North Macedonia in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in North Macedonia

16°C (61°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

65 mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for hiking - cool 8-14°C (46-57°F) days are ideal for Pelister National Park and Matka Canyon without summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat
Wine harvest season continues with rakija distilling - November is when families make their annual brandy batches, and you can participate in authentic home distilling experiences
Shoulder season pricing with 40-60% lower accommodation costs compared to summer, and restaurants offer seasonal game dishes like wild boar and venison
Museum and indoor attraction weather - perfect time for Skopje's this destination, Ohrid's church complexes, and Bitola's Ottoman heritage sites without summer crowds

Considerations

Limited daylight with sunset by 5:30 PM and frequent gray overcast days can make sightseeing feel rushed
Lake Ohrid swimming is finished - water temperatures drop to 12-15°C (54-59°F) and beach restaurants close for winter
Mountain weather is unpredictable with possible early snow above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) affecting hiking plans at Pelister and Shar Planina

Best Activities in November

Matka Canyon Nature Walks and Cave Tours

November's cool temperatures make the 8 km (5 mile) canyon rim walk comfortable without summer's oppressive heat. The reduced water levels reveal more cave entrances, and autumn colors reflect beautifully in the emerald water. Morning mist creates dramatic photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Cave boat tours run until late November weather permitting, typically 800-1,200 MKD ($15-22). Book locally at the canyon entrance or through Skopje tour operators 2-3 days ahead. Check weather conditions as tours cancel in rain.

Wine Region Tours in Tikvesh and Povardarie

November is rakija distilling season when families make their annual fruit brandy. Many wineries offer combined wine tastings with traditional rakija production demonstrations. Cooler weather makes vineyard walks pleasant, and harvest season foods pair perfectly with tastings.

Booking Tip: Winery tours typically cost 1,500-2,500 MKD ($27-45) including tastings. Book through Skopje or Veles operators, or contact wineries directly. Weekend tours fill up as locals also visit during distilling season.

Ohrid Old Town Heritage Walking

Without summer crowds, you can properly explore Ohrid's 365 churches and UNESCO sites. November's soft light is perfect for photographing Byzantine frescoes, and indoor locations provide warmth during the 15-20 rainy days. Lake views are moody and dramatic.

Booking Tip: Self-guided is easiest, but local guides cost 2,000-3,000 MKD ($36-55) for 3-4 hours. Churches charge 100-200 MKD ($2-4) entry. Start early as winter hours begin and some close by 4 PM.

Traditional Cooking Classes and Food Tours

November brings winter preparation foods - ajvar making, preservation techniques, and hearty stews using seasonal ingredients. Indoor cooking classes are perfect for rainy days, and you'll learn recipes using autumn vegetables and preserved meats.

Booking Tip: Home cooking experiences cost 2,500-4,000 MKD ($45-73) including ingredients and meal. Book through guesthouses or cultural centers 5-7 days ahead. Some rural experiences include rakija tasting and traditional preservation methods.

Bitola Ottoman Architecture Tours

Cool weather makes walking Bitola's Shirok Sokak pleasant, and November's frequent indoor museum visits showcase the city's consular period architecture. The covered Old Bazaar provides shelter during rain, and traditional kafanas serve warming winter foods.

Booking Tip: Combine with Heraclea Lyncestis archaeological site (entry 120 MKD/$2.20) before winter closure. Local guides available for 1,500-2,000 MKD ($27-36). Museum entries typically 100-200 MKD ($2-4).

Pelister National Park Lower Elevation Hikes

While high peaks may have early snow, lower trails around Pelister Lake and the Big Lake circuit remain accessible. November's bare trees reveal mountain views hidden in summer, and you might spot deer and wild boar preparing for winter.

Booking Tip: Stay below 1,400 m (4,593 ft) elevation due to weather. Park entry 60 MKD ($1.10). Rent gear in Bitola rather than at the park. Mountain huts may be closed, so plan day trips only. Check conditions at park entrance.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Zlatna Ribka (Golden Fish) Festival

Ohrid's traditional fishing festival celebrates Lake Ohrid trout with cooking competitions, folk music, and local fishing boat displays. A authentic local event with minimal tourism, offering genuine cultural immersion.

Mid to Late November

Rakija Distilling Season

Throughout rural Macedonia, families begin their annual fruit brandy production. Many rural guesthouses and agrotourism farms offer hands-on experiences in traditional copper still distillation methods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots for wet trails and cobblestone streets - November sees 12-15 rainy days with slippery stone surfaces

Layered clothing system: fleece or wool mid-layer for 3°C (37°F) mornings that warm to 16°C (61°F) afternoons

Compact umbrella and packable rain jacket - afternoon showers last 30-60 minutes but can be intense

Warm hat and gloves for early morning starts and mountain areas where temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F)

Comfortable indoor shoes or thick socks - traditional homes and guesthouses require shoe removal

Power bank and charging cables - shorter daylight means more phone use for navigation and photos

Moisturizer and lip balm for 75% humidity that still feels dry due to cool temperatures

Cash in small denominations - rural areas and traditional experiences prefer cash payments

Headlamp or small flashlight - sunset by 5:30 PM and street lighting is limited outside main cities

Wool or synthetic thermal base layer for mountain areas and unheated traditional buildings

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with heating systems - many rural guesthouses only provide blankets, and November nights drop to 3°C (37°F). Ask specifically about heating before booking.

Visit kafanas (traditional taverns) after 7 PM when locals gather for rakija and live music - November's early darkness creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for authentic cultural experiences.

Shop at outdoor markets in the morning before 11 AM - vendors pack up early in November's cooler weather, but you'll find the best seasonal produce like peppers for ajvar and late harvest fruits.

Many mountain roads close after first snow, typically mid to late November. Check road conditions through the Public Enterprise for State Roads website before heading to Pelister, Mavrovo, or remote villages.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - sunset by 5:30 PM means outdoor activities need to start by 2 PM to have adequate light for safety and photos

Assuming Lake Ohrid activities are available - boat tours, swimming, and waterfront restaurants largely close by November, leaving mainly walking and museum visits

Packing only summer hiking gear - November mountain weather can include snow above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) and temperatures near freezing, requiring proper winter equipment