Things to Do in Latvia in November

November Weather in Latvia

8°C (46°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Authentic local experience - November is when Latvians embrace hygge culture with sauna sessions, warm markets, and cozy indoor gatherings without tourist crowds
Dramatic autumn landscapes - Latvia's mixed forests show spectacular late fall colors with frosted mornings creating ethereal photography conditions, especially in Gauja National Park
Lowest accommodation prices - Hotels and guesthouses offer 40-60% discounts compared to summer rates, and you'll have authentic conversations with locals who have time to chat
Unique seasonal experiences - Traditional Mārtiņi celebrations, fresh cranberry harvesting in Kemeri bog, and the start of Christmas market season in Old Town Riga

Considerations

Extremely short daylight - Sun rises around 8:00 AM and sets by 4:30 PM, giving you only 8.5 hours of natural light for outdoor exploration
Unpredictable weather shifts - Temperature can swing 10°C (18°F) in a single day, and freezing rain creates treacherous walking conditions on cobblestones
Limited outdoor activities - Beach visits are impossible, many hiking trails become muddy or icy, and boat tours to coastal areas are suspended until spring

Best Activities in November

Riga Old Town Cultural Walking Routes

November's crisp air and minimal crowds make this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for deep exploration. The Gothic spires and Art Nouveau facades look dramatic against gray autumn skies. Indoor warmth breaks at St. Peter's Church viewing platform (123m/404ft high) and cozy cafes every few blocks. Medieval atmosphere peaks when afternoon fog rolls in around 3 PM.

Booking Tip: Self-guided with audio tours (typically €15-25) or join small group walking tours that include indoor heating breaks. Most tours last 2-3 hours with museum stops. Book indoor backup activities for the same day in case of freezing rain.

Traditional Latvian Sauna Experiences

November is prime sauna season when locals use weekly banja sessions to combat seasonal darkness. Authentic experiences include birch branch whisking, honey scrubs, and plunging into near-freezing Baltic waters. This is cultural immersion at its most genuine - saunas are social hubs during Latvia's darkest months.

Booking Tip: Traditional bathhouses typically cost €20-40 per session including towels and basic treatments. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekend slots. Look for places offering traditional pirts ceremonies with experienced bath attendants. Private group bookings available for cultural experiences.

Gauja National Park Autumn Hiking

Latvia's 'little Switzerland' transforms in November with bare trees revealing medieval castle ruins and frosted sandstone cliffs. Trails around Sigulda and Cēsis offer 5-15 km (3-9 mile) routes through dramatic valleys. Morning frost creates magical conditions for photography, and shorter days mean perfect timing for afternoon castle explorations.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking with detailed trail maps available at visitor centers. Guided nature walks typically €25-45 per person for half-day excursions. Book accommodations in Sigulda or Cēsis for easy trail access. Essential to have waterproof boots rated for muddy conditions.

Kemeri National Park Bog Walking

November offers unique bog experiences when morning frost creates crystalline landscapes on elevated boardwalks. The 3.4 km (2.1 mile) Great Kemeri Bog trail becomes otherworldly in late autumn mist. Perfect for nature photography and observing how Latvians traditionally harvest cranberries and medicinal bog plants.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided access with boardwalk trails. Guided bog ecology tours typically €30-50 per person including transportation from Riga (45 minutes drive). Essential to bring windproof layers as bogs are extremely exposed to Baltic winds.

Riga Central Market and Food Hall Tours

Europe's largest market complex housed in historic Zeppelin hangars becomes a warming refuge in November. This is when Latvians stock up on preserved foods, smoked fish, and seasonal root vegetables. Perfect for sampling traditional winter foods like rupjmaizes kārtojums and smoked sprats while escaping harsh weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free, but food tasting tours typically €35-55 per person including traditional samples and cultural context. Morning tours (9-11 AM) catch the best selection when vendors are fully stocked. Bring cash as many stalls don't accept cards.

Art Nouveau Architecture District Tours

Riga has the world's highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings, best appreciated in November's dramatic lighting conditions. Alberta iela and nearby streets showcase over 750 buildings from the early 1900s. Indoor museum stops provide warmth breaks while exploring architectural details impossible to see during crowded summer months.

Booking Tip: Combine self-guided walking with Art Nouveau Museum visits (€7 entry). Specialized architecture tours typically €40-60 per person with expert guides explaining historical context. Tours last 2-3 hours with indoor warming stops at key locations.

November Events & Festivals

November 10th

Mārtiņdiena (St. Martin's Day)

Traditional Latvian celebration on November 10th involving door-to-door mask-wearing (Mārtiņi) where costumed visitors sing traditional songs for treats. Authentic cultural experience with lantern processions, traditional foods like roasted goose, and folk music performances in Riga's cultural centers.

Late November

Riga Christmas Market Opening

One of Europe's oldest Christmas markets opens in late November in Riga's Old Town square. Features traditional Latvian crafts, mulled wine (karstvīns), and warming foods. Less crowded than December but fully operational with authentic local vendors and traditional wooden stalls.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof insulated boots rated for temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) - essential for cobblestone streets that become icy and wet

Layering system with merino wool base layers - Baltic humidity makes synthetic fabrics feel clammy at 85% humidity levels

Windproof outer shell jacket - Baltic winds create wind chill that drops feels-like temperature 5-8°C (9-14°F) below actual

Warm waterproof gloves with phone-compatible fingertips - you'll be outdoors taking photos in 2°C (36°F) conditions

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in dry indoor heating, and hot drinks help maintain core temperature

High-quality rain umbrella - compact but sturdy enough for Baltic coastal winds during the 12 rainy days

Warm wool socks and backup pair - feet get cold quickly on stone streets and wet conditions are common

Power bank - phone batteries drain faster in cold weather, especially with only 8.5 hours of daylight for charging

Lip balm and heavy moisturizer - combination of cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating causes rapid skin dehydration

Headlamp or small flashlight - useful for early morning activities and late afternoon exploration when daylight fades by 4:30 PM

Insider Knowledge

Latvians practice 'blue hour' appreciation in November - the period just after sunset when architectural lighting creates magical urban photography conditions around 5 PM

Local supermarkets like Rimi and Maxima stock up on winter comfort foods in November - try traditional Latvian black bread varieties and seasonal root vegetable preserves that aren't available in summer

Many museums and cultural sites extend evening hours in November to compensate for short daylight, offering unique after-dark experiences typically unavailable in summer tourist season

November is mushroom preservation season - visit local markets early morning to see traditional Latvian mushroom preparation techniques and sample pickled varieties that define winter cuisine

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor activities after 4 PM leads to rushed experiences and safety concerns on unfamiliar paths

Wearing cotton clothing in humid conditions - cotton becomes uncomfortable when damp and takes forever to dry in 85% humidity

Expecting summer-level public transportation frequency - some rural bus routes reduce services in November, affecting day trips to national parks