Things to Do in Turin in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Turin
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely low tourist crowds at major sites like the Egyptian Museum and Royal Palace - you'll actually have space to appreciate the collections without being swept along by tour groups. November sits in that sweet spot after summer visitors leave but before Christmas markets bring the December rush.
- White truffle season peaks in November, and this is the only time you can experience Alba's International White Truffle Fair (weekends throughout November). The entire Piedmont region goes truffle-mad, with restaurants offering seasonal menus at surprisingly reasonable prices compared to other times when truffles are available.
- Museum weather is perfect - those cool, occasionally drizzly days make Turin's incredible indoor attractions feel like exactly where you want to be. The city has more museums per capita than almost anywhere in Europe, and November gives you the ideal excuse to explore them without feeling like you're wasting sunshine.
- Hotel prices drop significantly compared to September and October. You're looking at 30-40% lower rates than autumn peak season, and you can actually book decent accommodations in the city center without planning months ahead. Mid-week stays in November can be genuinely affordable.
Considerations
- Daylight is limited - sunset comes around 5pm by late November, which means your outdoor sightseeing window is compressed. If you're someone who likes long afternoon walks or golden hour photography, you'll need to adjust expectations and start your days earlier.
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable and can feel quite raw. That 3°C (38°F) low isn't theoretical - morning temperatures regularly dip near freezing, and the humidity makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. You'll get occasional crisp, beautiful days, but also grey, damp stretches that feel dreary.
- Some mountain attractions and cable cars in the nearby Alps start closing for the season or operate on reduced schedules. It's too early for proper ski season but past hiking season, creating an awkward gap if you were hoping for easy day trips to high-altitude destinations.
Best Activities in November
Egyptian Museum Extended Visits
November is actually the perfect time to properly explore the Egyptian Museum - the second-largest Egyptian collection in the world after Cairo. With low tourist numbers, you can spend 3-4 hours here without feeling rushed or crowded. The cool weather makes the walk from Porta Nuova station pleasant, and the museum's excellent climate control feels welcoming rather than overly air-conditioned. The recent 2024-2025 renovation added new interactive sections that work well when you have space to engage with them.
Langhe Wine Region Day Trips
November is harvest-finish season in the Langhe, and the vineyards take on this beautiful burnt-orange color before the vines go dormant. The region sits about 60 km (37 miles) south of Turin, and the cooler weather makes wine tasting sessions more comfortable - you're not dealing with summer heat in un-air-conditioned cantinas. Many wineries offer truffle-pairing tastings in November specifically. The famous Barolo and Barbaresco estates are less crowded than September-October peak harvest tourism.
Historic Cafe Culture Sessions
Turin's historic cafes - some dating to the 1700s - are genuinely special, and November weather makes lingering over hot chocolate and pastries feel purposeful rather than indulgent. These aren't just coffee shops; they're ornate, mirror-lined institutions where locals spend hours reading newspapers. The tradition of 'bicerin' - a layered coffee-chocolate-cream drink invented in Turin - is perfect for damp November afternoons. Places get busy around 4-5pm when locals stop in after work, but mid-afternoon is typically quiet.
Royal Residences Circuit Tours
The Savoy Royal Residences surrounding Turin are UNESCO-listed and genuinely impressive, but they're also large palace complexes with extensive gardens. November means you skip the gardens entirely and focus on the interiors, which is actually ideal - the gardens are dormant anyway, and the palace rooms are the real attraction. Venaria Reale, just 10 km (6.2 miles) north of Turin, is particularly worth the trip. Reduced November crowds mean you can actually appreciate the baroque excess without being herded through rooms.
Alba Truffle Fair Excursions
The International White Truffle Fair runs weekends throughout November in Alba, about 60 km (37 miles) south of Turin. This isn't some contrived tourist market - it's a serious commercial fair where restaurants and dealers buy truffles, but it's open to visitors. You'll see truffles the size of tennis balls selling for hundreds of euros, and the surrounding town fills with food stalls, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations. The fair runs 9:30am-8pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and honestly Sundays are slightly less crowded than Saturdays.
Cinema Museum and Mole Antonelliana Visits
The National Cinema Museum inside the Mole Antonelliana is genuinely one of Europe's best film museums, and November's reduced crowds mean you can actually enjoy the interactive exhibits without competing for space. The panoramic lift to the top of the Mole offers 360-degree views over Turin and the Alps - on clear November days, the visibility is actually excellent because there's less summer haze. That said, you'll want to check weather forecasts and go on a clear day; the 20 EUR combined ticket isn't worth it if you're staring into fog.
November Events & Festivals
Alba International White Truffle Fair
This is the legitimate centerpiece of Piedmont's November calendar - a serious commercial fair that's been running since 1929. Every weekend in November, Alba transforms into truffle central, with the main fair featuring hundreds of truffle hunters selling their finds, plus wine pavilions, cooking demonstrations, and regional food stalls. The atmosphere is part farmers market, part luxury food expo. Surrounding restaurants offer special truffle menus, and you'll see truffle dogs demonstrating their skills. It's genuinely special if you care about food, though be prepared for crowds on Saturdays.
Luci d'Artista
Turin's contemporary light art installations typically launch in late October and run through January, meaning November catches them in full swing without December's Christmas market crowds. These aren't Christmas lights - they're actual art installations by contemporary artists, lighting up various piazzas and streets around the historic center. The early sunset in November means the installations are visible from around 5:30pm onward, and the cool weather makes evening walks to see them quite pleasant. The installations change yearly, so 2026 will feature different artists than previous years.
Turin Marathon
Usually held in early November, the Turin Marathon takes over the city center on a Sunday morning. Even if you're not running, it affects transportation and creates a festive atmosphere. The route passes major landmarks including Piazza Castello and along the Po River. Worth knowing about mainly for planning purposes - if you're visiting that weekend, expect some street closures and book accommodations well ahead as the marathon brings visitors. The city generally embraces it with food stalls and entertainment along the route.