Things to Do in Vilnius in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Vilnius
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas market season begins mid-November with Katedros aikštė transforming into a winter wonderland - fewer tourists than December, better prices on mulled wine (€3-4 vs €5-6 later)
- Hotel prices drop 35-40% compared to summer peak - luxury hotels like Kempinski Cathedral Square available for €120-150/night instead of €200+
- Museum and gallery visits are perfect in grey weather - major exhibitions at MO Museum and National Gallery have shorter queues, plus heating creates cozy atmosphere
- Authentic Lithuanian comfort food season - restaurants serve hearty cepelinai, šaltibarščiai variants, and seasonal game dishes that aren't available in warmer months
Considerations
- Daylight lasts only 8 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 3:45pm) making outdoor sightseeing rushed - you'll need to plan carefully around limited light
- Frequent drizzle and overcast skies create perpetual grey atmosphere that can feel depressing - 15+ consecutive cloudy days are common
- Many outdoor terraces and rooftop bars close or reduce hours significantly - Vilnius's famous summer café culture goes into hibernation
Best Activities in November
Historic Old Town Walking Tours
November's crisp air and fewer crowds make this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for exploration. The grey light actually enhances the Gothic architecture's dramatic shadows. Most walking tours run 2-3 hours covering 3 km (1.9 miles) through cobblestone streets. Indoor stops at St. Anne's Church and Vilnius Cathedral provide warmth breaks.
Traditional Lithuanian Cooking Classes
Perfect November activity as seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, and preserved meats are at their peak. Learn to make cepelinai (potato dumplings) and beet soup in warm, cozy kitchens. Classes run 3-4 hours and you eat what you cook - ideal when it's grey and damp outside.
Soviet History Underground Tours
November's somber atmosphere perfectly matches exploring KGB Museum, former prison cells, and Soviet-era bunkers. The cold, damp weather mirrors the historical period. These 2-3 hour tours are entirely indoors, making them ideal for rainy days that occur 10+ times in November.
Art Gallery and Museum Circuit
November is prime cultural season with new exhibitions opening and locals spending more time indoors. MO Museum, National Gallery, and Contemporary Art Centre are heated, well-lit spaces perfect for grey days. You can easily spend 4-6 hours museum hopping with café breaks.
Traditional Bathhouse and Spa Experiences
Lithuanian banya (sauna) culture is essential in November's damp cold. Traditional bathhouses offer birch branch beatings, honey scrubs, and hot/cold plunge cycles - perfect antidote to 85% humidity and near-freezing temperatures. Sessions run 2-3 hours.
Christmas Market Early Access
Vilnius Christmas markets open mid-November with significantly fewer crowds than December. Katedros aikštė market offers traditional crafts, hot wine, and Lithuanian honey cake in heated stalls. Perfect for November's early darkness - markets are beautifully lit and provide warm gathering spaces.
November Events & Festivals
Vilnius Christmas Market Opening
The main Christmas market in Cathedral Square typically opens around November 15th, featuring traditional Lithuanian crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats. Much quieter than December with better prices and easier navigation.
Scanorama Film Festival
Lithuania's largest international film festival usually runs late November, showcasing European cinema in heated venues across the city. Perfect indoor cultural activity during grey, damp weather.