swings 5°C (9°F) between morning and afternoon

Compact umbrella rated for 25+ km/h (15+ mph) winds - Warsaw's flat terrain creates wind tunnels between buildings

Waterproof phone case or bag - November drizzle can damage electronics during outdoor sightseeing

Warm hat that covers ears - heat loss through head is significant in 85% humidity conditions

Touchscreen-compatible gloves - you'll need to use phone/camera frequently in cold conditions

Thick wool socks (3-4 pairs) - wet feet in cold weather can ruin sightseeing days

Portable power bank - phone batteries drain 30% faster in cold November temperatures

Moisturizer and lip balm - indoor heating and outdoor cold create severe skin dryness

Daypack with rain cover - protects camera, documents, and purchases during unexpected showers

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat lunch between 2-4pm to maximize daylight hours - restaurants offer better lunch specials and service during this window when tourists are sightseeing

Free WiFi password at most cafes is 'warszawa2024' - cafe hopping between attractions is essential for warming up and costs 15-25 PLN ($4-6) for coffee and pastry

Warsaw's new M2 metro line extension to Bemowo opens fully in 2025 - use metro for efficient heating and fast transport between districts when walking becomes unbearable

Polish people dress more formally in November than summer - smart casual with good coat will help you blend in and receive better service at restaurants and cultural sites

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - plan major outdoor sightseeing before 3pm or you'll be touring in street lighting

Wearing cotton layers instead of wool or synthetic materials - cotton stays wet from drizzle and loses insulation, leaving you cold for hours

Booking ground-floor accommodations - many older Warsaw buildings have poor heating systems, and upper floors stay warmer with better views