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Zaragoza - Things to Do in Zaragoza in November

Things to Do in Zaragoza in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Zaragoza

15°C (59°F) High Temp
6°C (43°F) Low Temp
33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Comfortable walking weather - those 15°C (59°F) afternoons are perfect for exploring the old town without breaking a sweat, and the 6°C (43°F) mornings actually feel refreshing rather than punishing
  • Pilar Festival aftermath means locals are back in their rhythm - you get the authentic city without the October crowds that pack Plaza del Pilar shoulder-to-shoulder during the main celebrations
  • Indoor attractions shine in November - the Aljafería Palace, Goya Museum, and Pablo Serrano Museum are comfortably uncrowded, and when those 10 rainy days hit, you'll appreciate having world-class museums as backup plans
  • Seasonal food hits its stride - this is when restaurants start serving proper cocido aragonés and ternasco asado, the hearty dishes that define Aragonese winter cooking and taste wrong in warmer months

Considerations

  • Daylight runs short - sunset around 5:45pm means your outdoor sightseeing window closes early, and those beautiful Ebro River walks feel less appealing in the dark
  • Weather genuinely unpredictable - that 33 mm (1.3 inches) of rain doesn't sound like much, but it arrives in bursts across 10 days, and you might get a sunny 18°C (64°F) afternoon followed by a grey 8°C (46°F) morning the next day
  • Cierzo wind can be brutal - Zaragoza's infamous northwest wind picks up in November, and when it hits 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph), walking across exposed plazas like Plaza del Pilar becomes genuinely unpleasant

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Best Activities in November

Mudéjar Architecture Walking Routes

November's cool temperatures make this the ideal month for walking the UNESCO-listed Mudéjar trail that connects La Seo Cathedral, San Pablo Church, and the Aljafería Palace. The 6-8 km (3.7-5 miles) route takes 3-4 hours at a comfortable pace, and you'll actually want to be outside in 12-15°C (54-59°F) weather rather than melting in July heat. The low autumn sun creates spectacular light through the brick towers around 4pm. Worth noting - the Aljafería is significantly less crowded than in spring or October.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works perfectly with a decent map, but audio guide rentals at major sites typically cost 3-5 euros. If you want context, book walking tours 3-5 days ahead through standard booking platforms - expect to pay 15-25 euros for 2-3 hour tours. The booking widget below shows current options with English-speaking guides.

Tapas Route Through El Tubo District

The historic bar district comes alive in November evenings when locals pack into tiny bars around 8-10pm for the tapeo ritual. The cool weather means standing outside with a caña and pincho feels pleasant rather than freezing or sweltering. This is peak season for seasonal tapas - look for dishes featuring borage, cardoon, and wild mushrooms that don't appear in summer. The 70% humidity actually keeps the cured jamón hanging in bars at perfect moisture levels.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically run 35-55 euros for 3-hour experiences covering 4-6 bars with tastings included. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend slots. Alternatively, just show up around 8pm and follow the crowds - bars along Calle Estébanes and Calle Libertad are reliable starting points. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Goya Museum and Art Gallery Circuit

Those 10 rainy days make November perfect for Zaragoza's underrated art scene. The Goya Museum houses the world's most complete collection of his engravings, and November's softer light makes the galleries particularly atmospheric. Combine it with the IAACC Pablo Serrano for contemporary Spanish art and the CaixaForum for rotating exhibitions. Each museum takes 60-90 minutes, and they're spaced 1-2 km (0.6-1.2 miles) apart for manageable walking even in drizzle.

Booking Tip: Museum entry typically runs 6-8 euros each, though some offer free evening hours on specific weekdays. No advance booking needed for general admission - just show up. Combined art passes sometimes available through tourism offices for 12-15 euros covering multiple venues. Current cultural tour packages appear in the booking widget below.

Ebro River Cycling Routes

The 15 km (9.3 miles) of paved riverside paths are genuinely excellent in November when summer heat isn't baking the exposed sections. Rent bikes and ride from Parque del Agua to the Ranillas district and back - takes 90 minutes at tourist pace with photo stops. Morning rides around 10-11am hit that sweet spot when temperatures reach 12-14°C (54-57°F) but before potential afternoon rain. The bare trees actually improve river views compared to leafy summer.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals citywide typically cost 10-15 euros per day for basic city bikes, 18-25 euros for better touring bikes. No reservation needed except weekends. Pick up bikes near Plaza del Pilar or Parque Grande. Guided bike tours run 25-35 euros for 2-3 hours including bike and guide - book 3-5 days ahead through platforms shown in the booking section below.

Thermal Bath and Spa Experiences

November's the month when Zaragoza's spa culture makes perfect sense. After walking the cold morning streets, soaking in 34-36°C (93-97°F) thermal pools feels earned rather than excessive. Several facilities offer traditional Arabic bath experiences reflecting the city's Moorish heritage, with typical 90-minute sessions including warm pools, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. The contrast between 6°C (43°F) outdoor temperatures and heated pools is genuinely therapeutic.

Booking Tip: Spa sessions typically range 25-45 euros depending on services included. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend slots as locals pack these places November through March. Weekday afternoons around 3-5pm tend to be quieter. Massage add-ons run an additional 20-35 euros for 30 minutes. Check current spa packages in the booking widget below.

Day Trips to Pyrenees Foothills

November offers a unique window - the Pyrenees foothills around Huesca and Jaca are beautifully crisp without summer crowds or winter snow closures. Towns like Alquézar and Ainsa sit 90-120 km (56-75 miles) from Zaragoza, manageable as day trips. Temperatures in the foothills run 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than Zaragoza, so you get proper autumn mountain scenery with golden larches and clear air. The Mallos de Riglos rock formations are spectacular in November light.

Booking Tip: Organized day tours typically run 55-75 euros including transport and guide for 8-10 hour trips. Book 10-14 days ahead as November departures are less frequent than peak season. Alternatively, rent a car for 35-50 euros per day and drive yourself - roads are excellent and uncrowded. Current Pyrenees day trip options appear in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Feria de Otoño (Autumn Fair)

This commercial and cultural fair typically runs first two weeks of November at the Feria de Zaragoza grounds. It's evolved into a mix of trade exhibitions, food stalls featuring Aragonese products, and evening concerts. Not a tourist-focused event exactly - more a chance to see how locals shop for winter goods, taste seasonal foods, and browse regional crafts. Entry usually free, though some pavilions charge 3-5 euros.

Mid November

San Martín Wine Celebrations

November 11th marks the traditional opening of new wine in Aragonese wine country, particularly in Cariñena and Campo de Borja regions 45-60 km (28-37 miles) from Zaragoza. Many bodegas offer tastings and cellar tours this weekend. In the city itself, wine bars run special tastings of the año wines. It's a low-key celebration compared to harvest festivals, but wine enthusiasts will find authentic experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system is non-negotiable - pack a merino or synthetic base layer, mid-weight fleece, and wind-resistant outer shell. That 9°C (16°F) temperature swing between morning and afternoon means you'll be adding and removing layers constantly
Wind-blocking jacket specifically - the cierzo wind cuts through regular jackets, so bring something with tight weave or membrane. A packable windbreaker over your fleece works better than one thick coat
Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - those 10 rainy days mean wet cobblestones in the old town, which get genuinely slippery. Boots with good tread beat stylish sneakers every time
Compact umbrella rather than rain jacket hood alone - Zaragoza's streets create wind tunnels, and hoods blow back uselessly. A sturdy folding umbrella around 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) collapsed fits in day bags
Sunglasses despite November timing - UV index of 8 is surprisingly high for autumn, and that low-angle sun reflects off the Ebro River and light stone buildings directly into your eyes around midday
Scarf or neck gaiter for wind protection - locals wrap up their necks religiously when the cierzo blows, and you'll understand why after one exposed walk across Plaza del Pilar
Day pack around 20-25 liters (1,220-1,526 cubic inches) - you'll be carrying those layers you shed by afternoon, plus water, umbrella, and whatever you pick up shopping
Moisturizer and lip balm - that 70% humidity sounds comfortable, but the wind dries out exposed skin faster than you'd expect. Locals slather on hand cream throughout November
Reusable water bottle - Zaragoza's tap water is excellent and fountains are everywhere. Saves money and plastic, plus staying hydrated helps with the dry wind effects
Small LED headlamp or phone with good flashlight - with sunset at 5:45pm, you'll be navigating evening streets earlier than expected, and some old town alleys have minimal lighting

Insider Knowledge

The cierzo wind follows predictable patterns - it typically builds through the day and peaks around 3-5pm, then dies down by evening. Schedule outdoor walking for mornings, save indoor museums and shopping for afternoon when the wind makes plazas miserable. Locals check wind forecasts as religiously as rain predictions.
November is when restaurants transition menus from summer to winter, usually around the second week. This means you catch both seasons - early November still has some lighter dishes while late November brings out the proper cocido, ternasco, and game meats. Ask servers what's 'de temporada ahora' for the freshest options.
The 5:45pm sunset catches tourists off-guard repeatedly - they plan afternoon activities without realizing they'll be finishing in darkness. The Basilica del Pilar looks spectacular lit up at night, but the riverside walks and park areas feel isolated after dark. Adjust your mental schedule back by two hours compared to summer planning.
Free museum days cluster in November - many institutions offer free entry Sunday mornings or specific weekday evenings. The tourism office website lists current schedules, but it's worth asking your hotel for November's updated list. Locals pack these free slots, so arrive right when doors open.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the cierzo wind - tourists bring adequate clothing for 15°C (59°F) temperatures but not for 40 km/h (25 mph) wind that makes it feel like 8°C (46°F). You'll see them shivering in regular jackets while locals are bundled in wind-blocking layers. That wind is no joke.
Assuming November is off-season everywhere - while Zaragoza itself is quiet, it's still weekend trip season for Spanish domestic travelers. Hotels near the train station fill up Friday-Saturday with Madrid and Barcelona visitors. Book accommodation at least 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends, or you'll pay premium rates for remaining rooms.
Planning full outdoor days without rain backup - those 10 rainy days spread unpredictably across the month, and when rain hits, it tends to settle in for 3-4 hours rather than passing quickly. Tourists lose half a day standing under awnings waiting for clearing that doesn't come. Always have a museum or indoor market as Plan B.

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October

Travel guide for October

December

Travel guide for December

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Weather and seasonal patterns for Zaragoza

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