Luxembourg in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Luxembourg

10°C (50°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas market season begins mid-November - Luxembourg City's Portauprince transforms into a winter wonderland with 40+ wooden chalets selling local crafts and vin chaud (mulled wine)
Hotel prices drop 25-35% compared to summer peak season, with luxury properties in Luxembourg City averaging €120-180 vs €200+ in July
Cozy indoor cultural season at its peak - Philharmonie Luxembourg and Grand Théâtre offer special autumn programming, plus museums extend evening hours
Perfect hiking weather in the Belgium - crisp air, no crowds, and autumn colors lingering through early November before winter dormancy

Considerations

Daylight severely limited - sun rises around 7:45am and sets by 5:00pm, giving just 9 hours of natural light for outdoor exploration
Persistent drizzle and dampness makes outdoor castle visits uncomfortable - 60% of days have some precipitation, often lasting hours
Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours - Bourscheid Castle closes at 4pm, some hiking trails become muddy and treacherous

Best Activities in November

Luxembourg City Old Quarter Walking Tours

November's crisp air and smaller crowds make this the ideal time to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Bock Casemates (underground tunnels) stay at a constant 12°C (54°F) year-round, providing perfect shelter from November drizzle. Fewer tourists mean better photo opportunities at Pont Adolphe and Grand Ducal Palace.

Booking Tip: Book indoor-outdoor combination tours that include museum stops. Tours typically cost €25-45 per person. Look for operators offering umbrella provision and heated rest stops. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed city guides.

Ardennes Forest Hiking Expeditions

November offers the last chance to experience autumn colors before winter. Temperatures of 3-10°C (37-50°F) are perfect for active hiking without overheating. Trails around Vianden and Echternach are less crowded, and wildlife is more visible preparing for winter. Muddy conditions add adventure but require proper gear.

Booking Tip: Choose guided day hikes with experienced local guides who know safe routes in wet conditions. Expect to pay €40-70 per person including transport from Luxembourg City. Book through operators providing waterproof gear and hot beverages. Reserve 10-14 days ahead.

Wine Tasting Tours in Moselle Valley

November marks the end of harvest season - perfect timing for fresh wine tastings and cellar visits. Winemakers have time to share their craft before busy holiday season. Indoor tastings provide cozy shelter from November weather, and many vineyards offer special harvest celebration events.

Booking Tip: Look for harvest celebration tours including multiple vineyard stops. Prices range €55-85 per person with transport from Luxembourg City. Book through operators offering indoor tastings with local cheese pairings. Reserve 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours.

Christmas Market and Holiday Shopping Experiences

Luxembourg's Christmas markets begin in mid-November, offering authentic winter experiences without December crowds. Markets in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, and Ettelbruck feature local artisans, seasonal foods, and traditional crafts. Indoor shopping galleries provide respite from weather.

Booking Tip: Combine market visits with indoor cultural activities for weather flexibility. Self-guided market tours cost nothing, guided experiences run €20-35 per person. Book accommodation near Ville Haute for easy market access. Plan for 2-3 hours per market location.

Castle and Museum Discovery Tours

November's reduced daylight makes indoor castle exploration ideal. Vianden Castle, Bourscheid, and Clervaux offer heated indoor sections and fascinating medieval history. Many castles extend indoor exhibits during autumn months, and audio guides are available in multiple languages.

Booking Tip: Choose combination tickets covering multiple castles for best value, typically €35-50 per person. Look for tours including transportation and indoor dining stops. Book through operators offering flexible scheduling for weather delays. Reserve 5-7 days ahead.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Luxembourg Christmas Market Opening

Traditional Christmas market opens in Portauprince with wooden chalets, local crafts, and seasonal treats. Features live music, artisan demonstrations, and authentic Luxembourgish holiday traditions including traditional gromperekichelcher (potato cakes).

November 11

Saint Martin's Day Celebrations

Traditional Luxembourgish festival featuring goose dinners, lantern processions, and local customs. Restaurants throughout the country offer special Saint Martin menus with roasted goose and regional wines.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for muddy terrain - trails in Belgium become slippery with 89mm (3.5 inches) of November rainfall

Insulated rain jacket with breathable lining - temperatures fluctuate between 3-10°C (37-50°F) requiring layerable protection

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - drizzle occurs on 60% of November days, often starting unexpectedly

Thermal wool or synthetic base layers - indoor castles and museums are often unheated, around 8-12°C (46-54°F)

Waterproof day pack cover - protects electronics and documents during outdoor castle visits and hiking

Warm wool socks and backup pair - feet stay dry longer in waterproof boots, preventing discomfort during long walking tours

Touch-screen compatible gloves - needed for photography and phone use in 3-5°C (37-41°F) morning temperatures

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and short daylight means more navigation app usage

Wool or fleece hat that fits under umbrella - significant heat loss through head in damp conditions

Quick-dry pants or hiking leggings - jeans take hours to dry if caught in November downpours

Insider Knowledge

Local buses reduce frequency in November - Route 118 to Vianden runs every 2 hours instead of hourly. Check current timetables at mobiliteit.lu before heading to remote castles.

Many restaurants close Mondays in November as tourism slows - always call ahead or check Google listings. Sunday dinner reservations essential as options are limited.

Luxembourg Card provides better value in November with reduced attraction hours - 3-day cards pay for themselves with just 2 castle visits plus public transport.

Free wifi available at all tourist information centers and most cafés - essential for checking weather updates and adjusted opening hours during your visit.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming summer hiking gear works in November - waterproof boots and rain protection are mandatory, not optional, due to muddy trails and frequent drizzle

Not checking attraction closing times - many outdoor sites close at 4pm in November instead of 6pm, and some close entirely on weekdays

Underestimating how early darkness falls - plan indoor dinner by 5:30pm as many restaurants fill quickly when outdoor activities end early