Things to Do in Geneva in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Geneva
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Significantly fewer tourists than summer months - major attractions like Jet d'Eau and Old Town are actually enjoyable without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to peak season.
- Christmas market season begins late November, typically around the 25th. The festive atmosphere transforms Place du Molard and Parc des Bastions without the December tourist surge, giving you early access to vin chaud and raclette stalls.
- Indoor cultural scene is at its peak - museums like Musée d'Art et d'Histoire and Patek Philippe Museum are warm refuges, and November is when locals actually visit them. Theater and opera season is in full swing at Grand Théâtre.
- Lake Geneva views are dramatically moody with low clouds and mist over the Alps. If you appreciate atmospheric photography over postcard-perfect sunshine, November delivers that brooding European aesthetic you can't get in summer.
Considerations
- Daylight is limited - sunrise around 7:30am, sunset by 5pm. You're working with roughly 9.5 hours of daylight, which compresses sightseeing schedules considerably. That Alpine glow everyone photographs? You'll miss it if you sleep past 8am.
- The cold is penetrating in a way that surprises people. At 2-9°C (36-48°F) with 70% humidity and wind off the lake, it feels colder than the thermometer suggests. You'll need actual winter gear, not just a light jacket.
- Rain is unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't follow a pattern. It might drizzle all morning or stay dry for three days straight. Outdoor activities around the lake become genuinely unpleasant in wet conditions, and there's no reliable way to plan around it.
Best Activities in November
Lake Geneva Winter Boat Tours
November is actually ideal for CGN boat services if you dress properly. The Mouettes water taxis still run across the lake, and the larger CGN boats operate reduced schedules but with heated indoor cabins. You'll see the city and Jet d'Eau from the water without summer crowds, and the misty mountain backdrop is genuinely dramatic. Water temperature around 10°C (50°F) means the lake produces atmospheric fog effects in early morning. Tours typically cost 15-35 CHF depending on route length.
Old Town Walking Tours
Geneva's Vieille Ville is perfect in November cold - the medieval streets are atmospheric under grey skies, and you can warm up every 20 minutes in a café or chocolatier. St. Pierre Cathedral, Maison Tavel, and the cobblestone squares around Place du Bourg-de-Four are less crowded than summer. The bare trees actually let you see the architecture better. Plan 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration. Most guided walking tours run 2.5 hours and cost 25-40 CHF per person.
Chocolate and Cheese Workshops
November is peak season for indoor food experiences. Swiss chocolate workshops and cheese-making demonstrations are warm, delicious ways to spend 2-3 hours when it's miserable outside. You'll learn actual techniques, not just taste samples. Workshops typically run 90-180 minutes and cost 80-150 CHF per person. This is what locals do in November - embrace the indoor food culture that defines Swiss winter life.
Carouge District Exploration
This Italian-influenced neighborhood just south of city center is less crowded in November and maintains its authentic character. The artisan workshops, antique shops, and neighborhood bistros are all indoors, making it perfect for cold-weather wandering. You can cover the main area in 2-3 hours, ducking into ateliers and cafés. It's about 2 km (1.2 miles) from central Geneva - easily reached by tram 12 or 15. Free to explore, though you'll spend 30-50 CHF on coffee and snacks.
United Nations and International District Tours
The Palais des Nations offers guided tours year-round, and November means no summer tour bus crowds. The 1-hour tours cover the Assembly Hall, Council Chamber, and murals. It's a heated indoor activity that's genuinely interesting regardless of weather. Tours cost 15 CHF for adults. The surrounding International District has multiple UN agency buildings and museums worth 3-4 hours total exploration.
Thermal Baths and Spa Experiences
November is ideal for Swiss spa culture. The Bains des Pâquis on the lake offers outdoor thermal pools and saunas with stunning water views - the contrast between hot water and cold air is the whole point. Open daily, entry costs 20-25 CHF for 2-3 hours. Several hotel spas in Geneva offer day passes for 80-150 CHF with access to heated pools, saunas, and treatment rooms. This is how locals cope with November gloom.
November Events & Festivals
Escalade Festival Preparations
While the main Escalade celebration happens December 11-12, late November sees the city preparing for Geneva's biggest historical festival. You'll notice chocolate cauldrons appearing in shop windows and period costumes in store displays. The Old Town starts decorating around November 25th. It's worth noting if you're visiting late month - you'll catch the anticipatory atmosphere without the actual crowds.
Christmas Market Opening
Geneva's Christmas markets typically open around November 25-28, depending on the year. The main market at Place du Molard and the larger installation at Parc des Bastions feature wooden chalets selling crafts, raclette, vin chaud, and regional products. Late November gives you early access before December tourist surge. Markets run daily from roughly 10am-8pm with extended hours as December approaches.