Netherlands in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Netherlands

10°C (50°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Museum season at its peak - major institutions like Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum have extended hours and fewer crowds than summer, plus many debut special exhibitions in November
Sinterklaas celebrations begin mid-November - experience authentic Dutch tradition with parades, chocolate letters, and decorated shop windows before tourist crowds arrive for December holidays
Cozy indoor culture thrives - brown cafés (traditional pubs) are at their atmospheric best with fireplaces burning, locals gather for borrels (drinks with snacks), and you'll experience gezelligheid (coziness) authentically
Accommodation prices drop 30-40% from summer rates - luxury canal house hotels in Amsterdam cost €150-200 instead of €300+ in peak season, with better availability and room upgrades

Considerations

Daylight extremely limited - sun rises at 7:45am and sets by 4:45pm, giving only 9 hours of weak daylight for outdoor exploration and photography
Weather is consistently gray and wet - expect overcast skies 85% of the time with cold rain that makes cycling (the Dutch way to explore) uncomfortable without proper gear
Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours - Keukenhof is closed, canal boat tours run less frequently, and beach towns like Zandvoort become ghost towns

Best Activities in November

Amsterdam Museum District Indoor Tours

November is ideal for Amsterdam's world-class museums. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum have minimal queues compared to summer's 2-hour waits. Many launch special exhibitions in November, and the gray weather makes indoor art appreciation perfect. Museums stay warm and well-lit when it's dark outside by 5pm.

Booking Tip: Book timed entry tickets online 1-2 weeks ahead to guarantee entry, though walk-ups are usually available in November. Museum passes (€65-75) become worthwhile if visiting 3+ museums. Early morning slots (9-11am) offer the most peaceful experience before domestic visitors arrive.

Traditional Brown Café Cultural Experiences

November transforms Amsterdam's historic brown cafés into cozy refuges. Locals embrace borrel culture (evening drinks with bitterballen and cheese) as temperatures drop. Experience authentic gezelligheid when cafés light fireplaces and condensation fogs windows. This is peak season for understanding Dutch social culture.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for most brown cafés, but food tours focusing on café culture typically cost €45-65 and book up on weekends. Look for tours that include 4-5 traditional establishments with tastings. Evening tours (5-8pm) capture the authentic after-work borrel atmosphere.

Sinterklaas Celebration Tours

Mid to late November brings authentic Sinterklaas festivities before December tourist crowds. Witness traditional parades, visit chocolate shops creating letter chocolates, and see elaborate window displays. This uniquely Dutch celebration offers cultural immersion impossible during other months.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours focusing on Sinterklaas traditions cost €25-35 and should be booked 1 week ahead as they're limited to November-December only. Self-guided exploration works well - focus on Kalverstraat and Nine Streets areas for best decorated shop windows.

Rotterdam Architecture Indoor Exploration

November's gray skies actually enhance Rotterdam's modern architecture photography - no harsh shadows, and you can appreciate indoor spaces like Markthal, Central Library, and Depot Boijmans. The weather drives you to explore the innovative indoor public spaces Rotterdam is famous for.

Booking Tip: Architecture tours run year-round and cost €35-50 for 3-hour guided experiences. November offers better availability than summer months. Combination indoor/outdoor tours work well as you can duck inside when rain intensifies. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed architectural tour guides.

Giethoorn Winter Canal Boat Tours

November transforms Giethoorn into a peaceful, mist-covered Venice of the North. Fewer tourists mean authentic encounters with locals, and the bare trees reveal house architecture hidden in summer. Heated boat tours offer cozy exploration of canals while avoiding crowds that overwhelm this village in warm months.

Booking Tip: Heated boat rentals (€25-40 per hour) or guided tours (€15-25 per person) run with reduced schedules November-March. Book 48 hours ahead as fewer operators run in winter. Tours typically last 1.5-2 hours and include warm drinks. Morning tours (10am-12pm) offer best light.

Utrecht Indoor Market and Cathedral Experiences

Utrecht's Dom Tower and indoor markets thrive in November weather. The tower climb offers dramatic views over gray Dutch landscapes, while covered markets stay busy with seasonal products. University town energy continues strong as students return from autumn break, creating busy indoor café culture.

Booking Tip: Dom Tower climbs cost €10-12 and run daily except during severe weather (rare). Book Easttimor day usually works in November. Indoor food markets and covered shopping areas need no booking. Combination city walking tours cost €20-30 and focus on indoor attractions during rain.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Sinterklaas Arrivals and Parades

Traditional celebrations begin mid-November as Sinterklaas 'arrives' in major cities by steamboat. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and other cities host elaborate parades with Zwarte Piet characters, traditional songs, and children receiving pepernoten cookies. This is the most authentically Dutch cultural experience available to November visitors.

Early November

Museum Night Amsterdam

Annual event where 50+ museums stay open until 2am for one night, connected by special transport. Perfect for November's early darkness - experience major museums and hidden collections with festive atmosphere, special exhibitions, and cultural performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - November rain is frequent but light, lasting 15-30 minutes at a time rather than all-day downpours

Warm, waterproof boots with good grip - cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring cities

Multiple light layers instead of heavy coat - indoor heating is excellent in museums and cafés, outdoor temperatures vary throughout day

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - essential for sudden showers, but avoid large umbrellas on crowded streets and bike paths

Warm hat and gloves for evening activities - temperatures feel colder due to 70% humidity and wind from flat landscape

Quick-dry pants or jeans - cotton stays wet longer in high humidity, synthetic blends dry faster between indoor/outdoor transitions

Portable phone charger - limited daylight means more indoor time using navigation apps and translation tools

Small backpack instead of shoulder bag - keeps belongings dry and leaves hands free for umbrellas and bike handlebars

Thick socks and backup pair - feet stay wet longer in November conditions, dry socks improve comfort significantly

Light scarf for wind protection - Dutch landscape offers little wind barrier, scarves help on bikes and walking between attractions

Insider Knowledge

Take advantage of 'uitsmijter' breakfast culture in November - Dutch cafés serve hearty breakfast plates until 2pm, perfect for starting late on short daylight days and staying warm

Use weather apps with hourly forecasts - Dutch weather changes rapidly in November, and timing outdoor activities between rain showers can save entire afternoons

Many locals switch to indoor hobbies in November - join drop-in activities like pottery workshops, cooking classes, or language exchanges at community centers for authentic cultural exchange

Grocery stores stock seasonal comfort foods in November - try erwtensoep (split pea soup), stroopwafels fresh from Albert Heijn bakeries, and seasonal chocolate specialties unavailable other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming you can bike everywhere like locals do - November rain and wind make cycling miserable for tourists without proper Dutch rain gear and experience

Planning too many outdoor activities - with only 9 hours of weak daylight and frequent rain, focus on 2-3 quality indoor experiences rather than rushing between outdoor attractions

Expecting summer café terraces to be open - most outdoor seating closes in November, so don't count on canal-side dining or outdoor drinks for your itinerary