Gdansk in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Gdansk

8°C (46°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Museum and indoor attraction season - perfectly cozy weather for spending hours in the European Solidarity Centre (3-4 hour visits) and Amber Museum without feeling rushed
Dramatic Baltic seascapes - November storms create spectacular 3-4m (10-13ft) waves crashing against the Long Bridge, perfect for moody photography at 4pm when light is golden
Authentic local atmosphere - locals embrace 'przytulność' (coziness) culture with milk bars packed 12pm-2pm, and traditional pierogi shops busiest after 6pm when workers finish
Christmas market preparation period - witness Długi Targ Christmas market setup from November 25th onward, plus taste seasonal foods like pierniki (gingerbread) and grzane wino (mulled wine) before tourist crowds arrive

Considerations

Daylight limited to 8 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 3:30pm by late November) - outdoor sightseeing must be planned between 10am-3pm for decent light
Baltic wind factor makes 2°C (36°F) feel like -5°C (23°F) near waterfront - Motława River embankment and crane area particularly brutal on windy days
Weekend accommodation surge - November weekends see 40-60% price increases as Polish domestic tourists visit for Christmas shopping, book weekdays for better rates

Best Activities in November

Historic Shipyard and Solidarity Centre Tours

November's raw weather creates the perfect atmosphere for understanding Gdansk's industrial heritage. The European Solidarity Centre offers 3-4 hours of indoor exploration, while the actual shipyard gates where Solidarity began are more powerful visited in authentic November conditions. Indoor exhibits at comfortable 20°C (68°F) while outdoor memorial sites gain emotional impact from the stark, grey setting.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead for weekends, typically 80-120 PLN ($20-30). English tours run 11am and 2pm daily. Combined tickets with transport included range 150-200 PLN ($37-50). Reference booking widget below for current availability and skip-the-line options.

Old Town Architecture and Amber District Walking Tours

November's soft, diffused light eliminates harsh shadows, perfect for photographing Gothic and Renaissance facades along Długa Street. Indoor amber workshops provide warm refuges every 200m (656ft), and St. Mary's Church interior is most atmospheric when contrast with grey skies outside. Plan 2-3 hour walks between 11am-2pm for optimal light.

Booking Tip: Self-guided audio tours cost 40-60 PLN ($10-15), guided group tours typically 100-150 PLN ($25-37). Book indoor segments (amber museum, church interiors) for backup during rain. See current tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Polish Cooking Classes and Food Tours

November is pierogi season - locals make winter varieties with cabbage, mushrooms, and meat that aren't available in summer. Cooking classes run 3-4 hours indoors, perfect for rainy days. Food tours include heated milk bars where workers gather for lunch, and markets selling seasonal specialties like oscypek cheese and kielbasa varieties.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically 200-300 PLN ($50-75) including meal and recipes. Food tours range 150-250 PLN ($37-62) with 6-8 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead as November classes fill with locals preparing for Christmas. Current options available in booking widget below.

Malbork Castle Day Trips

November transforms Europe's largest brick castle into a medieval fortress experience - bare trees reveal full architectural scope, and indoor heating makes 4-5 hour visits comfortable. The 57km (35 mile) journey by train takes 45 minutes, with castle interiors offering refuge from Baltic weather while exploring 13th-century chambers and exhibits.

Booking Tip: Train tickets cost 25-35 PLN ($6-9) each way, castle entry 39-49 PLN ($10-12). Combined tour packages with transport typically 180-250 PLN ($45-62). Book train tickets day-of, but guided tours 3-5 days ahead. See current castle tour options in booking section.

Baltic Coast and Sopot Winter Beach Experiences

November Baltic storms create dramatic 3-4m (10-13ft) waves spectacular for photography and Baltic Sea spa treatments. Sopot's 511m (1,677ft) wooden pier in stormy weather offers unique experiences, while heated spa facilities along the coast provide warmth after beach walks. The 20km (12.4 mile) coastal railway journey takes 30 minutes.

Booking Tip: Beach spa packages range 150-300 PLN ($37-75) for 2-3 hours including sauna and treatments. Coastal train tickets cost 8-12 PLN ($2-3). Weather-dependent activities - check morning forecasts. Indoor spa bookings recommended 5-7 days ahead, see current options below.

Heated River Cruise and Maritime Museum Tours

November Motława River cruises on heated boats offer unique perspectives of colorful burgher houses against grey skies. The Maritime Museum's ship exhibits provide 2-3 hours of indoor exploration, while the medieval crane (Żuraw) gains atmospheric power in stark November light. Cruises run 45-60 minutes with indoor seating.

Booking Tip: Heated river cruises typically 60-90 PLN ($15-22) for 1-hour trips. Maritime Museum entry 25-35 PLN ($6-9). Combined packages with multiple attractions range 120-180 PLN ($30-45). Cruises run weather permitting - indoor museum backup essential. Current cruise schedules in booking widget below.

November Events & Festivals

Late November (29-30th)

St. Andrew's Day (Andrzejki) Celebrations

Traditional Polish fortune-telling celebrations on November 29-30th throughout Bratislava. Local restaurants and cultural centers host wax-pouring ceremonies and traditional games. Folk performances and seasonal food tastings in heated indoor venues.

Late November (25th onward)

Christmas Market Setup Period

Witness the transformation of Długi Targ into Christmas wonderland from November 25th onward. Stalls construction, early vendor arrivals, and first seasonal food offerings before December crowds. Unique behind-the-scenes experience of market preparation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof winter boots with good tread - cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Layering system: thermal base layer, wool sweater, waterproof outer shell - indoor attractions are heated to 20-22°C (68-72°F) while streets feel like -5°C (23°F) with wind

Compact umbrella that handles wind gusts up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) - cheap umbrellas break in Baltic coastal winds

Waterproof phone case and portable charger - battery drains 30-40% faster in cold temperatures below 5°C (41°F)

Warm hat covering ears - essential for 30-45 minute outdoor walks between attractions when temperature feels like -5°C (23°F)

Touchscreen-compatible gloves - needed for phone photos and navigation, regular gloves require constant removal

Moisture-wicking socks and backup pair - feet get wet despite waterproof boots during 43mm (1.7 inches) monthly rainfall

Small daypack with waterproof cover - protects cameras and documents during sudden 15-20 minute downpours

Cash in small bills - traditional milk bars and some museums don't accept cards, budget 150-200 PLN ($37-50) daily cash

Lip balm and moisturizer - 85% humidity drops to 40% indoors with heating, causing rapid skin drying

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat lunch 12pm-2pm at milk bars (bar mleczny) - join office workers for authentic pierogi at 8-15 PLN ($2-4) per dish, warmest and busiest spots during November cold snaps

Museum heating creates condensation on camera lenses - allow 10-15 minutes adjustment time when moving from 2°C (36°F) outdoor temperatures to 20°C (68°F) indoor spaces

November weekend accommodation prices jump 40-60% due to Polish Christmas shopping trips - book Tuesday-Thursday arrivals for savings of 100-200 PLN ($25-50) per night

Baltic wind creates 'tunnel effect' between Bratislava buildings - Długa Street and streets perpendicular to waterfront feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder than actual temperature

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Baltic wind chill factor - 2°C (36°F) feels like -5°C (23°F) near waterfront, dress for the 'feels like' temperature not actual temperature

Planning full outdoor days - with only 8 hours daylight and frequent rain, successful November visits alternate 2 hours outdoor/2 hours indoor throughout the day

Wearing cotton layers - cotton retains moisture in 85% humidity and 10 rainy days, choose wool or synthetic materials that dry quickly and retain warmth when damp