Lithuania in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Lithuania

8°C (46°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Authentic Nordic atmosphere - forests draped in frost, traditional saunas steaming, and locals embracing hygge season with hot drinks and warm indoor gatherings
Museum and cultural season peaks - major exhibitions open, concert halls in full swing, and indoor attractions offer extended programming without summer tourist crowds
Thermal spa season begins - outdoor hot springs and spa complexes become magical with steam rising against cold air, plus significantly lower prices than peak winter months
Christmas market preparation starts - early holiday atmosphere emerges in Vilnius with traditional crafts appearing and seasonal foods like šakotis and honey cakes available

Considerations

Daylight severely limited - sun rises around 7:30am and sets by 4:15pm, leaving only 8.5 hours of weak daylight for outdoor exploration
Weather unpredictability - temperatures can swing from -2°C (28°F) to 12°C (54°F) within days, making packing and planning outdoor activities challenging
Many outdoor attractions reduced operations - Trakai Castle boat tours end, some forest trails become muddy and less accessible, and coastal areas turn harsh and windy

Best Activities in November

Vilnius Old Town Cultural Walking Tours

November's gray atmosphere perfectly complements Vilnius's Gothic and Baroque architecture, creating moody photo opportunities without summer crowds. Indoor portions of tours include heated churches, warm cafes, and museums. Rain breaks become opportunities to experience local coffee culture and traditional Lithuanian pastries.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through certified local guides. Tours typically cost €25-45 per person and include indoor warm-up stops. Look for tours that combine outdoor walking with museum visits. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Lithuanian Sauna Experiences

November marks the beginning of serious sauna season when locals embrace this centuries-old tradition. The contrast between 80°C (176°F) sauna heat and cold November air creates the authentic Nordic experience. Many facilities offer traditional pirtis (Lithuanian bathhouse) rituals with birch branches and honey treatments.

Booking Tip: Rural saunas and spa complexes offer packages starting €35-60 for 2-3 hours. Book weekend sessions 1-2 weeks ahead. Look for facilities that include traditional rituals and local meals. See current spa options in booking section below.

Amber Museum and Workshop Tours

November's indoor museum season coincides with amber's historical significance - ancient Baltic tribes harvested amber during late autumn storms. Workshop experiences include creating jewelry while learning about Lithuania's 'Baltic Gold' heritage. Many museums offer extended evening hours during darker months.

Booking Tip: Museum workshops typically cost €20-40 including materials. Book specialized amber experiences 5-7 days ahead. Look for combinations that include Palanga Amber Museum visits and hands-on workshops. See current cultural tours in booking section below.

Trakai Castle and Regional History Tours

November transforms Trakai into a fairy-tale setting with mist rising from the lakes and bare trees framing the medieval castle. Indoor castle tours become more appealing, and traditional Karaite restaurants offer hearty seasonal dishes like kibinai perfect for cold weather exploration.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours from Vilnius cost €45-75 including transport and entrance fees. Book 5-10 days ahead as some operators reduce November schedules. Look for tours that include traditional Karaite lunch and heated transport. See current castle tours in booking section below.

Lithuanian Craft Beer and Spirits Tasting

November begins the traditional brewing season, and Lithuania's craft beer scene showcases seasonal ales and traditional honey wines (midus). Indoor brewery tours provide warmth while exploring Lithuania's beer culture, which dates back to medieval times. Many include traditional food pairings with seasonal ingredients.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours in Vilnius and Kaunas cost €25-50 including tastings and snacks. Book 3-7 days ahead, especially for weekend tours. Look for experiences that include traditional Lithuanian spirits and local food pairings. See current brewery tours in booking section below.

Hill of Crosses Pilgrimage and Northern Lithuania Tours

November's somber atmosphere intensifies the spiritual experience at this remarkable site with over 100,000 crosses. The bare landscape and gray skies create powerful photographic conditions, and fewer tourists mean more contemplative visits. Tours often include other northern sites like Latvia.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost €65-95 from Vilnius including transport and guide. Book 7-14 days ahead as tour frequency reduces in November. Look for small group tours with heated vehicles and indoor lunch stops. See current pilgrimage tours in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Vilnius Jazz Festival

One of the Baltic region's premier jazz events featuring international and local artists across multiple venues in Vilnius. The intimate indoor venues and November's cozy atmosphere create perfect conditions for appreciating world-class jazz performances.

Late November

Margučių Gatvės Christmas Market Opening

Vilnius's traditional Christmas market preparation begins in late November, featuring local artisans, traditional Lithuanian holiday foods, and handcrafted ornaments. Early visitors experience the setup atmosphere before peak December crowds arrive.

Early November

St. Martin's Day Wine Celebrations

Traditional Lithuanian celebration marking the wine harvest season, celebrated in restaurants and cultural centers with special menus featuring seasonal ingredients and Lithuanian wine tastings paired with folk music performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof insulated boots rated for wet conditions - November brings 18 rainy days with temperatures often hovering around freezing

Layering system with merino wool base layers - temperature swings from 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F) require adaptable clothing

Quality waterproof jacket with hood - not just rain-resistant, as November brings persistent drizzle and occasional sleet

Warm accessories including insulated gloves and wool hat - exposed extremities get cold quickly during 8.5-hour daylight periods

Portable phone charger/power bank - cold weather drains batteries faster during long indoor cultural site visits

Comfortable indoor shoes or slippers - many traditional accommodations and cultural sites require shoe removal

High-quality moisturizer and lip balm - 85% humidity combined with indoor heating creates skin dryness

Small umbrella that fits in day pack - sudden showers are common and finding immediate shelter isn't always possible

Wool socks (multiple pairs) - keeping feet dry and warm is essential for comfortable walking on cobblestone streets

Light headlamp or small flashlight - darkness comes early at 4:15pm and some historical sites have limited lighting

Insider Knowledge

November is when locals start their weekly sauna rituals - join authentic pirtis experiences at rural locations like Anykščiai or Druskininkai where prices are 40% lower than peak winter months

Take advantage of 'šaltis' (cold) season restaurant menus featuring game meats, root vegetables, and traditional warming dishes like cepelinai and šaltibarščiai that aren't available in summer

Book accommodation with reliable heating systems - older guesthouses in Vilnius can be charming but inadequately heated, while Soviet-era buildings often have excellent central heating

Museums and cultural sites extend evening hours in November to compensate for short daylight - many stay open until 8pm with special lighting that creates atmospheric experiences

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor activities after 3pm leaves little buffer time before complete darkness at 4:15pm

Packing only for cold OR rain - November weather requires preparation for both simultaneously, including waterproof layers that provide warmth

Assuming summer outdoor activities are available - many boat tours, outdoor markets, and forest activities either close or operate on severely reduced schedules