Things to Do in Cadiz in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Cadiz
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find accommodations 30-40% cheaper than peak summer months, with far fewer tourists crowding La Caleta beach or the cathedral rooftop tours - you can actually book same-day tickets to most attractions
- The Atlantic is still swimmable at 18-19°C (64-66°F), which might sound cold but feels refreshing after walking the old town, and the beaches are practically empty compared to the summer chaos when you can barely find a spot to lay your towel
- November catches the tail end of almadraba tuna season, so you'll find restaurants serving the freshest bluefin tuna at reasonable prices before it disappears for the year - this is what locals actually get excited about, not tourist menus
- Daylight hours are still decent at around 10 hours, with sunset around 6:15pm, giving you full days to explore without the oppressive 35°C (95°F) heat that makes July afternoons unbearable for walking the exposed city walls
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days mean roughly one in three days will see some precipitation, usually Atlantic fronts that roll in quickly and can last several hours rather than brief tropical showers - this isn't drizzle, it's proper rain that will cancel beach plans
- The wind off the Atlantic can be genuinely fierce in November, particularly the Levante easterly that funnels through the strait - expect gusts that make outdoor dining uncomfortable and can shut down boat trips to nearby beaches with little warning
- Evenings get surprisingly cool at 13°C (56°F), and since Spanish buildings aren't heavily insulated and many hotels don't turn on heating until December, you'll want layers for indoor spaces too - locals joke that it's colder inside than outside
Best Activities in November
Cathedral and Historic Quarter Walking Tours
November weather is actually ideal for exploring Cadiz's compact old town on foot - the 19°C (67°F) highs mean you can walk for hours without overheating, and the lower UV index compared to summer means less aggressive sun protection needed. The cathedral rooftop climb, which involves 172 narrow stone steps, is far more pleasant when you're not dripping with sweat. Morning tours around 10-11am tend to have the best light for photography, and you'll avoid the cruise ship crowds that plague summer months. The baroque architecture of the cathedral looks particularly dramatic under November's variable cloud cover.
Atlantic Coast Cycling Routes
The coastal bike path from Cadiz to San Fernando stretches 12 km (7.5 miles) and November is genuinely the best month for it - summer heat makes afternoon cycling miserable, while November gives you comfortable temperatures and dramatic Atlantic views with bigger waves. The route is completely flat, suitable for casual riders, and takes you past salt marshes where you might spot flamingos. Wind can be challenging, so plan to ride in the morning when it's typically calmer. The path connects to Playa de la Victoria, which is empty enough in November that you can stop for a swim without worrying about your bike.
Mercado Central Food Market Visits
The central market is where Cadiz actually shops, and November brings seasonal products you won't find other times - fresh chestnuts, wild mushrooms from nearby Sierra de Grazalema, and the last of the almadraba tuna. The market operates Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm, with the best selection before 11am when locals do their shopping. The humidity and cooler temperatures mean seafood stays fresher longer on the stalls compared to summer. Several vendors will prepare tapas from their products - try the ortiguillas, fried sea anemones that are a Cadiz specialty most tourists never discover.
Sherry Triangle Day Trips
November is harvest season aftermath in the sherry triangle, and the bodegas in Jerez, Sanlucar, and El Puerto are less crowded than during September's vendimia. The 30-45 minute train ride from Cadiz to Jerez costs under 10 euros return, and you'll find the town walkable and pleasant in November temperatures. Sherry tastings make more sense when you're not already overheated - the fortified wine actually tastes better at 19°C (67°F) ambient temperature. Many bodegas offer tours in English, showing the solera aging system that makes sherry unique. Jerez also has excellent tapas bars where locals drink manzanilla and fino, not the sweet cream sherries tourists assume are standard.
Genovés Park and Waterfront Promenades
This might sound too simple, but the waterfront walk from Genovés Park along Campo del Sur to La Caleta beach is genuinely one of Cadiz's best experiences, particularly in November when the Atlantic is dramatic. The park itself has exotic trees and peacocks, and the 70% humidity means everything stays lush. The walk covers about 2 km (1.2 miles) and takes you past the old city walls with waves crashing below. La Caleta beach, wedged between two castles, is where locals swim year-round - the water is cold at 18°C (64°F) but refreshing, and you'll have it mostly to yourself. Sunset around 6:15pm lights up the whole waterfront in golden hour perfect for photography.
Roman Theatre and Archaeological Site Tours
Cadiz's Roman theatre, discovered in 1980 and still partially excavated, is one of the largest in Spain and gets overlooked by tourists rushing to Seville. November is ideal for archaeological sites - the cooler temperatures mean you can actually focus on the ruins without heat exhaustion, and the variable cloud cover creates interesting light for photography. The site dates to 70 BCE when Cadiz was a major Roman port. The adjacent interpretation center explains the city's Phoenician and Roman layers, which is crucial context for understanding why Cadiz feels different from other Andalusian cities. Entry includes both the theatre and the museum.
November Events & Festivals
Erizo de Cadiz Sea Urchin Season Opening
November marks the start of sea urchin season, and while this isn't a festival, it's a genuine food event locals care about. Restaurants across the old town start serving erizo fresh from Atlantic waters, typically 8-12 euros for a plate of six. The season runs November through April, but November offers the first catch. Look for signs in restaurant windows advertising erizo fresco - this is as seasonal and local as Cadiz food gets, far more authentic than tourist-oriented pescaito frito.
FICX Cadiz International Film Festival
This independent film festival typically runs in mid-November, screening Spanish and international films across several venues in the old town. It's smaller than San Sebastian but attracts serious film fans and some industry presence. Screenings happen at Teatro Central and other historic venues, with tickets usually 5-8 euros. The festival atmosphere brings a different energy to the city, with late-night screenings and bar discussions afterward. Check the official festival dates for 2026 as they can shift slightly year to year.