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Rhine River cruise scenery

Best time to cruise · Good time to go

Rhine River cruises in November

Children carry lanterns in St. Martin’s processions on November 11, the same day Cologne’s carnival season officially opens at 11:11 a.m. Christmas markets open from mid- to late November, Cologne’s among the first. Expect gray skies, highs in the 40s °F (6–9°C) and cozy evenings.

  • Good time to go
  • Avg high 50°F
  • 9 hrs daylight

Photo: Jörg Braukmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rhine River in November: Good time to go

Children carry lanterns in St. Martin’s processions on November 11, the same day Cologne’s carnival season officially opens at 11:11 a.m. Christmas markets open from mid- to late November, Cologne’s among the first. Expect gray skies, highs in the 40s °F (6–9°C) and cozy evenings.

Across Rhine River cruise ports, November brings average highs around 50°F (10°C) and lows near 42°F, with about 3.4 inches of rain over the month and roughly 9 hours of daylight.

Verdict
Good time to go
Season
Late March to December; tulip cruises in spring, Christmas markets from late November
Average high / low
50°F / 42°F
Rainfall (month)
3.4 in
Daylight
About 9 hours
Typical cruise length
7 nights Amsterdam–Basel; 9–12 nights with the Moselle or the Main

What to pack: layers you can add and remove: long pants, a warm fleece or sweater, a waterproof jacket and closed walking shoes.

How November compares with the rest of the year

Rhine River weather in November

Average monthly weather in Rhine River cruise ports
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F (°C)43645749954126217682070217222671959155010457
Low °F (°C)362362383426491056135915601555134910426394
Rain in (mm)3.2812.8712.3591.9492.3582.7682.7682.8723.0753.2823.4873.179
Daylight (hrs)810121416171615131198
Average daily highs and lows and monthly rainfall for 2015–2024 from NASA POWER for the area around Rhine River cruise ports, adjusted to sea level; daylight is calculated for mid-month. Real weather on any given day varies.

November weather port by port

PortAvg highAvg lowRainDaylight
Amsterdam50°F42°F3.4 in9 h

Average daily highs and lows, 2015–2024, from NASA POWER, adjusted to sea level. Rain is the average monthly total.

Other great cruise destinations in November

Rhine River in November: FAQs

Is November a good time to cruise Rhine River?

Yes, it's a good month. Children carry lanterns in St. Martin’s processions on November 11, the same day Cologne’s carnival season officially opens at 11:11 a.m. Christmas markets open from mid- to late November, Cologne’s among the first. Expect gray skies, highs in the 40s °F (6–9°C) and cozy evenings.

What is the weather like on a Rhine River cruise in November?

Across Rhine River cruise ports, November brings average highs around 50°F (10°C) and lows near 42°F, with about 3.4 inches of rain over the month and roughly 9 hours of daylight. Conditions vary from port to port and day to day.

What should I pack for a Rhine River cruise in November?

Pack layers you can add and remove: long pants, a warm fleece or sweater, a waterproof jacket and closed walking shoes. Check your cruise line's dress code for evenings.

When is the best time to cruise Rhine River?

Late March to December; tulip cruises in spring, Christmas markets from late November. The best months are usually May, June, September, December.

Where else can I cruise in November?

November is also a top month for Mexican Riviera & Baja, Galápagos Islands, Canary Islands & Atlantic Isles, Japan, Australia & New Zealand.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: NASA POWER climate data.