I personally love grabbing discounted flight deals, and many of my trips – whether to the UK, Italy, or Vietnam – have taken place in these off-peak months.
Locals have even tried to talk me out of it, but every time, my trips have been successful. I’ve seen so much, walked a lot, and always felt great knowing I saved money by travelling outside the peak season.
And before we dive in, let me recommend my guide to Tallinn, which I hope will be useful during your trip.
As someone who’s no stranger to chilly northern weather, I’ll aim to be as objective as possible and give you a detailed insight into this time of year. You can see the photos from November right after the text.
1. Tallinn’s November weather: what to expect
Early November
The weather in November can vary greatly. Early in the month, you might get lucky with pleasant temperatures up to 10°C and even see some golden leaves still clinging to the trees. In Kadriorg Park’s rose garden, you might even spot some late-blooming roses, and the grass can still be green throughout the city. This doesn’t happen every year, but it’s definitely possible! The sun might shine, and you could avoid rain.
Mid-November
Starting from the 7th–10th of November, the weather tends to worsen, and the trees shed their leaves. Temperatures can range from 5°C to around -15°C – though in recent years, it is usually around 0°C without severe cold snaps. Snow might fall, but it could either stay or melt away quickly. Even without rain or snow, it can feel damp and chilly, so make sure to check the weather forecast before you leave and pack accordingly — perhaps some warmer layers in case it gets colder than expected.
Late November
As November draws to a close, the days become even shorter, and all the leaves have fallen. The grass may turn brown if there have already been frosts, but it might still remain green, though this doesn’t change the overall scenery much. There may be snow on the ground, or it might still be bare. Temperatures can vary from 5°C to -15°C – or even lower – though in recent years, it’s usually around freezing. People start attending exhibitions, going to the cinema, and visiting theatres more frequently. The advice remains the same – check the forecast and pack extra warm clothing just in case.
2. Comparing Tallinn’s November weather to Helsinki or Riga
If you’ve been to Helsinki or Riga in November, you can expect similar weather in Tallinn. Of course, there are slight differences, but overall, this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Just remember, no two years are the same here. One year might be mild and sunny, while the next could be damp and cold. By the way, Tallinn has many residents from warm countries, like Italy – and they manage just fine!
3. Shorter days, but a cosy vibe
One thing to keep in mind is the shorter daylight hours, with the sun rising around 10 a.m. and setting by 4 p.m. But this isn’t a drawback in Tallinn! The city lights up beautifully, and you’ll find plenty of cosy cafés and inviting shops to pop into. Spend your daylight hours exploring the Old Town, Noblessner, or Rotermann Quarter, and when it starts to get dark, head into one of the many museums or cafés for a warm drink and some relaxation.
4. What to wear in Tallinn in November
If you’re coming from a warmer climate and aren’t used to colder weather, make sure to pack warm, windproof clothing, a good umbrella, gloves, and maybe a scarf to wrap around your head. Locals tend to wear either autumn jackets or winter coats by this time of year. Tallinn’s city centre is filled with lovely cafés and other spots where you can warm up between sightseeing.
5. Summer isn’t always better
If you visit Tallinn in July or August, you might end up caught in the rain or even a thunderstorm. Sometimes, it can rain heavily for 2-3 days straight. This can be far less enjoyable than a light drizzle or snowflakes in November. Plus, you’ll likely pay double for your flights in peak summer, so why not take advantage of those November deals?
6. Winter deals in January and February
Cheap flights continue into mid-January and February. During this time, snow is more likely to stick, which means Tallinn’s streets can be quite slippery. If you’re not used to walking on ice, you might find it less enjoyable and even a bit dangerous.
7. Things to do in Tallinn during winter
Since Estonia has just three short summer months, life here is all about adapting to the colder seasons. By November, you can find almost everything you need – except maybe a beach day!
The first Christmas decorations start appearing by the end of October. Kaubamaja, just a 3-minute walk from the Viru Gates, is one of the first places to sell them in its home goods section, along with major supermarkets. By late November, you’ll find decorations everywhere.
By the end of November, the Christmas market opens in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, typically between the 22nd and 25th of November. That’s also when the city’s famous Christmas tree goes up, though the lights officially twinkle to life on the evening of December 1st.
So, is November a good time to visit Tallinn? Absolutely! Just pack smart, and you’ll find plenty to love about this charming city. And now, here are a few photos taken on different November days to give you a sense of what to expect.
30th October: There aren’t too many trees in Old Tallinn, but the ones you’ll find are absolutely delightful.
31st October: Kadriorg Park is the best place in Tallinn to experience Estonian autumn.
31st October: Kaubamaja in Viru Keskus is one of the first to start selling Christmas decorations.
1st November: It’s cold and windy, and plenty of people have switched to their winter coats already.
3rd November: In Kadriorg, a few late roses are still in bloom.
4th November: 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 charm of the medieval streets remains undeniable.
10th November: The Japanese garden in Kadriorg remains beautiful even in late autumn.
10th November: The Japanese really know how to create gardens that delight the eye in any season!
10th November, the evening: Kadriorg Palace still looks magnificent, although the garden is no longer as colourful as it was in summer.
11th November: In Tallinn’s prestigious Kalamaja district, the grass is still green.
11th November: The quirky, leafless tree branches complement the architecture of the Old Town.
12th November: The Keila-Joa waterfall near Tallinn is at full flow.
12th November: It’s cloudy, but quite warm — just a light autumn jacket is enough.
13th November: They put up the Christmas tree around mid-November, and the lights go on the first Sunday of December.
14th November: A view of Old Tallinn.
16th November: In the morning at Tallinn’s Central Market, there’s an abundance of agricultural produce – pumpkins, potatoes, apples.
16th November: By noon, the sun was shining in Tondiraba Park, making it a pleasant day.
20th November: The rains have become more frequent, and the centre of the Old Town is often wet.
27th November: The Christmas market in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square has opened – here they sell hot glögg, cinnamon biscuits, and fry sausages with cabbage.
