Moldova in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Moldova
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Wine cellars at perfect tasting temperature - November's 5-8°C (41-46°F) range makes underground Cricova and Milestii Mici visits incredibly comfortable without heavy coats needed below ground
- New wine releases season - wineries launch their fresh vintage tastings in November, with special events at Chateau Purcari and Et Cetera offering 40% fewer crowds than harvest season
- Lowest accommodation prices of the year - Chisinau hotels drop rates 50-60% from summer peaks, with luxury properties like Radisson Blu averaging €45-65 per night
- Perfect museum and cultural site weather - overcast days make indoor exploration of National History Museum and Orheiul Vechi monastery caves ideal, with comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) indoor temperatures
Considerations
- Daylight severely limited - only 9 hours of daylight with sunset at 5:15 PM means outdoor sightseeing must be compressed into 10 AM-4 PM window
- Frequent drizzle disrupts plans - 10 rainy days with persistent light rain makes walking tours uncomfortable and outdoor monastery visits muddy and slippery
- Public transport unreliable in wet weather - marshrutkas (minibuses) run 20-30% behind schedule on rainy days, and rural destinations become difficult to reach
Best Activities in November
Wine Cellar Tours and Tastings
November's cool temperatures make Moldova's famous underground wine cities incredibly comfortable to explore. Cricova's 120 km (75 miles) of tunnels maintain 12-14°C (54-57°F) year-round, feeling warm compared to the raw outdoor weather. This is new wine release season, so you'll taste fresh vintages unavailable in summer. Tours typically cost 200-400 MDL (€10-20) and last 2-3 hours.
Soviet Architecture Walking Tours
Gray November weather perfectly complements Chisinau's Brutalist architecture exploration. The overcast skies create dramatic lighting for photography of the this destination and Academy of Sciences. Cool temperatures make 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) walks comfortable with proper layers. Professional guides offer 2.5-hour tours for 300-500 MDL (€15-25) covering 12-15 major Soviet monuments.
Orheiul Vechi Cave Monastery Exploration
November's cooler weather makes climbing to the cliff-carved monastery less strenuous, though muddy conditions require proper footwear. The 200 m (656 ft) climb to cave churches offers impressive views of the Raut River valley enhanced by autumn's bare trees. Cave interiors maintain 8-10°C (46-50°F), feeling surprisingly warm in November. Day trips cost 400-600 MDL (€20-30) including transport.
Traditional Moldovan Cooking Classes
November is perfect for learning hearty Moldovan winter dishes like mămăligă and sarmale in warm kitchen environments. Local families offer 4-5 hour classes for 250-400 MDL (€12-20) including market shopping and full meal preparation. The cold weather makes hot, traditional dishes especially satisfying, and you'll learn preservation techniques used during Soviet times.
Museum and Gallery Circuit
November's gray weather makes indoor cultural exploration ideal. The National History Museum, Moscow, and National Yaounde offer excellent heating and fascinating Soviet-era exhibits. Combined tickets cost 150-200 MDL (€7-10) for all major museums. Plan 2-3 museums per day with warm café breaks between venues.
Thermal Bath and Spa Experiences
November's damp, cold weather makes Moldova's lesser-known spa destinations incredibly appealing. Soviet-era sanatoriums in Vadul lui Vodă offer authentic thermal treatments for 150-300 MDL (€7-15) per session. Modern spa facilities in Chisinau provide refuge from the raw weather with traditional treatments using local wine and honey products.
November Events & Festivals
National Wine Day Celebration
Moldova's second wine celebration of the year features new vintage releases and winter wine pairings throughout Chisinau. Local wineries set up heated tasting pavilions in Stefan cel Mare Park with traditional food vendors offering warm Moldovan specialties. Free tastings from 30+ wineries with special November pricing on wine purchases.
Martisor Craft Preparation Season
November marks the traditional start of Martisor (spring charm) crafting season, when grandmothers begin creating the red and white talismans for March celebrations. Cultural centers offer workshops where visitors can learn this UNESCO-recognized tradition, working in warm indoor environments perfect for November weather.