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Milan in November 2025

November in Milan is for museum-hoppers, book lovers, and those who enjoy the city without peak-season chaos. It’s cool and occasionally rainy, but never dull. JazzMi, Music Week, and BookCity fill the calendar. Cozy bars and galleries offer a warm escape. Shorter lines and lower prices make it an easy time to explore. Dress in layers and waterproof boots; it may dip below freezing at night.

Milan in November 2025 at a glance

🌧️ Weather

Avg highs 12 °C / 54 °F, lows 5 °C / 41 °F; expect overcast skies and occasional rain.

☀️ Daylight

10 hours; sunrise ~7:15 am, sunset ~5:15 pm.

🎉 Key events

JazzMi, Milano Music Week, BookCity, All Saints' Day (Nov 1).

👥 Crowds

Low season; fewer tourists mean shorter lines and easier reservations.

🛋️ What to pack

Warm layers, waterproof boots, scarf, and umbrella.

🍽️ Seasonal treats

Polenta, osso buco, roasted chestnuts, new wine (novello).

Top things to do in Milan in November

Tour the Duomo and its rooftops

  • When: Daily, weather permitting
  • Tags: Tour, Cultural experience
  • The marble cathedral feels more intimate in off-season light. Climb to the rooftop (stairs or lift) for misty skyline views. Check if rooftop access is open; icy conditions may close it.

Recommended experiences:

  • Milan Cathedral Terrace Access Tickets
  • Milan Cathedral, Museum & Terraces Tickets
Explore all Duomo Milan tickets & tours

See da Vinci’s Last Supper

  • When: Book well in advance
  • Tags: Tour, Cultural experience
  • With fewer tourists, it’s easier to score a slot at Santa Maria delle Grazie. A 15-minute viewing window means every second counts. Bring ID and arrive 15 minutes early.

Recommended experiences:

  • Da Vinci's Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
  • Milan Cathedral, City Center and Last Supper Guided Tour
Explore The Last Supper tickets & tours

Catch a La Scala performance

  • When: Throughout November
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Tour
  • November features Mozart’s "Così fan tutte" and Forsythe’s ballet. Book tickets early, especially for weekend shows. Dress code: smart casual to formal.

Recommended experiences:

  • Skip-the-Line Entry & Guided Tour of La Scala Theatre
Browse all La Scala Theater tickets & tours

Warm up in Brera’s galleries and cafes

  • When: Daily
  • Tags: Explorer, Cultural experience
  • Wander cobbled streets lined with art galleries and cozy cafés. Pop into Pinacoteca di Brera or browse boutique bookstores. Perfect for rainy afternoons.

Visit the Triennale design museum

  • When: Tues–Sun
  • Tags: Tour, Cultural experience
  • Browse cutting-edge exhibits on Italian design and architecture. November often features seasonal shows; check their calendar. Inside Parco Sempione for post-visit strolls.

Indulge in Milanese comfort food

  • When: Lunch or dinner
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Family-friendly
  • Cold weather calls for risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, or steaming bowls of polenta. Restaurants near Navigli or Porta Romana serve hearty regional menus.

Window-shop the Fashion District

  • When: Daily
  • Tags: Explorer
  • Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga are decked for early holiday shoppers. November sales start mid-month, especially in independent boutiques.

Walk the canals in moody weather

  • When: Clear afternoons
  • Tags: Outdoors, Explorer
  • Navigli’s quiet canals shimmer under gray skies. Stroll without the summer crowds, then duck into a café for an aperitivo.

Offbeat experiences in November

Bookstore-hopping in hidden Brera corners

Rainy day refuge for literary types

Browse cozy independent bookshops like Libreria del Mondo Offeso. Grab a warm drink and a poetry zine. Quiet, local vibe.

📍Where: Via Cesariano and surroundings

Milanese apéritif with a view

Elevated drinks, literally

Head to Terrazza Aperol or Ceresio 7 for sweeping views and stylish cocktails. Chilly? Most spots offer blankets and heat lamps.

📍Where: Piazza Duomo or Via Ceresio 7

Design and architecture walks

Modern meets classic

Explore the Bosco Verticale, UniCredit Tower, and nearby Gae Aulenti district. Great mix of Milan's sharp lines and urban renewal.

📍Where: Porta Nuova

Centrale with a twist

Train station turned cultural stop

Visit the Station Gallery inside Milano Centrale. Historic photos and rotating exhibits show Milan's evolution through transit.

📍Where: Piazza Duca d’Aosta

Stormy-day science fun

Interactive indoors for all ages

At the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia, get hands-on with Da Vinci machines and space exhibits. Great for families.

📍Where: Via San Vittore 21

Festivals and events in Milan this November 2025

BookCity Milano

  • Dates: November [TBC]
  • Event type: Literary Festival
  • Location: Citywide, incl. Castello Sforzesco
  • Talks, readings, and author meetups across Milan. Many free sessions; register early for headline events.

Milano Music Week

  • Dates: Nov 17–23, 2025
  • Event type: Music Festival
  • Location: Venues citywide
  • Celebrates Italy’s music industry with panels, live shows, and secret gigs. Check for English-language events.

JazzMi Festival

  • Dates: Ends Nov 9, 2025
  • Event type: Music Festival
  • Location: Theaters and clubs citywide
  • Milan’s big jazz blowout spans classic to experimental. Some free gigs, others ticketed—book in advance.

Milano21 Half Marathon

  • Dates: Nov 23, 2025
  • Event type: Sporting Event
  • Location: Central Milan routes
  • Popular 21 km race through scenic neighborhoods. Expect road closures; public transport runs normally.

Così fan tutte (Opera)

  • Dates: Nov 5–26, 2025
  • Event type: Opera
  • Location: Teatro alla Scala
  • Mozart’s beloved opera with standout casts. Performances sell quickly; go weekday for easier seats.

William Forsythe Evening (Ballet)

  • Dates: Nov 11–29, 2025
  • Event type: Ballet
  • Location: Teatro alla Scala
  • Contemporary ballet meets classical form. Evening shows; smart casual attire recommended.

Christmas Markets (early start)

  • Dates: From Nov 18, 2025
  • Event type: Market
  • Location: Piazza Castello + citywide
  • Expect mulled wine, crafts, and treats. Official lights switch-on around this time too.

All Saints’ Day

  • Dates: Nov 1, 2025
  • Event type: Public Holiday
  • Location: Citywide
  • Many museums remain open; check hours. Local families visit cemeteries to honor relatives.

Highlights for different traveller types

Culture vultures

  • Explore Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper with fewer tourists and easier booking slots.
  • Visit the Triennale for rotating design exhibits.
  • Don’t miss La Scala’s opera and ballet season at its elegant best.

Couples

  • Stroll quiet Navigli canals in moody afternoon light.
  • Sip wine by candlelight in Porta Romana trattorias.
  • Catch live jazz during JazzMi for a cozy, offbeat date night.

Foodies

  • Polenta, truffle risotto, and roasted chestnuts pop up on seasonal menus.
  • Join a guided food tour or book dinner at a traditional osteria.
  • End with novello wine or a digestivo.

Value hunters

  • Low season means hotel discounts and shorter lines.
  • Many BookCity events are free; take advantage of bundled museum passes.
  • Local trattorias serve hearty meals without tourist markups.

Your perfect 3-day Milan in November itinerary

  • Breakfast: Start with brioche and espresso at Marchesi 1824 near the Duomo.
  • Morning: Tour the Duomo, then walk Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’s mosaic floors.
  • Midday: View The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie (booked in advance).
  • Lunch: Try risotto alla Milanese at Trattoria Milanese.
  • Afternoon: Explore Sforza Castle museums and Parco Sempione.
  • Evening: Dress up for La Scala’s Così fan tutte or a nearby aperitivo.
  • Breakfast: Grab pastries and cappuccino at Pavé.
  • Morning: Head to Triennale Milano for design and architecture.
  • Midday: Wander through the modern Porta Nuova district.
  • Lunch: Pizza or warm dishes at Eataly Smeraldo.
  • Afternoon: Walk Navigli canals, stopping in indie galleries.
  • Evening: Aperitivo and dinner along Ripa di Porta Ticinese; try local wines.
  • Breakfast: Sip coffee at a Brera book cafe.
  • Morning: Shop boutiques in Brera; pop into Pinacoteca di Brera.
  • Midday: Visit BookCity talks or indie cinemas.
  • Lunch: Polenta and pork ragu at Osteria dell’Acquabella.
  • Afternoon: Window-shop Quadrilatero della Moda; early holiday displays begin.
  • Evening: Cap your trip with a cocktail at Ceresio 7’s rooftop lounge.

Best day trips from Milan in November

Bergamo

🚌 Travel time: ~50 min by train

Wander the walled Città Alta, rich in autumn color and medieval charm. Quieter in November, it's ideal for art museums and mountain views. Bring layers—it’s cooler than Milan.

Pavia

🚌 Travel time: ~40 min by train

This university town offers cloisters, cobbled alleys, and the Certosa di Pavia monastery. Fewer tourists in November let you explore its quiet beauty.

Lake Como (Como town)

🚌 Travel time: ~1 h by train

Even in cool weather, Como charms with lakeside walks and crisp views. Take the funicular to Brunate for sweeping mountain panoramas.

Milan to Lake Como

Monza

🚌 Travel time: ~20 min by train

Visit Villa Reale and Monza Park, Italy’s largest walled park. Fall foliage and fewer visitors make this a relaxing half-day escape.

Go shopping in Milan in November

  • When: Year-round (holiday displays start mid-month)
  • Where: Via Monte Napoleone & surroundings
  • Luxury brands start showcasing winter lines and festive décor. Window-shop or splurge on a seasonal piece.
  • When: Selected Sundays (check schedule)
  • Where: Via Mecenate 84
  • Vintage, vinyl, indie fashion, and street food in a cool warehouse space. Budget-friendly and buzzy.
  • When: Year-round
  • Where: Next to Duomo
  • Elegant arcade shopping with historic charm. Stop for a pastry at Marchesi or window-browse Prada and Louis Vuitton.
  • When: From late November
  • Where: Piazza Castello
  • A festive preview of Milan’s Christmas markets. Crafts, treats, and gifts begin appearing just before December.

Pro tips for visiting Milan in November

  1. Museum lines are short, but the Last Supper still sells out weeks ahead. Book early, especially for weekends.

  1. Trams are a scenic, warm way to get around. Use ATM tickets valid for 90 minutes across metro, buses, and trams.

  1. Pack a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes. Milan gets steady drizzle this time of year.

  1. Plan indoor-heavy days when rain is forecast. Museums, cafes, and cinemas make great escapes.

  1. Duomo rooftop may close without notice due to ice. Check day-of updates before climbing.

  1. Aperitivo starts early in colder months—many bars open by 5:30 pm with indoor seating.

  1. Carry ID for some ticketed events or WiFi registration. EU IDs and passports are accepted.

  1. Street vendors start selling roasted chestnuts from mid-November. Cheap, filling, and fragrant.

  1. Layers are key. Mornings can be near freezing; afternoons often hover around 12 °C / 54 °F.

  1. Keep small cash on hand for transport kiosks, market snacks, or cafes that don’t take cards.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Milan in November

Is November a good time to visit Milan?

Yes, if you prefer low crowds, cultural events, and cozy city vibes. It’s ideal for indoor attractions and food lovers.

What is the weather like in Milan in November?

Cool and damp. Expect highs around 12 °C / 54 °F, lows near 5 °C / 41 °F, with occasional rain or drizzle.

Are Milan's attractions open in November?

Yes, most remain open year-round. Only a few outdoor sites may close due to weather (e.g., Duomo rooftop in icy conditions).

Do I need to book tickets in advance in November?

Yes for The Last Supper and major opera performances. Otherwise, crowds are light and same-day tickets often available.

What should I wear in Milan in November?

Layered clothing, a warm coat, waterproof shoes, and a compact umbrella. Scarves and gloves come in handy for chilly nights.

Is it safe to walk around Milan in November?

Yes, central Milan is generally safe. Stick to well-lit areas at night, and be aware of pickpockets in busy places.

Are restaurants and bars open in November?

Yes, and they’re cozier than ever. Some may close one day a week (often Monday), so check schedules in advance.

Will there be Christmas decorations in November?

Yes, especially from mid-November onward. Major streets and department stores begin putting up lights and displays.

Can I still enjoy outdoor sights?

Yes, just dress accordingly. Parks, canal walks, and piazzas are still lovely in misty, moody light.

Are there local foods specific to November?

Absolutely. Try dishes like polenta taragna, truffle pasta, roasted chestnuts, and novello wine.

How busy is Milan in November?

It’s low season, so expect fewer tourists and shorter lines. Concerts and BookCity events are exceptions—book those early.

Is Milan good for kids in November?

Yes. Indoor museums like the science and tech center are interactive. Holiday lights and chestnut vendors add magic.