Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria is a popular holiday destination that attracts tourists all year round. However, November marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter in the country, with temperatures dropping and snowfall becoming more common. The country experiences a decrease in tourism during this time, making it a great opportunity to explore the country's cities and attractions without the crowds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | Cold, damp, and dark |
| Temperature | 30-40°C during the day, 20-30°C at night, lows in the 20s and 30s with highs in the 30s and 40s |
| Sunshine | In short supply |
| Snowfall | Common, especially in the mountains |
| Tourism | Low season, fewer visitors |
| Accommodation | Discounts available |
| Events | Vienna's ball season, Christmas markets, Winterfest in Hagenbrunn |
| Attractions | Music, dance, cuisine, neoclassical designs, sightseeing |
| Language | German with an Austrian accent, English is also widely spoken |
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What You'll Learn
Weather in November
November in Austria marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. The weather is likely to be cold, damp, and dark across the country, with the average high being 48°F (9°C) and colder temperatures at higher altitudes. While there may not be much rain, there is a chance of fog, and with limited sunshine, temperatures can feel even colder. Days are also shorter, with Vienna, for example, only experiencing around two hours of sunshine per day. Snowfall is common in the mountains and may also occur in the cities, especially later in the month.
Given the chilly and wet weather, indoor activities are recommended for a November trip to Austria. This is a good time to visit museums, Christmas markets, or engage in other indoor sightseeing options. The ball season in Vienna also kicks off in November, offering a unique opportunity to experience a traditional ball without the high-season crowds.
If you're seeking outdoor activities, there are still options available. November is a great time to visit Salzburg on a budget, as it is the low season for tourism. You can explore the historic Old Town, Fortress Hohensalzburg, and Schloss Hellbrunn (before it closes for the season on November 1). The streets are quieter, and you can always retreat to a cosy, centuries-old coffee house when you need a break from the cold.
While the high season for snow skiing in the Western Alps typically starts in late December, some years do experience early snowfall, providing skiing opportunities in November.
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Christmas markets
Austria is a great place to visit in November, especially if you're eager to get into the Christmas spirit. The country's Christmas markets generally open from mid- to late November and last until a few days before Christmas Day, with some staying open through to the New Year.
Vienna is a top Christmas destination, with over seven Christmas markets to explore. The Christmas Market on Stephansplatz has around 40 booths offering high-quality products, while the Winter Market on Riesenradplatz has children's rides, musical acts, food and gift stalls. The Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace exudes imperial flair, with handicrafts, nostalgic toys and decorations. The Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz has over 70 booths, and the Christmas Market on the University Campus is a popular meeting point for students and families, with a children's railway and carousel. The Am Hof Christmas Market offers top-quality handicrafts, and the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung is a great place to buy glass decorations and ceramics.
Innsbruck is another popular destination, with six different locations for its Christmas Markets, including the Maria-Theresien-Straße Christmas Market, surrounded by modern Christmas lights and an illuminated mountain crystal. The Christkindlmarkt in Innsbruck's old town is particularly cosy, with the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts filling the medieval streets.
Graz is also worth a visit, with its numerous Christmas markets located within walking distance of each other. The market on Cathedral Square is one of the top Christmas markets in Austria, with a history dating back to 1491.
Other Christmas markets to explore in Austria include:
- Hall in Tirol: A small and intimate market located in a traditional medieval setting.
- Seefeld: A cosy market next to the village church, with fires, choirs and theatre groups providing entertainment.
- Linz: A magical market located in the Hauptplatz (Main Square), combining traditional Austrian customs with the city's artistic and cultural heritage.
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Vienna's ball season
The balls are a continuation of a long tradition, dating back to the Emperor's time, when young people were introduced to society and used the events to build their social networks. The balls are known for their formal dress codes, with men typically wearing tuxedos or tailcoats, and women wearing long evening gowns.
There are many different balls to choose from, including the Opera Ball, the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, the Confectioners' Ball, the Flower Ball, the Lawyers' Ball, the Hunters' Ball, the Coffeehouse Owners' Ball, the Ball of the Viennese Chimney Sweeps, and the Ball of the Weightlifters. The balls are held in magnificent venues such as the Imperial Palace, the Vienna State Opera, the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, and the Vienna City Hall.
The ball season is a unique and glamorous part of Viennese culture, offering visitors the chance to experience traditional dances, such as the waltz, as well as enjoy culinary delights and a festive atmosphere.
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Things to do
November in Austria is likely to be cold, with the possibility of rain and freezing rain in the milder regions and snow in the mountains. So, it's best to plan plenty of indoor activities.
If you're visiting Vienna, you can experience the ball season, which kicks off in early to mid-November with a public waltz in the city centre. You can also visit the Christmas markets that set up in Austrian towns and cities from mid-November. You'll find traditional Austrian crafts, food and drink, entertainment, and pretty lights.
If you're looking for early Christmas shopping opportunities, you can visit the Christmas markets or head to Salzburg, which is quieter in November. You can stroll through the historic Old Town, Fortress Hohensalzburg, and Schloss Hellbrunn (but note that this closes after 1 November). When you get cold, retreat to a centuries-old atmospheric coffee house.
If you're looking for relaxation, head to a thermal spa in the mountains, where you can enjoy the natural thermal waters without the crowds.
If you're a business traveller, Winterfest in Hagenbrunn is held in November and draws various business fans to Austria.
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Language and culture
Austria is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history and diverse population. The country is known for its music, food and drinks, as well as its beautiful natural environment.
Language
The official language of Austria is German, which is the first language of about 97-98% of the population. The variety of German used in Austria, Austrian German, is influenced by the Austro-Bavarian dialect and differs from the German spoken in Germany and Switzerland. It constitutes a lingua franca, and most Austrians speak it. Austrian German includes words and idioms borrowed from Czech, Hungarian, Italian, Yiddish, and South Slavic languages.
In addition to German, about 250 languages are spoken in Austria, with around 20 languages (excluding official languages) having more than 10,000 speakers. The main dialects outside the western province of Vorarlberg are Austro-Bavarian and Alemannic, the latter being the dialect used in Vorarlberg. Several minority languages are also spoken, some of which have official status. These include Hungarian, Slovenian, Burgenland-Croatian, Czech, Slovak, Romany, and sign language.
English is the most common foreign language taught in schools, with approximately 40% of Austrians speaking it. French is also spoken by about 7% of the population.
Culture
Austria is known for its music and performing arts, with Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck being cultural hotspots. The country also has a strong food and drink culture, with traditional dishes and drinks like Schnapps, which has an alcohol content of about 40%. Austrian cuisine has been influenced by its diverse population, with Italian food widely available due to immigration from Italy.
The country has a centuries-long Catholic tradition, although daily life and legislation are strictly secular. Social cohesion and tolerance are highly valued in Austrian society. Austria also has a diverse sports culture, with many facilities and activities available.
November in Austria is a great time to enjoy indoor activities, music, dance, and local cuisines. The country experiences colder temperatures and rain in the milder regions, with snow in the mountains.
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Frequently asked questions
The weather in November in Austria is likely to be cold, damp, and dark, with the possibility of rain or even freezing rain in milder regions. The average high is 48°F (9°C), with colder temperatures at higher altitudes.
Given the cold weather, you should pack warm clothing.
November is a great time to enjoy music, dance, and cuisine in restaurants. It is also a good time to visit Christmas markets, go sightseeing, or relax in a thermal spa in the mountains. Vienna's ball season also kicks off in November, so you can experience a traditional ball without the crowds.
Yes, Austria has convenient public transportation, with buses and trains available even in remote spots.
Some of the critical attractions include neoclassical architecture, famous bistros, exciting adventure sports, and a love for music.
