Things to Do in Hanover in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Hanover
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas market season kicks into full gear mid-November, with the traditional Weihnachtsmarkt opening around November 25th - you'll catch the opening weeks when locals are most excited and before the December tourist crush arrives
- Hotel rates drop 25-35% compared to summer and December peak periods, with excellent availability in the Altstadt and near the Hauptbahnhof - booking 3-4 weeks ahead typically gets you quality accommodations for €70-90 per night instead of €120-150
- Museum and indoor cultural venues are at their best in November, with the Sprengel Museum and Landesmuseum hosting autumn exhibitions without summer crowds - you'll actually have space to appreciate the collections, particularly the Nolde and Klee works
- The Herrenhausen Gardens take on a moody, atmospheric quality in November fog and low light that photographers love, plus the園内 Berggarten greenhouse becomes genuinely appealing when it's grey outside - tropical plants feel like a proper escape rather than redundant
Considerations
- Daylight runs roughly 8am to 4:30pm by late November, which genuinely limits your sightseeing time - you'll need to plan efficiently and accept that outdoor activities essentially end by 5pm, making this challenging if you're trying to pack a lot in
- The weather sits in that uncomfortable zone between crisp autumn and proper winter - temperatures hover around 3-8°C (37-47°F) with persistent dampness that makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests, and that 70% humidity means the chill penetrates layers
- November is genuinely grey in Hanover, with overcast skies dominating and only occasional sunny breaks - if you're sensitive to lack of sunlight or need blue skies for your trip enjoyment, this might not be your month despite the other advantages
Best Activities in November
Herrenhausen Gardens and Palace District Walking
November transforms the Herrenhausen complex into something atmospheric rather than conventionally pretty. The Grosser Garten's baroque layout reads more clearly without summer foliage, and the morning fog creates excellent photography conditions. The Berggarten greenhouse becomes genuinely worthwhile when outdoor temperatures sit at 3-5°C (37-41°F) - the tropical and desert plant collections feel like a legitimate escape rather than a curiosity. Plan for 2-3 hours total. The gardens are far less crowded than summer months, and you'll often have sections to yourself on weekday mornings. The adjacent Galerie building hosts rotating exhibitions that work well as a weather backup.
Altstadt Historical Walking Routes
November's shorter days actually work in favor of exploring Hanover's reconstructed old town, as the early darkness means the half-timbered buildings around the Marktkirche and old town hall are beautifully lit by 5pm. The area isn't large - you can cover the main historical sites in 90 minutes - but the damp cobblestones and low clouds create that northern European atmosphere that summer visits lack. The Marktkirche interior provides a warm refuge, and the nearby cafes around Kramerstrasse are genuinely cozy rather than just claiming to be. Late November adds the opening preparations for the Christmas market in the Marktplatz, which is interesting to watch even before official opening.
Maschsee Lake Circuit Walking and Cycling
The 6 km (3.7 mile) loop around Maschsee becomes surprisingly appealing in November for locals who want exercise without summer crowds and heat. The lake takes on a steel-grey color that matches the sky, and the waterfront cafes and restaurants are quieter but still open. Expect to complete the circuit in 75-90 minutes walking, or 30-40 minutes cycling. The path is well-maintained and lit until about 8pm, though daylight walking is more pleasant. November weather means you might encounter wind coming off the water, but the flat terrain and clear path make this manageable even in light rain. The Sprengel Museum sits on the north shore, providing a natural midpoint stop.
Museum Quarter Indoor Exploration
November is genuinely ideal for Hanover's museum circuit, particularly the Sprengel Museum (modern art), Landesmuseum (natural history and art), and the Wilhelm Busch Museum (caricature and satire). These aren't afterthought activities when the weather fails - they're legitimately strong collections that deserve 2-3 hours each. The Sprengel's 20th-century collection includes significant Nolde, Klee, and Picasso works, while the Landesmuseum's aquarium section provides unexpected appeal when it's grey outside. November means you'll have gallery space without summer tour groups, and the museum cafes become genuine hangout spots rather than just functional.
Eilenriede Urban Forest Walking Paths
The Eilenriede forest sits right in the city center and becomes genuinely atmospheric in November - the beech trees drop their leaves, the paths get that earthy autumn smell, and the morning fog creates excellent conditions for a proper urban nature walk. The forest covers about 640 hectares (1,580 acres) with well-marked trails ranging from 2-8 km (1.2-5 miles). Locals use this for morning runs and dog walking year-round, and November's cooler temperatures make longer walks comfortable once you're moving. The forest connects to the zoo on one end and the Stadtfriedhof Engesohde cemetery (worth visiting for its park-like design) on the other.
Traditional Beer Hall and Brewery Experiences
November is proper beer season in Hanover, with the traditional brewpubs around the Altstadt and Linden district becoming genuinely cozy rather than just tourist stops. The local Herrenhäuser brewery produces solid pilsners and seasonal bocks that appear in November, and the traditional halls serve proper northern German food (schnitzel, rouladen, kartoffelpuffer) that makes sense when it's 5°C (41°F) outside. The Linden district, particularly around the Lindener Marktplatz, has a younger brewery scene with craft options alongside traditional styles. Plan for 2-3 hours including food, and expect to spend €25-35 per person for beer and a substantial meal.
November Events & Festivals
Hanover Christmas Market Opening
The traditional Weihnachtsmarkt in the Altstadt typically opens around November 25th, making late November visits particularly well-timed. You'll catch the opening week when the market is fresh, vendors are enthusiastic, and locals are genuinely excited rather than the jaded mid-December vibe. The market spreads across multiple squares including the main Marktplatz, with around 200 stalls selling traditional crafts, roasted almonds, glühwein, and bratwurst. The atmosphere is legitimately festive rather than manufactured, particularly in early evenings when the lights come on around 4:30pm. Opening week also means shorter lines at popular food stalls and better selection of handcrafted items before they sell out.
Linden Art and Craft Markets
The Linden district runs smaller alternative craft markets throughout November on weekends, particularly around the Lindener Marktplatz and in the Kulturzentrum FAUST. These skew younger and more contemporary than the traditional Christmas market, with local artisans selling jewelry, ceramics, prints, and textiles. The markets typically run Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm, with adjacent cafes and bars extending the experience. Worth visiting if you want a less touristy craft market experience and don't mind a slightly rougher aesthetic than the polished Altstadt version.