Poland, Europe
Krakow in November
All Saints' Day on November 1 fills cemeteries with candles. Dark, damp, and quiet.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Krakow. All Saints' Day on November 1 fills cemeteries with candles. Dark, damp, and quiet.
- Weather
- Gray and cold, highs near 43F (6C)
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What November is like in Krakow
November is dark, damp, and quiet. Highs sit near 43F (6C) and days are gray. On November 1, All Saints' Day, families visit graves and cemeteries glow with candles; many shops and sights close that day. Crowds and prices are low. The Christmas market on the Main Square usually opens late in the month.
It suits budget travelers and those curious about Polish traditions. It is not great for long walks or family outdoor time, though museums are calm. If you want festive atmosphere, come in December. For comfortable weather, choose May or September.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Krakow this month.
All Saints' Day candles
On November 1, cemeteries glow with thousands of candles. It is moving to see, but many shops and sights close.
Christmas market opens
Wooden stalls with mulled wine and Polish food usually appear on the Main Square late in the month.
Uncrowded museums
The National Museum and Schindler's Factory are easy to visit with short or no lines.
What to pack for November
- A warm, waterproof coat
- Boots with good grip
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- A face mask for smoggy days
Our timing tip
Plan around November 1, when many shops and sights close, and visit a cemetery in the evening to see the candles.
Book Krakow for November.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in KrakowOpens a hotel search for Krakow in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in KrakowWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in KrakowTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Krakow for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
All Saints' Day
November 1 every year
Families visit graves and cemeteries glow with candles. Many shops and sights close.
Christmas market
Late November through December, sometimes into early January
Wooden stalls, mulled wine, and Polish food on the Main Market Square.
Things to do in Krakow
Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral
Timed tickets for the state rooms and the treasury. Arrive at opening in summer; some exhibits have reduced hours on Mondays.
Main Market Square and St. Mary's Basilica
The trumpet call (hejnal) plays from the tower every hour. See Veit Stoss's carved altarpiece inside.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Entry is free but must be reserved online, often weeks ahead in season. Educator-guided visits are required during peak hours.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Underground chapels carved from salt, about 30 minutes from the city. Book a timed tour in summer.
Schindler's Factory and the Rynek Underground
Two branches of the city history museum, both with timed entry that sells out in summer.
National Museum in Krakow
The Czartoryski Museum branch holds Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine.
Beat the crowds
- Book Auschwitz-Birkenau entry and Wieliczka tickets online as soon as your dates are set in summer. Walk-ups are often turned away.
- Visit the Main Square and St. Mary's early in the morning before tour groups arrive.
- Stay in Kazimierz or Podgorze for a quieter base with better food than the Old Town tourist strip.
- Avoid Friday and Saturday nights in the Old Town in summer if you want calm; the bar crowds peak then.
Know before you go
- The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial closes on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday.
- Poland restricts Sunday trading, so most shops close on most Sundays. Restaurants and museums stay open.
- Some museums, including branches of the city history museum, have free or reduced hours on specific weekdays and close on others. Check each museum's schedule.
- Major holidays like Easter, All Saints' Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day close many shops and some sights.
Krakow in November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Krakow?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Krakow. All Saints' Day on November 1 fills cemeteries with candles. Dark, damp, and quiet.
What is the weather like in Krakow in November?
Gray and cold, highs near 43F (6C).
Is Krakow crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Krakow; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Krakow in November?
All Saints' Day (november 1 every year); Christmas market (late november through december, sometimes into early january).
Keep planning Krakow.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.