November often brings tempting flight deals to Tallinn — it’s usually the cheapest month to fly. I’ve grabbed those deals myself, sometimes just to escape somewhere warmer.
But is it worth visiting Estonia in November? Is it all just snow and freezing cold?
As a local, I say: not at all. November has its own quiet charm — if you know what to expect.
I love travelling off-season: it’s calmer, slower, and easier on the wallet. And Tallinn in November? It might just surprise you.
Planning a trip? Don’t miss my full → Tallinn Travel Guide — packed with local tips, hidden spots, and seasonal advice.
☁️ Weather • 🌘 Daylight • 🧣 What to Wear • 🎭 Things to Do
🌦️ What’s the Weather Like?
Weather in Tallinn in November is a bit of a wildcard — sometimes mild, sometimes wintery, never boring. Here’s how the month typically unfolds:
🍂 Early November
This part of the month can be surprisingly pleasant. Think +6 to +10°C, patches of sunshine, and maybe even a few stubborn leaves still hanging on in Kadriorg Park. If it hasn’t rained too much, the grass is still green, and now and then a confused rose tries to bloom like it’s September. It’s not the norm, but it’s not rare either.
🌫️ Mid-November
Around the second week, things start to shift. Leaves vanish, days grow shorter, and the air turns damp even when it’s not raining. Temperatures bounce between +5°C and -5°C. Snow might appear for dramatic effect, but usually melts the next day.
This is the time to check the weather forecast obsessively and pack layers like a nesting doll: waterproof jacket, fleece, warm socks, and something for the wind. A hat helps. So does hot chocolate.
❄️ Late November
Now it’s getting serious. The sun starts sleeping in (after 9:00) and disappears before most people finish lunch (sunset around 15:45). The temperature hovers near 0°C, but with the wind, it feels colder. Still, Tallinn starts to look magical — decorations go up, cafés get even cosier, and by the end of the month, the Christmas market opens in Town Hall Square.
Snow? Maybe. It’s like a seasonal lottery. Sometimes we get the real fairy-tale white stuff. Other years, it’s all wet pavements and creative puddles. But the vibe? Definitely wintery.
How Dark Is It in November?
Let’s be honest — it’s not the sunniest time of year. In November, daylight in Tallinn gets noticeably short. Around mid-month, the sun technically rises around 9:00 and sets before 16:00. By the end of the month, it’s more like 9:15 to 15:45.
But let’s be real: the sun often just lingers behind the clouds, casting a soft, silvery glow across the city.
Still, Tallinn wears the dark well. Streetlights shimmer, cafés feel extra welcoming, and shop windows begin to sparkle with holiday lights. It’s not gloomy — it’s just a different kind of glow.
If bright skies are a must for you, it might take some adjusting. But if you’re open to shorter days and soft lighting — Tallinn has its own November magic.
🧤 What to Wear?
In short: dress like the weather can’t be trusted — because it can’t.
November in Tallinn might hand you a sunny +7°C or slap you with icy rain coming at you sideways. Often in the same week. So pack smart — especially if you’re coming from a warmer country.
Here’s what locals actually wear (and yes, I live here):
- Insulated coat or warm jacket — waterproof is a bonus
- Layering game strong — sweaters, thermals, fleece, whatever keeps you comfortable
- Windproof accessories — scarf, gloves, hat (or just a solid hood — I usually skip the hat)
- Good shoes — waterproof, non-slip soles, and ideally warm inside
You don’t need your heaviest parka, but don’t underestimate the wind either. Tallinn’s chill is sneaky — it’s not just the temperature, it’s the feel of it.
The good news? The city is full of cosy places to warm up — cafés, bookshops, little museums. So even if you underdress one day, you won’t freeze. You’ll just get an excellent excuse for hot cocoa.
Is Tallinn Better in Summer?
Depends who you ask — and which summer we’re talking about.
Sure, July and August promise long days and open-air cafés. But locals know the truth: summer can be… soggy. Weeks of drizzle, sudden downpours, even three days of solid rain. Not exactly postcard-perfect.
Sometimes, wool socks and a warm café feel like a win — especially when they come with cheaper flights and fewer crowds.
🎭 Things to Do in Tallinn in November
Let’s get one thing straight — Tallinn doesn’t shut down just because it’s November. In fact, locals barely slow down. The city just shifts gears.
Prime time for Kumu Art Museum, the Seaplane Harbour, or the Kiek in de Kök tower with its underground passages.
No crowds, warm rooms, and great lighting.
Estonians love indoor culture.
November means symphonies, modern dance, organ concerts — many held in historic venues.
Big windows, fleece blankets, and cinnamon pastries. Best spots? Old Town, Telliskivi, and Rotermann.
Kaubamaja starts in late October. By mid-November, the whole city glows.
The big Christmas tree goes up on Town Hall Square at the end of November. Lights come on December 1st.
In short: you won’t be bored. Tallinn in November is all about slowing down, savouring small joys, and watching the season quietly shift toward winter.
So, Is Tallinn Worth Visiting in November?
💭 Absolutely — if you know what you’re signing up for.
You probably won’t get snow-dusted rooftops or perfect sunsets every day.
But you’ll get something better: fewer tourists, lower prices, moody skies, early Christmas lights, and that cosy Northern vibe Tallinn does so well.
If that sounds like your kind of travel — then yes, it’s 100% worth it.
❄️ Planning a December trip instead? Don’t miss my guide to → Tallinn in December — packed with festive highlights, winter tips, and everything you need for a snowy adventure.
📸 Scroll down for photos from different Novembers over the past five years — Tallinn can surprise you each time.
30th October: Old Town doesn’t have many trees, but the golden ones it does are lovely.
31st October: Kadriorg Park still glows with autumn colours.
31st October: Kaubamaja already has Christmas decorations on display.
1st November: Windy and cold — winter coats are out in full force.
3rd November: In Kadriorg, a few late roses are still in bloom.
On the Gulf of Finland, near Tallinn, capturing the early November atmosphere by the water.
6th November: Many stores start selling holiday decorations and gnomes as early as November.
9th November: A slightly overcast day in Tallinn’s Old Town, but the medieval charm is still there.
10th November: The Japanese really know how to create gardens that delight the eye in any season!
10th November, afternoon: Kadriorg Palace still looks magnificent, even without the summer colours.
11th November: In Kalamaja, the grass is still green — autumn is slow to leave.
11th November: Bare tree branches in the Old Town pair surprisingly well with the medieval vibe.
12th November: Keila-Joa waterfall is in full flow after recent rains.
12th November: It’s cloudy, but mild — one of those rare “no gloves needed” days.
13th November: The Christmas tree goes up mid-November — lights switch on the first Sunday of December.
14th November: A soft, moody view of Old Tallinn from above.
16th November: Morning at the Central Market — pumpkins, apples, and other late autumn produce.
16th November: By midday, the sun was out in Tondiraba Park — not bad for November.
20th November: Rain is more frequent now, and Old Town streets stay wet for most of the day.
27th November: The Christmas market in Town Hall Square is open — glögg, biscuits, sausages, and a festive crowd.
