Weather in the Netherlands in November
November in the Netherlands is cool, damp, and increasingly dark, but it’s also a month of cozy indoor escapes and unique seasonal charm. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 9°C (37°F to 48°F). Rain is frequent—expect about 18–20 rainy days during the month, with total precipitation around 75–85 mm. Daylight shrinks to roughly 8.5 hours by late November, with sunrise around 8:15 AM and sunset as early as 4:30 PM. Wind speeds average 15–20 km/h, with occasional stronger gusts along the coast. Snow is rare but possible in the far east near the German border. Pack for layering: a waterproof jacket, warm sweater, scarf, gloves, and sturdy waterproof shoes are non-negotiable.
Best Activities in the Netherlands in November
1. Explore the Amsterdam Light Festival (Late November–January)
Running from late November 2025 through mid-January 2026, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s canals with large-scale light installations by international artists. The best way to experience it is via a 1-hour canal cruise (€22–€28 per adult). Book tickets through Amsterdam Light Festival’s official website or via Canal Company (Prinsengracht 263). Walking routes are free along the Watercolors route (central canals) and the Illuminade route (Eastern Docklands). Tip: Go on a weekday evening (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid crowds. Cruise departures run 5:30 PM–9:30 PM.2. Visit the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam)
November’s drizzle makes world-class museums a top pick. The Rijksmuseum (Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam) houses Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Adults: €22.50 (online booking required; skip-the-line tickets are €25). Free for children under 18. Open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. November sees shorter queues than summer, but weekends still get busy. Arrive by 9:15 AM for a quieter visit. Tram 2 or 12 from Centraal Station stops at Museumplein.3. Take a Day Trip to Kinderdijk
The Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage site (Nederwaard 1, Kinderdijk) features 19 iconic windmills. In November, the mills operate on reduced hours (10:00 AM–4:00 PM). Entry to the park is free; access to the museum mill and pumping station costs €10 for adults. From Rotterdam, take Waterbus line 20 (€4.50 one-way, 30-minute ride) from Erasmusbrug to Ridderkerk, then transfer to bus 190 to Kinderdijk (€2.50). Alternatively, drive (parking €6 per day). The flat, windswept landscape is atmospheric under grey skies—bring a windproof jacket.4. Wander the Hoge Veluwe National Park
This 55 km² park (Apeldoornseweg 250, Otterlo) offers heathland, forests, and sand dunes. November is quiet, with fewer cyclists. Entry: €12.95 per adult (includes free use of the park’s white bicycles). The Kröller-Müller Museum inside the park (€13.50 extra) houses the second-largest Van Gogh collection. Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). From Apeldoorn station, bus 108 runs every 30 minutes (€3.20). Wear waterproof boots—trails can be muddy.5. Sample Dutch Winter Food at a Local Market
November is the start of the oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and erwtensoep (pea soup) season. Head to Albert Cuypmarkt (Albert Cuypstraat, Amsterdam; Mon–Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) for a fresh oliebol (€1.50). In The Hague, Haagse Markt (Hobbemaplein; Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) offers herring, cheese, and stroopwafels. For sit-down pea soup, try Restaurant Haesje Claes (Spuistraat 273, Amsterdam) at €12.50 a bowl. Cash is preferred at market stalls.6. Tour the Anne Frank House (Amsterdam)
Prinsengracht 263–267 is a poignant historical site. November’s lower tourist numbers mean better ticket availability, but book at least 2–3 weeks ahead on the official website. Tickets: €16 for adults, €7 for ages 10–17. Open daily 9:00 AM–10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM). No on-site ticket sales. The tour takes about 60–75 minutes. Tram 13 or 14 to Westermarkt stop.7. Cycle Through Utrecht’s Canals
Utrecht is less crowded than Amsterdam in November. Rent a bike from Rent-a-Bike Utrecht (Vredenburg 40) for €12 per day. Cycle the Oudegracht canal route (5 km loop) past wharf cellars and the Dom Tower. The Dom Tower (Domplein) is open for climbing (465 steps) 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, €12.50. Rain gear essential. For a warm break, stop at Koffie Leute (Oudegracht 64) for a cappuccino (€3.50).8. Visit the Mauritshuis (The Hague)
Home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, the Mauritshuis (Plein 29, The Hague) is a compact, manageable museum. November hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Mon 1:00 PM–6:00 PM. Adults: €19.50, free for under 18. Online booking recommended. From Den Haag Centraal, take tram 16 or bus 22 to Korte Voorhout. The museum café serves hot chocolate (€4.00) with whipped cream.9. Attend Sinterklaas Arrival Events (Mid-November)
The Sinterklaas arrival (intocht) occurs on the third Saturday of November (November 15, 2025). The main event is in Amsterdam at the IJ waterfront (free, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM). Other cities host their own parades: Rotterdam at Willemsplein, Utrecht at Oudegracht. Expect street processions, candy throws (pepernoten), and children’s activities. Arrive by 11:30 AM for a good view. Public transport runs extra services—check NS.nl for schedules.10. Relax in a Dutch Spa (Thermen)
November’s chill calls for thermal baths. Thermen Bussloo (Bussloselaan 1, Voorst) is a 90-minute drive from Amsterdam. Day entry: €35–€45 (includes sauna, steam bath, and outdoor pools). Open 9:00 AM–11:00 PM. Bring your own towel (rental €5). Nearer to cities: Sauna Deco (Amsterdam, €28 for 3 hours) or Thermen Maastricht (€40 for day pass). Book online for a €2 discount.November Events in the Netherlands
| Event | Dates (2025) | Location | Cost | Details |
|-------|--------------|----------|------|---------|
| Amsterdam Light Festival | Nov 27–Jan 18 | Canals, Amsterdam | Free (walking); cruises €22–€28 | 20+ light installations; routes online |
| Sinterklaas Intocht | Nov 15 | Nationwide (main: Amsterdam) | Free | Parades start 12:00 PM; check local listings |
| Museum Night | Nov 1 (Rotterdam), Nov 8 (Amsterdam) | Various museums | €10–€15 per city | 7:00 PM–1:00 AM; single ticket covers 50+ museums |
| Dutch Film Festival | Nov 12–20 | Utrecht (various cinemas) | €12 per screening | Focus on Dutch documentaries and shorts |
| Christmas Markets Begin | Late Nov (e.g., Valkenburg) | Valkenburg, Dordrecht | Free entry | Valkenburg’s underground market in caves (€5) |
Packing Checklist for November
- Waterproof jacket (with hood; Gore-Tex recommended)
- Warm sweater (merino wool or fleece)
- Waterproof walking shoes (with good grip)
- Scarf, gloves, and beanie (wind chill makes a big difference)
- Layered clothing (thermal top, long-sleeve shirt, fleece)
- Umbrella (compact, wind-resistant)
- Small backpack (day trips)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe and free)
- Power bank (short days mean heavy phone use for maps)
- Passport/ID (carry at all times)
- Travel insurance card (medical coverage recommended)
- Cash (€20–€50 for markets and small shops; ATMs widespread)
Transport Tips for November
- Trains: NS (Dutch Railways) runs frequent services. Amsterdam to Rotterdam: 40 minutes, €16 one-way. Buy an OV-chipkaart (€7.50 card fee + credit) or use contactless payment (debit/credit cards accepted on NS trains since 2023). Avoid peak hours (6:30–9:00 AM, 4:30–6:30 PM) for cheaper off-peak tickets (40% discount with a Dal Voordeel subscription, €5.60/month).
- Buses & Trams: In cities, single tickets are €3.20 (check in/out with OV-chipkaart or contactless). Day passes: €8.50 (Amsterdam GVB day pass).
- Bicycles: Rent from MacBike (stations in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam) for €12–€15/day. November cycling requires lights (mandatory; rentals include them) and rain gear. Avoid cycling in icy conditions—check Weeronline.nl for warnings.
- Flights: Schiphol Airport (AMS) is the main hub. Train to Amsterdam Centraal: 15 minutes, €5.50. Use NS International for train connections to Belgium and Germany.
FAQ
1. Is November a good time to visit the Netherlands?
Yes, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower hotel prices (30–40% less than summer). Expect rain and short days, but indoor attractions (museums, thermal baths) are excellent. The Amsterdam Light Festival and Sinterklaas events add unique charm.
2. What should I wear in the Netherlands in November?
Layers are key. A waterproof jacket, warm sweater, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes are essential. Temperatures hover around 3–9°C (37–48°F), and wind can make it feel colder. Avoid cotton jeans if rain is heavy—they take long to dry.
3. Are museums open in November?
Yes, most museums operate year-round with reduced hours on public holidays (e.g., November 11 (St. Maarten) may see some closures). Check individual websites. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Mauritshuis are open daily. Book tickets online to guarantee entry.
4. How do I get around the Netherlands in November?
Trains are the best option for intercity travel. OV-chipkaart or contactless debit/credit cards work on all public transport. Biking is possible but requires rain gear and lights. Avoid renting a car unless you’re visiting rural areas—parking is expensive (€5–€8/hour in cities).
5. What are the best free activities in November?
The Amsterdam Light Festival walking route, Sinterklaas arrival parades, and exploring parks like Vondelpark (Amsterdam) or the Maas riverfront (Rotterdam) are free. Many museums offer free entry with a Museumkaart (€64.90 annual pass) if you’re staying a week or more.
6. Is it safe to travel to the Netherlands in November?
Yes, the Netherlands is very safe. Petty theft (pickpocketing) is common in tourist areas like Amsterdam’s Dam Square and Central Station—use a cross-body bag. November’s shorter daylight hours mean more caution after dark in isolated areas, but city centers are well-lit and busy. Emergency number: 112.