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Geneva in November

Geneva Weather in November

🇨🇭 Switzerland

10°C
High
3°C
Low
13
Rain Days
6h
Sunshine
65%
Humidity

Europe🇨🇭 SwitzerlandGeneva

Updated: March 2026

Is November a Good Time to Visit Geneva?

4/10
Fair

November is a fair time to visit Geneva (4/10). Average highs of 10°C and 6 sunshine hours daily make conditions workable, though not exceptional. November suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 13 potential rain days. December offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Geneva's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.

vs October:16°C avg high

Step off the plane in Geneva in November and the air meets you at around 10°C, crisp and clear, the kind of chill that sharpens your senses and makes the first coffee taste twice as good. By the time evening arrives and temperatures settle near 3°C, the city takes on a different character entirely. With 6 hours of daylight sun on offer, November gives you the raw material for a genuinely memorable trip.

10°C

Avg High

3°C

Avg Low

13 days

Rain Days

6h

Sunshine

65%

Humidity

Temperature in Geneva in November

The 7°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. The UV index of 1 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Winds are calm at an average 9 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 50°F average high, 37°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in November

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Geneva in November

Morning3°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon10°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening6°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Geneva in November means dressing for 10°C days and 3°C evenings. Layering is key: a thermal base, mid-layer fleece, and a windproof outer jacket for 10°C highs that feel colder in the wind. Evening temperatures settle at 3°C, a modest 7°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. European cobblestones reward low-profile walking shoes over flip-flops or heels, with cushioned trainers or leather walking shoes being the practical choice. With 13 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes.

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Local tip: Geneva's cobbled streets turn slippery in the rain. Waterproof walking shoes with a non-slip sole outperform fashionable footwear on wet stone, and you'll cover significantly more ground in comfort.

Events in Geneva in November

November has no major festivals or public holidays in Geneva, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Geneva in November

Based on 10°C average highs and 13 rainy days

  • Warm jacket (down or fleece)
  • Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
  • Sweaters and lined trousers
  • Scarf and lightweight gloves
  • Compact folding umbrella
  • Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
  • Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
  • Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Small day pack for city exploration
  • Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Geneva in November

  • Vigorous walking tour of the UNESCO heritage districtMidday (12-2pm)The 10°C peak temperature provides ideal conditions for brisk sightseeing walks
  • Cycling the riverside or park circuitAfternoon (1-4pm)Cool dry air makes long cycling sessions comfortable without overheating
  • Explore hilltop viewpoints and fortressesMorning for clear viewsCold-weather atmospheric clarity gives the longest sightlines of the year
  • Open-air Christmas or seasonal marketsAfternoon into eveningCool temperatures make festive outdoor markets genuinely atmospheric
  • Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 13 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
  • Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
  • Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
  • Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningNovember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
  • Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months

Why is Geneva cool in November?

November brings the first meaningful shift toward cooler conditions in Geneva, as the sun angle drops and day length shortens. Temperatures averaging 10°C by day and 3°C overnight are still comfortable by most standards, but the trend is clearly downward. At 46 degrees north latitude, autumn light has a particular quality: lower in the sky and warmer in tone, it gives the city a photogenic quality quite different from summer. Evening temperatures already demand a jacket, but midday hours stay pleasant for sightseeing. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Geneva in November

In November, Geneva experiences average highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Expect around 13 rainy days and 6 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 7°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV exposure is moderate at index 1.
Geneva typically sees 13 rainy days in November, with total precipitation of around 123mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Geneva typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than November.
Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Geneva in November. Temperatures can drop to 3°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 13 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.
November can be a challenging time to visit Geneva due to cold temperatures that rarely climb above 10°C. Indoor attractions, cultural sites, and covered markets are the strongest options this month. If your dates are flexible, the drier or milder months offer significantly easier travel conditions.
The average high temperature in Geneva in November is 10°C (50°F), and the average low is 3°C (37°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 7°C (44°F). The day-to-night range of 7°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Geneva is generally February. February offers the most sunshine at 7 hours per day and only 11 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 7°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around February gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
November is shoulder or low season in Geneva, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 6 sunshine hours and 13 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In November, Geneva suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 10°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. Cosy cafes and cultural venues make ideal retreats on overcast days.

November ranks 10th sunniest of the year in Geneva, with an average 6 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are February, August, and September. July is the hottest month (24°C avg high); January is the coolest (5°C). From here, temperatures fall 4°C into December. Compared to last month (October: 16°C high, 12 rain days), November is cooler and wetter. November is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.

Year-Round Climate

MonthHighLowRain DaysSunDetails
January5°C-1°C135hView
February7°C0°C117hView
March11°C2°C138hView
April15°C5°C1310hView
May19°C10°C1610hView
June22°C13°C1412hView
July24°C16°C1312hView
August24°C16°C1211hView
September20°C12°C129hView
October16°C8°C127hView
November10°C3°C136hView
December6°C0°C135hView

Nearby Destinations with Similar Weather

These cities are within 500 km and experience broadly comparable weather conditions during the same calendar month, making them practical standalone alternatives or worthwhile additions to a longer regional itinerary.

Data Sources for Geneva

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.