Things to Do in Brno in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Brno

7°C (45°F) High Temp
2°C (35°F) Low Temp
33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Christmas markets begin opening mid-November - Brno's markets at Freedom Square and Moravian Square are less crowded than Prague's but equally atmospheric with traditional trdelník and svařák (mulled wine) for 80-120 CZK
  • Hotel prices drop 40-60% from summer peaks - luxury hotels in city center average 2,500-3,500 CZK versus 4,500+ CZK in June-August
  • Perfect museum and castle weather - Spilberk Castle's indoor exhibitions are comfortable when outdoor temperatures hover around 4°C (39°F), and you'll have galleries mostly to yourself
  • Traditional autumn cuisine season - restaurants serve seasonal game dishes, duck with red cabbage, and fresh wine from the Moravian wine harvest through November

Considerations

  • Daylight ends by 4:30 PM by late November - severely limits outdoor sightseeing time and makes evening photography challenging
  • Frequent drizzle requires constant umbrella carrying - light rain occurs on 10+ days with overcast skies dominating the month
  • Many outdoor beer gardens close or reduce hours - traditional summer drinking culture moves indoors, limiting authentic local experiences

Best Activities in November

Underground tunnel tours and crypt explorations

November's cool 4°C (39°F) weather makes Brno's extensive underground network comfortable year-round. The Labyrinth under Vegetable Market maintains 12°C (54°F) temperature, feeling warm compared to surface conditions. Bone Ossuary at St. James Church offers atmospheric experience enhanced by November's gothic mood. Tours run every 30 minutes with minimal crowds compared to summer.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead online for 20% discount versus walk-up rates. Underground tours typically cost 150-280 CZK. Look for combination tickets covering multiple underground sites. Tours run rain or shine, perfect for November's unpredictable weather. Reference booking widget for current tour combinations.

Traditional Moravian wine cellar experiences

November is prime time for fresh wine tastings following October harvest. Traditional sklepy (wine cellars) in nearby Moravian wine villages offer cozy indoor experiences perfect for cool November evenings. Temperature-controlled cellars provide warm refuge from 2°C (35°F) outdoor lows. Many cellars offer paired local cheese and charcuterie.

Booking Tip: Wine cellar visits typically cost 400-800 CZK including tastings of 5-7 wines. Book through accommodation or tourist office for authentic family-run cellars rather than commercial operations. Many require advance booking, especially weekends. Transportation back to Brno usually arranged. See current cellar tours in booking section below.

Christmas market and holiday preparation tours

Mid to late November marks the magical transformation as Christmas markets begin setup. Freedom Square market opens around November 25th, offering early access before Prague crowds discover it. Warm svařák (mulled wine) and traditional crafts provide perfect contrast to crisp 5°C (41°F) afternoon temperatures. Local artisans demonstrate glass-blowing and wood carving.

Booking Tip: Christmas market food tours typically cost 600-900 CZK including tastings at 5-6 stalls plus historical context. Book after November 20th when most stalls open. Evening tours (4-6 PM) capture market lighting as daylight fades. Look for tours including traditional craft workshops. Check booking widget for current holiday-themed experiences.

Indoor cultural institution marathons

November's limited daylight and frequent drizzle make this ideal for intensive museum and gallery exploration. Moravian Gallery, Technical Museum, and Brno City Museum offer world-class collections with November's minimal crowds. Many institutions offer November-specific exhibitions preparing for holiday season. Indoor temperatures provide comfortable contrast to outdoor chill.

Booking Tip: Museum day passes typically cost 250-400 CZK covering 3-4 institutions. Purchase Brno Culture Card for 20% discount at participating venues. Most museums open 9 AM-6 PM, maximizing limited daylight hours. Book guided tours 2-3 days ahead for English language options. Current cultural tours available in booking section below.

Traditional Czech cooking classes

November's cool weather creates perfect atmosphere for learning hearty Moravian cuisine. Seasonal ingredients like fresh sauerkraut, game meats, and new wine feature in November cooking classes. Indoor activities provide warm, social experience during month's challenging weather. Classes typically include market shopping and 3-course meal preparation.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost 800-1,400 CZK including ingredients and wine pairings. Book 5-7 days ahead as class sizes limited to 6-8 people. Afternoon classes (2-6 PM) work well with November's early sunset. Look for classes featuring seasonal November ingredients like duck, cabbage, and spätzle. See current cooking experiences in booking section.

Historic castle and fortress explorations

Spilberk Castle and surrounding fortifications offer compelling indoor exhibitions perfect for November weather. Castle's baroque halls maintain comfortable temperatures while outdoor courtyards provide dramatic views over city when weather permits. November's bare trees reveal architectural details hidden in summer foliage. Minimal tourist crowds allow leisurely exploration.

Booking Tip: Castle admission typically costs 120-200 CZK with guided tours adding 150-250 CZK. Audio guides available in English for self-paced exploration. Visit mid-morning (10 AM-noon) for best lighting in limited daylight. Combination tickets with underground tours offer value. Current castle tour options available in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Brno Christmas Market Opening

Traditional Christmas market opens at Freedom Square around November 25th, featuring local artisans, traditional foods, and holiday entertainment. Less commercialized than Prague markets with authentic Moravian crafts and regional specialties like moravské koláče pastries.

November 11

St. Martin's Day Wine Celebrations

November 11th marks traditional opening of new wine vintage in Moravian region. Local restaurants and wine bars offer special menus pairing fresh wines with roasted goose and seasonal vegetables. Many venues offer special St. Martin's tasting menus.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, which happens 10+ days in November
Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 2°C (35°F) at dawn to 7°C (45°F) afternoon require easy adjustment
Compact umbrella - light drizzle occurs frequently but rarely lasts more than 30-45 minutes at a time
Warm scarf and gloves - essential for Christmas market browsing and outdoor photography during limited daylight hours
Power bank - reduced daylight means more indoor attractions and heavier phone usage for navigation and translation
Thermal underlayers - churches and castles maintain low temperatures, often feeling colder than outdoors
Waterproof day pack - protects electronics and documents during unexpected rain showers
Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with indoor heating creates skin dryness
Comfortable indoor shoes - many attractions require shoe removal, and floors can be cold
Light headlamp or small flashlight - useful for exploring underground attractions and navigating early-dark evenings

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with breakfast included - many cafes open later in November due to reduced daylight, limiting morning dining options before 8 AM
Download offline maps before arrival - November's overcast skies can interfere with GPS signals, particularly in old town's narrow streets
Shop at covered Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) in morning - vendors offer best selection before 11 AM, and covered stalls provide shelter from frequent drizzle
Take advantage of spa culture - November weather drives locals to wellness centers and thermal baths, offering authentic relaxation experiences unavailable in summer tourist season

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for cold weather - November temperatures fluctuate significantly, and overheating in heated indoor spaces is common with heavy winter clothing
Planning too many outdoor activities - with sunset at 4:30 PM and frequent drizzle, outdoor sightseeing time is severely limited compared to summer months
Expecting summer beer garden culture - most outdoor drinking venues close or move indoors, requiring adjustment to indoor pub and wine bar scene

Explore Activities in Brno