Lincoln in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Lincoln

12°C (54°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

52mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas Market season begins mid-November - Lincoln's Cathedral Quarter transforms with wooden stalls selling local crafts and mulled wine, creating authentic festive atmosphere without December crowds
Clear autumn air provides exceptional photography conditions for Lincoln Cathedral's Gothic architecture - the low November sun creates dramatic lighting between 11am-2pm that photographers prize
Indoor attractions like this destination and Museum of Lincolnshire Life offer cozy refuge from weather while being perfectly heated and less crowded than summer months
November marks the start of traditional British pub season - historic venues like those near Steep Hill serve hearty comfort food and local ales, with fireplaces creating perfect atmosphere

Considerations

Daylight is severely limited - sunrise at 7:30am, sunset by 4pm gives you only 8.5 hours of daylight for sightseeing and outdoor exploration
Weather is unpredictably damp with frequent drizzle that makes walking Lincoln's famous cobblestone Steep Hill treacherous - proper footwear is essential for safety
Many outdoor historical sites and gardens have reduced hours or close sections due to weather, limiting full exploration of Lincoln's extensive heritage sites

Best Activities in November

Lincoln Cathedral and Castle Historical Tours

November's crisp air and reduced crowds make this the ideal time to fully appreciate Lincoln's Norman architecture. The cathedral's interior lighting is particularly atmospheric during shorter days, and guided tours have more personal attention. The castle's Victorian prison experience feels especially authentic in November's somber weather.

Booking Tip: Book combination tickets 3-5 days ahead for better value (typically £18-25 for adults). Morning tours 10am-12pm offer best lighting and smallest groups. Look for heated tour options and indoor sections during weather breaks.

Traditional English Pub Walking Tours

November is peak season for experiencing authentic British pub culture. Historic pubs are at their coziest with fireplaces burning and seasonal ales on tap. The cool weather makes short walks between venues comfortable, and locals gather more in evenings creating authentic atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Evening tours typically run 6pm-9pm and cost £25-40 including tastings. Book 1 week ahead as November is popular for locals too. Choose tours that include indoor historic venues as backup for weather.

Steep Hill and Bailgate Shopping Tours

Lincoln's medieval shopping quarter is perfect in November as independent shops are warm refuges between outdoor sightseeing. Many local craftspeople begin displaying Christmas items, and the cobblestone streets have fewer tourists. Tea shops and cafes provide ideal warming stops every 100m (328ft).

Booking Tip: Self-guided works best - allow 3-4 hours with frequent warm-up stops. Many shops close by 5pm in November, so start by 1pm. Budget £50-80 for local crafts and refreshments.

Lincoln Ghost and History Evening Tours

November's early darkness and atmospheric weather create perfect conditions for Lincoln's ghost tours. The city's medieval streets and ancient buildings feel genuinely spooky in November mist. Tours start around 7pm when it's fully dark but weather is still manageable for 90-minute outdoor walks.

Booking Tip: Book ghost tours 5-7 days ahead (typically £12-18 per person). Choose tours with indoor stops at haunted locations. Bring waterproof clothing as tours run in light rain but cancel in storms.

Museum and Indoor Heritage Site Tours

November weather makes Lincoln's excellent indoor attractions particularly appealing. The Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Collection museum, and various heritage centers offer complete local history without weather concerns. Many have special November exhibitions and activities.

Booking Tip: Most museums cost £5-12 entry. Buy Lincoln Heritage Pass for multiple sites (£25-35 for 3 days). Visit afternoons when outdoor sightseeing becomes difficult due to early darkness.

Christmas Market Preparation and Early Seasonal Events

Late November marks the beginning of Lincoln's Christmas market season. While the main market starts in December, November offers preview events, stall setup viewing, and early seasonal shopping without crowds. Local businesses begin seasonal offerings and decorations appear throughout the cathedral quarter.

Booking Tip: Preview events are often free or low cost (£3-8). Check Lincoln Cathedral website for specific November seasonal events. Book accommodation early if staying for market opening as prices increase significantly in December.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Lincoln Christmas Market Setup and Preview Events

Late November features preview activities leading up to Lincoln's famous Christmas Market. Local vendors begin setting up traditional wooden stalls around the cathedral, and some early seasonal events offer glimpses of the full December spectacle without the crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - Lincoln's cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll be walking uphill on Steep Hill

Layered clothing system - temperatures fluctuate throughout the day from 2°C (36°F) to 12°C (54°F), and indoor venues are well-heated

Quality waterproof jacket with hood - not just water-resistant, as November drizzle can last hours and penetrate lighter materials

Warm hat and gloves - wind chill on Lincoln's hilltop location makes it feel significantly colder than temperature suggests

Comfortable day backpack - for carrying layers as you move between cold outdoor sites and warm indoor attractions

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster and you'll use GPS navigation on medieval streets

Cash in small denominations - many independent shops on Steep Hill and market vendors prefer cash payments

Umbrella that fits in bag - compact but sturdy enough for sudden weather changes while walking between sites

Thermal underlayers - particularly for evening activities like ghost tours or pub walks

Moisturizing cream - indoor heating and cold outdoor air can dry skin quickly

Insider Knowledge

Visit Lincoln Cathedral between 11am-2pm in November for the best natural lighting through the stained glass windows - the low autumn sun angle creates spectacular interior illumination that summer visitors miss

Take the Steep Hill climb slowly and use the handrails - locals know the cobblestones become treacherous in November dampness, and even they walk carefully on the steepest sections

Many Lincoln restaurants offer 'early bird' dinner specials from 5-7pm in November to attract diners before the early darkness - typically 20-30% off regular prices

The free shuttle bus service between the cathedral area and lower town runs every 20 minutes until 6pm - invaluable when November weather makes the steep walk challenging

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - many tourists plan full day itineraries not realizing outdoor sightseeing becomes difficult after 4pm when streetlighting is insufficient for photography

Wearing inadequate footwear for Lincoln's steep cobblestone streets - regular sneakers or dress shoes become dangerously slippery on wet medieval stones

Not checking opening hours for attractions - many outdoor heritage sites close sections early in November or reduce hours, cutting visits short