Weather lowdown
Murcia is a small region in the south east of Spain characterised by stunning countryside scenery and beautiful sandy beaches of the Costa Cálida. A historical cathedral city sits at the heart of the region.
Murcia has a typical Mediterranean climate which means it has hot, sunny summers and mild winters. It is also noted for its low humidity and minimal rainfall that makes it a popular holiday destination all year round.
The weather continues to cool down in November as autumn draws to an end and winter approaches. The average temperature drops from 19°C in October to 15°C in November while the low temperature can fall as low as 9°C on a night. However, November is still a great time to escape the colder weather of some European countries such as the UK. High temperatures can reach 20°C on some days.
November has around 2 sunny hours a day in Murcia and a 53% chance of sunshine, so while temperatures may be lower than the summer months, holiday makers can still soak up some rays. Some days may be overcast with a 20% chance of clouds, but most days should see clear blue skies.
Visitors to Murcia in November should expect some rain on their visit, but the amount of precipitation is down from the wettest month of October. There is an average of 30mm of rain throughout the month and an average of 7 wet days. There's still only a 17% chance of rain though, so travellers can still enjoy plenty of time outside in November.
Most visitors to Murcia will agree that the swimming season is over in November. The waters of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea have cooled to their pre-summer temperatures of around 19°C on average. However, the beach is just one of the many attractions of Murcia as the city dates back to 800 A.D. and is rich with culture and history.
Take a look at the 14 day weather forcast for Murcia.
Where to stay
November is outside of the most popular travel season in Murcia, so holiday makers should be able to find some great value deals on accommodation.
With so many attractions and things to do indoors and out, Murcia city centre is a great place to stay when the weather is a little unpredictable. The Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca Hotel provides four star accommodation in the heart of the city, close to all of the main attractions including Murcia Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace. The stylish and comfortable rooms are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV.
If you're on a budget, Hotel Universal Pacoche has rooms for around 24 euros a night. Located over the river, just a 10 minute walk from the historic centre, it makes a convenient base for exploring the city on foot. Accommodation here is simple but guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and convenient on-site restaurant.
Hit the beach
November isn't the ideal month to visit Murcia if you want to spend your days sunbathing and splashing around in the sea. July or August would be the best time of year for these activities. However, the beauty of Murcia's beaches can be appreciated at any time of the year. The area has 250km of golden coastline where visitors can enjoy an evening stroll and admire sunset views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Bolnuevo is a popular coastal town in the south of Murcia. The resort has a long, sandy beach that's home to one of Murcia's most recognisable landmarks a collection of heavily weathered sandstone formations known as Las Gredas or Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo. Bolnuevo beach makes a great day trip and is just an hour's drive from Murcia city centre.
Eating and drinking
Foodies visiting Murcia will be in for a treat. The area is well-known for its delicious dishes which include traditional Spanish cuisine and fresh seafood from the Mediterranean Sea. While November is the quiet season, holiday makers won't struggle to find an array of restaurants and bars to spend their evenings in.
For a true taste of Spain, don't miss Meson Las Viandas situated in Murcia city centre, just around the corner from Plaza de las Flores. This small restaurant serves some of the tastiest tapas in Spain and has a casual, contemporary ambience. A great place to grab lunch in the city.
Located near Murcia Cathedral, Los Zagales offers visitors reasonable prices tapas and a great range of drinks, from wine to the local lager, Estrella Levante. The cosy bar has a traditionally Spanish feel and a vibrant atmosphere.
If you're looking for something a little different, head to the coastal town of Cartagena where you will find La Sella. This vegetarian restaurant has earned a fantastic reputation and a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence thanks to its delicious meat-free dishes made with fresh produce from the Huerta fields.
Things to do
November can see some rainy days, but luckily Murcia has plenty of indoor attractions for holiday makers to enjoy. There are many museums in the area, which make for a fun family day out. These include the Museum of Science and Water, Murcia City Museum, the Santa Clara Monastery and Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Bellas Artes Museum, the Salzillo Museum, and the Bullfighting Museum of Murcia. Each of these museums shows a unique aspect of the local culture and gives visitors a real insight into Spanish life.
In addition, sightseers in Murcia city centre must visit the Plaza del Cardinal Belluga. Within the plaza, tourists will find City Hall and Palacia Episcopal, the home of the Bishop of Murcia. The main attraction of the plaza though is the Cathedral de Santa Maria. Built in the Baroque period, this cathedral was finished in the 15th century. It features rooms that are heavily decorated in gold and it houses its own informative museum.
In the nearby city of Lorca, the citizens celebrate their patron saint, San Clemente, during the month of November. Tourists who have rented a car can take the brief trip to Lorca in order to soak up traditional Spanish culture.