Seville in November: What to Expect

Seville in November is one of the strongest recommendations we make for a European autumn break. The city that bakes in 35-degree summer heat is, in November, genuinely pleasant to walk around in the middle of the day. The major monuments are unhurried. The tapas bars are full of locals. Prices are low. The only downside is that you'll immediately start planning to return.

Weather

Daytime temperatures sit between 15°C and 19°C through most of November, with some rain arriving from the Atlantic in the second half of the month. Seville is considerably warmer than the rest of Europe in autumn, and even on a cloudy November day the temperatures are mild by Northern European standards. A light jacket for evenings is sufficient for most of the month.

Crowds and Prices

Low season, decisively. The Easter (Semana Santa) and April Fair crowds that define Seville's peak are long gone, and the summer heat tourism has evaporated. Hotels in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood and around the cathedral are at their most affordable. The Real Alcazar, Seville's breathtaking royal palace, is significantly quieter than at any other time between March and October. Timed entry is still required, but slots are plentiful.

What's On

Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day) on November 1 is a public holiday in Spain, with some businesses running on reduced hours. The wider November calendar in Seville is relatively quiet on major events, which is part of the appeal. The city's flamenco scene runs year-round: the small tablaos in the Santa Cruz and Triana neighbourhoods are intimate and excellent in November when the tourist audience is thinner.

Late November in Seville sees some Christmas decoration beginning, but the city's main festive season doesn't ignite until December's Inmaculada Concepcion holiday.

One Thing to Watch

The Real Alcazar is one of Spain's most popular UNESCO sites and requires timed entry tickets booked in advance, even in November. The morning slots on weekday visits are the quietest. The cathedral and the Giralda tower next door similarly benefit from advance booking. Sort these before you travel rather than hoping for walk-up availability.