Poland in November: tips for making the most of your autumn in Poland

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The cover photo features The Białowieża Primeval Forest in eastern Poland.

Weather in Poland in November

The average temperature in November in Poland is 4°C / 39°F (a bit warmer than in March). The average rainfall level in Poland in November is 41 mm.

November is the coldest of autumn months in Poland, but also the least rainy compared to September and October. However, November is considered by many as the rainiest time in Poland (probably because of the combination of rain, cold weather, and wind).

The length of the day drops from 9 hours 34 min. on November 1 to 8 hours 38 min. on November 30. Sunrise on November 1 will be at 6.32 am, and sunset at 4.06 pm. Sunrise on November 30 will be at 7.21 am, and sunset at 3.27 pm (data for Warsaw).

Nature falls asleep to survive the winter. The last gold and red leaves fall from the trees (the Polish name of the month  – listopad – means the falling leaves); it turns gray and gloomy, in the morning – frost, in the evening – rain. Nothing but snuggle comfortably at home with a steaming cup of tea (a Polish way).

Read more about the weather in Poland in autumn and the changes in nature you can’t miss.

Read more in our post about coping with air pollution in Poland: what is smog, why so many areas in Poland are polluted, smog alerts in Poland.

Dates to remember in Poland in November 2024

Sunday Trade Ban
In November 2024, there is no shopping Sunday in Poland. The next shopping Sunday is on December 15. Click here to read our post about shopping Sundays in Poland. Read our post with the list of online stores in Poland delivering groceries to your home.

A public/bank holiday in Poland – All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych) 
It’s a Christian holiday. In Poland, it’s also called the Day of the Dead (Święto Zmarłych) and is deeply rooted in the Polish tradition – the holiday is observed by many people in Poland, regardless of their faith and beliefs. People visit cemeteries to light candles and lay flowers on the graves of their family and friends. Often, they travel long distances, and in general, there is increased traffic, especially close to the cemeteries. November 1 is a non-working day in Poland – schools, public institutions, most businesses, and stores are closed. Shopping on November 1: stores, malls, and shopping centers are closed, and only some smaller local convenience stores can be open (e.g. Żabka). You can do essential shopping at gas stations (which are open 24/7).

A public/bank holiday in Poland – Independence Day (Święto Niepodległości)
The anniversary of the restoration of Poland’s independence in 1918. After 123 years of partitions by Austria, Russia, and Prussia, Poland regained its independence. The national celebrations are usually held in Warsaw, at Piłsudski Square, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with the participation of the President of Poland, other leaders and officials, and representatives of the Polish Armed Forces.

St. Andrew’s Day Eve (Andrzejki)
It was believed that the night of November 29 /November 30 was suitable for magic, and single girls could see their future (and future husbands). Nowadays, it’s an opportunity for big parties and a night for future-telling games. The classic one is to pour hot liquid wax through a keyhole into cold water. After the wax is solidified, the shape and its shadow illuminated on the wall determine your future. The fun is to interpret the shape. Another tradition is a shoe game. Participants take off one shoe, lined one after the other from the room’s wall to the door. The owner of the shoe that reaches the door first is the first to get married;)

Read more about public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in autumn.

Things you can’t miss in Poland in November

Treat yourself with a rogal

Rogal Świętomarciński, a symbol of the city of Poznań – a delicious pastry called in English St. Martin’s Croissant (rogal has a similar shape to a French croissant; however, you prepare the Poznań rogal with an addition of yeast). The filling is crucial and includes white poppy seeds, almonds or other nuts, vanilla, raisins, ground dates, or figs.
Rogal Świętomarciński is included in the list of regional heritage products protected by the European Union. To produce the rogal you need a special certificate granted by The Poznań Pastry Chefs and Bakers Guild.

On November 11, Poznań celebrates Saint Martin Day. In November, this sweet delicacy is sold in many confectioneries and bakeries in Poland, not only in Poznań.

Our tips on visiting the city of Poznań.

Embrace Polish nostalgia

November is a nostalgic time in Poland due to the primarily grey weather and the significant holiday in Polish tradition – All Saints’ Day on November 1 (Wszystkich Świętych), also called in Poland the Day of the Dead (Święto Zmarłych). People often travel all over Poland to their hometowns and en masse visit cemeteries to light candles and lay flowers on the graves of their family and friends. Cemeteries look exceptional this time of year in Poland (especially in the afternoon and evening when it’s dark outside) with thousands of candles.

In November, the local marketplaces in Poland are full of chrysanthemums sold in pots. Chrysanthemums are the flowers people typically take to the cemeteries, so unfortunately, it’s risky in Poland to present these beautiful flowers as a gift. But you can decorate your home with them – chrysanthemums are one of the plants known to clean the air naturally (read our post about coping with air pollution in Poland).

Convince your family that it’s worth eating brussels sprouts;)

You probably don’t expect any fresh veggies in Poland in November. There is one super-nutrition exception! November is the perfect time to eat brussels sprouts in Poland – the best-tasting sprouts are harvested after a few touches of frost. I don’t know how it is in your family, but in Poland, brussels sprouts don’t have a good reputation, especially among children. They are one of the ‘top yucky foods’ kids refuse to eat before trying them. So November in Poland is when you can convince your family that it’s worth eating Brussels sprouts – one of the world’s healthiest foods.

Check your future with St. Andrew’s fortune-telling games;)

St. Andrew’s Day Eve (in Polish: Andrzejki) is an exciting holiday in Poland, celebrated on November 29.
It was believed that the night of November 29/November 30 would be suitable for magic and that single girls could see their future and future husbands.

Nowadays, in Poland, it’s an excuse for big parties and a night for future telling games:

• The classic one is to pour hot liquid wax through a keyhole into cold water. After the wax is solidified, the shape and its shadow illuminated on the wall determine your future. The fun is to interpret the shape.
• Another tradition is a shoe game. Participants take off one shoe and line one after the other from the room’s wall to the door. The owner of the shoe that reaches the door first is the first to get married…;)

Castle hotels in Poland for a historical escape

There is something magical about staying in a historic hotel. Hotels in Poland located in former castles or palaces provide a great combination of historical vibe and modern amenities. This is a fantastic idea for a weekend trip to Poland, and it is suitable for any season, regardless of the weather.

There are plenty of hotels in castles and palaces in Poland. Our post presents some exciting options for exploring different parts of Poland. 

Read more in our post: Historic hotels in Poland: stay in a castle or a palace in stunning locations across Poland.

Festive illuminations and lights displays in Poland

From October/November through the wintertime season, many parks in Poland transform after dark into a magical world of lights, allowing you to spend time outdoors, walking in winter festive scenery. We take you through magical places across Poland where you can cut yourself off from everyday matters and enjoy your time in Poland. It’s an exciting idea for an autumn/winter weekend break in Poland.

In our post, you will find detailed information about illuminations festivals & displays in Poland in the 2024/2025 season: Festivals of lights, illuminations, and Christmas displays across Poland.

The city of Wrocław: illuminations in the Zoo

In the 2024/2025 season, new theme: “Wild Asia”. A new exhibition of lights on the map of Poland and Wrocław since the 2023/2024 season – illuminations are located in the Wrocław Zoo.

Photo source: Wrocław Zoo

Winter Garden of Lights at the Książ Castle (Zamek Książ)

October 25, 2024 – February 28, 2025.

Książ Castle – located in western Poland – rises picturesquely on rocks among forests in the heart of the Landscape Park. It’s a huge building – it is estimated that it is the third-largest castle in Poland after the Malbork Castle and the Wawel Castle in Kraków. The castle garden is enriched with illuminations and festive decorations during the wintertime.

Photo source: Zamek Książ

Ideas for autumn weekend getaways in Poland

You will find the list of ideas for easy weekend getaways in Poland – from city breaks to nature escapes in our post: Weekend getaways in Poland: explore the beauty of Poland on a short escape.

The city of Gdańsk – over 1000 years of tradition, one of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea, amber, architectural gems, beaches

Outdoor Christmas Market in Gdańsk
Location: Targ Węglowy / Coal Market. Fair of Christmas gifts, crafts, decorations, food, a carousel, Santa, Snow Queen. More in English. Facebook. Instagram.

Gdańsk is one of the oldest cities in Poland but also the most beautiful and exciting – numerous monuments, rich history, Baltic beaches.

A walk along cobblestone streets among colorful tenement houses. A visit to one of the many fascinating modern museums. 

Gdańsk witnessed events that had an impact not only on the history of Poland but also on the history of the world. This city is considered to be the symbolic place of the outbreak of World War II, and this is also where Solidarity was founded.

Photo source: Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy Gdańsk

The Malbork Castle – one of the most giant castles in the world

Malbork Castle is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe, and it is called by many to be the most giant castle in the world. Built in several stages, starting in the 13th century and thoroughly restored after the Second World War, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress, picturesquely situated on the river, consists of three castles. It is an exciting tour for all kinds of tourists, including history fans and adults and kids.

Our tips about visiting the Castle in Malbork, including how to get there by train, car, or plane, and tips on visiting the Castle, other attractions in Malbork:

Exploring Warsaw in autumn: ideas for things to do

For those who plan to visit Warsaw, we recommend autumn. There are no longer crowds of summer holiday tourists, and residents are at work and school. You can easily explore Warsaw’s attractions. Here, everyone will find something for themselves – something for those who appreciate nature, for those interested in history, and indeed for gourmets – regardless of whether you want to try Polish traditional cuisine, are looking for vegan options or cuisine from around the world – Warsaw will not disappoint you!

Click here to read our post on things to do in Warsaw in autumn.

Stores offering grocery home delivery in Poland

Responding to the needs of our readers, we have compiled a list of online stores that deliver grocery shopping in major cities in Poland.

In the post on our website, you will find organic food stores and regular stores by city:

Subscribe to our monthly newsletters in English to explore Poland and learn about Poland! Once a month, you will receive a Newsletter: ‘Explore Poland with Kids‘. You will find there family-friendly destinations in Poland – beautiful places in Poland worth visiting with children – from city break destinations to hiking in the mountains (lots of practical tips!); things you can’t miss in Poland in a given month; dates to remember, holidays, observances in Poland in a given month so you can mark your calendars accordingly.

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