Weather
November in Austria is the last month of fall, and conditions are generally cold and damp, on the cusp of winter. The average November high is 48°F (9°C), with colder temperatures at higher altitudes. Although there's not much rain, there's the chance of fog, and with not much sun, temperatures can feel colder. Days are also short in the lead-up to the shortest days of the year in late December. There will be snow in the mountains and possibly also in the cities in November, especially later in the month.
Crowds & Costs
November is an off-season time for travel to Austria, between the pleasant conditions of earlier in fall and the snowfield action of winter. This is a good month to look for discounts on flights, train travel, and accommodation, especially in the cities, which never close. November is also the right time to visit Vienna or Salzburg on a budget. You may find off-season closures in some smaller places, though.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
November is a great time to visit Salzburg on a budget—this is the low season for tourism. Hence, you're more likely to find accommodation discounts in general, and Salzburg's famously jam-packed entertainment calendar is noticeably quieter in November. Although that means you won't be able to attend a big-ticket concert or opera in Mozart's hometown, the streets of the pretty town are noticeably quieter. Stroll the historic Old Town, Fortress Hohensalzburg, and Schloss Hellbrunn, and retreat to an atmospheric, centuries-old coffee house when you get cold.
With chillier temperatures in November, this is an excellent month to head to a spa town for a warming bath in natural thermal waters. While you can enjoy a spa in Vienna or other cities, to build a vacation around the experience, head to a spa town in eastern Burgenland (with some of the oldest spas in Austria) or in mountainous Styria (where a lot of spa treatments make the most of the area's natural peat and salt).
What to Do
Vienna's ball season kicks off in November. While the most popular and famous balls aren't until January and February, visiting the capital in this month is a great opportunity to experience a traditional ball without the same volume of visitors as later in winter. The season kicks off in early-mid November with a public waltz in the city center. If you want to attend a ball in a theater or concert hall, note that tickets must be bought a few months in advance, and formal dress is essential.
Meanwhile, Christmas markets set up in Austrian towns and cities from mid-November. Visiting this month is a good way to experience the festivity of the season without the crowds of December. You can find traditional Austrian crafts at markets as well as warming food and drink, activities for the kids, and entertainment, not to mention pretty lights.
Events in November
Festival Wien Modern, Vienna. This music festival runs for a month throughout November, sometimes starting in late October, and focuses on modern chamber and solo instrumental music.
All Saints' Day, nationwide. November 1 is a public holiday in Austria, so expect business closures for this Christian festival.
Christmas markets, nationwide. Starting mid-November, street markets celebrate the advent season with lights, decorations, handicrafts, food, drink, and seasonal items.
Vienna Art Week, Vienna. Contemporary visual artists display their art in various venues over a week in mid-late November.
More Helpful Information
Austria in October
Austria in December
Best Time of Year to Visit Austria
How Many Days to Spend in Austria