Things to Do in Lausanne in November

November Weather in Lausanne

12°C (54°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas market season begins mid-month with traditional Swiss crafts and warm vin chaud, creating authentic Alpine atmosphere without peak December crowds
Lake Geneva steamboat services still operate daily with heated indoor seating, offering dramatic views of snow-dusted Alps at 30-40% lower tourist volumes than summer
Museum and cultural venue peak season - venues like Olympic Museum and Collection de l'Art Brut have extended hours and special exhibitions without summer queues
Wine harvest celebration season in nearby Lavaux terraces with special tastings at 15-20% lower prices than peak season, plus clear mountain visibility on sunny days

Considerations

Daylight limited to 9.5 hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 5pm) restricting outdoor photography and sightseeing time significantly
Outdoor lakefront dining largely closes - most restaurant terraces shut down, limiting the famous Lake Geneva dining experience to indoor venues only
Frequent light drizzle makes walking tours uncomfortable and reduces visibility of Alpine panoramas from city viewpoints 60% of days

Best Activities in November

Olympic Museum and Ouchy Waterfront Walking Tours

November's crisp weather is ideal for exploring Lausanne's museum district without summer crowds. The Olympic Museum offers heated indoor exploration with lake views, while the waterfront promenade provides dramatic Alpine vistas when weather clears. Morning visits (10am-noon) offer best lighting and fewer tour groups.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost CHF 18-25 for adults, book online 3-5 days ahead for skip-the-line access. Walking tours typically CHF 25-35 per person through licensed city guides. Check weather forecasts and book morning slots for clearest mountain views.

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces Wine Experience

Post-harvest season offers intimate wine tastings with vintners discussing the completed 2025 harvest. November's cool weather makes the 2km (1.2 mile) terrace walks comfortable, with UNESCO World Heritage views unobstructed by summer haze. Many wineries offer heated tasting rooms with harvest celebration menus.

Booking Tip: Wine tours range CHF 45-75 per person including tastings. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as many small wineries reduce November hours. Train connections from Lausanne take 20-25 minutes to Epesses or Grandvaux stations.

Lake Geneva Steamboat Scenic Cruises

Belle Époque paddle steamers operate heated winter schedules with minimal crowds and crystal-clear Alpine views. November's stable weather patterns provide dramatic snow-capped mountain backdrops. 1-2 hour circuits from Ouchy port showcase lakeside châteaux and French Alps panoramas impossible to see from land.

Booking Tip: Steamboat tickets CHF 28-45 depending on route length. Daily departures 10am-3pm, book same-day at port or 48 hours online. Choose upper deck heated sections for photography. Lunch cruises available weekends.

Gruyères Medieval Village and Cheese Making

November's cool weather perfectly complements warm cheese fondue experiences in this 800-year-old hilltop village. The 45-minute train journey through pre-Alpine valleys shows autumn colors, while the village offers authentic Swiss cultural immersion without peak season congestion.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost CHF 60-85 including transport and cheese demonstrations. Book cheese making workshops 1 week ahead as November schedules are limited. Train connections require Swiss Travel Pass or separate tickets CHF 35-45 return.

Christmas Market Food and Craft Tours

Lausanne's Christmas markets begin mid-November at Place de la Palud and Flon district, featuring regional specialties like vin chaud, raclette, and handcrafted Swiss goods. Evening tours (5pm-8pm) maximize the magical atmosphere with illuminated stalls and local artisan demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Food tours range CHF 35-55 per person including tastings. Markets operate daily from mid-November, no advance booking needed for independent visits. Guided evening tours should be booked 5-7 days ahead through tourist offices.

Montreux Jazz Heritage and Château de Chillon

November's off-season provides exclusive access to Montreux's jazz venues and the famous lakeside castle without crowds. The 30-minute train ride along Lake Geneva offers dramatic Alpine reflections, while Château de Chillon's medieval chambers stay comfortably heated for exploration.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets for castle and jazz museum cost CHF 35-42. Train tickets CHF 12-16 each way with Swiss regional passes. Book castle audio tours online for November availability. Jazz venues offer intimate performances weekends only.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Lausanne Christmas Market Opening

Traditional Swiss Christmas market opens at Place de la Palud featuring local artisans, seasonal foods, and authentic regional crafts. Features heated seating areas with vin chaud and raclette vendors, plus children's activities and evening illuminations.

Early to Mid November

Lavaux Wine Harvest Celebrations

Post-harvest wine festivals in UNESCO terraces celebrating completed 2025 vintage. Local wineries open cellars for tastings, traditional music, and harvest feast menus featuring regional specialties paired with new wines.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - November pavements are frequently wet and Lausanne's steep cobblestone streets become slippery

Compact umbrella - light drizzle occurs 60% of days but rarely lasts more than 2-3 hours, so small coverage is sufficient

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 8°C (46°F) between morning (4°C/39°F) and afternoon (12°C/54°F)

Warm scarf and hat - lake winds create wind chill factor dropping perceived temperature 3-4°C (5-7°F) below actual

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - essential for lakefront walks where Alpine winds intensify precipitation

Comfortable day pack - many attractions require 15-20 minute uphill walks from transport stops on steep terrain

Wool or synthetic blend socks - feet stay warmer in damp conditions than cotton alternatives

Portable phone charger - cold weather reduces battery life 25-30% during full-day outdoor exploration

Sunglasses - low-angle November sun creates intense glare reflecting off Lake Geneva surface on clear days

Cash in Swiss Francs - many small mountain restaurants and market vendors don't accept cards, especially in wine regions

Insider Knowledge

Take the M2 metro to UNIL-Sorge station then walk 800m (0.5 miles) to Sauvabelin Tower for free panoramic views - locals prefer this over touristy Olympic Museum viewpoints and it's accessible in any weather

Shop for groceries at Coop or Migros before 6pm - Swiss supermarkets close early and restaurant prices are 40-60% higher than preparing simple meals with local ingredients

Use the Lausanne Transport Card (free from hotels) for unlimited public transport including steep funicular railways that save exhausting uphill walks in wet weather

November wine tastings in Lavaux terraces are by appointment only - call directly in French or German as many family wineries don't use online booking systems during off-season

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming outdoor restaurant terraces are open - 80% of lakefront dining closes outdoor seating by early November, leaving only expensive heated indoor sections

Planning full-day outdoor itineraries without checking daylight hours - sunset at 5pm severely limits afternoon photography and sightseeing opportunities

Underestimating public transport time in wet weather - buses and trains run 10-15% slower in November conditions, affecting connection timing for day trips