Portsmouth in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Portsmouth

12°C (54°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peak - waterfront hotels averaging £60-80/night vs £140+ in August
Authentic local atmosphere with Christmas markets starting mid-November, mulled wine stalls, and cozy pub culture in full swing
Perfect museum weather - explore Historic Dockyard, Mary Rose, and Spinnaker Tower without summer crowds (visitor numbers down 70%)
Dramatic winter seascape photography opportunities with moody skies, rough seas, and golden hour at 4pm creating spectacular coastal shots

Considerations

Frequent rain showers (15 days average) with wind gusts up to 50 km/h (31 mph) making waterfront walks uncomfortable
Daylight limited to 8.5 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 4pm) severely restricting outdoor sightseeing time
Many seasonal attractions closed including harbor tours, some Historic Dockyard outdoor exhibits, and coastal walking routes

Best Activities in November

Historic Dockyard Indoor Museum Complex

November's wet weather makes this perfect for exploring this destination, this destination, and Banjul of the Royal Navy. Indoor exhibitions are heated, crowds are minimal (typical August queues of 45+ minutes reduced to walk-in access), and you can easily spend 4-6 hours dry. The winter light through the Victory's gun decks creates dramatic photography opportunities impossible in bright summer.

Booking Tip: Book online 7-14 days ahead for 15% discount (typically £32-39 for full attraction ticket vs £45 on-site). Choose timed entry after 11am to avoid school groups. See current ticket options in the booking section below.

Spinnaker Tower and Gunwharf Quays Indoor Shopping

The 170m (558ft) tower offers spectacular stormy seascape views when weather is dramatic - November's moody skies and rough Solent waters create the most photogenic conditions of the year. Combined with covered shopping at Gunwharf Quays below, it's perfect for ducking in during rain showers. Clear November days offer 25 km (15.5 mile) views to Isle of Wight.

Booking Tip: Fast-track tickets cost £12-15, worth it on weekends when school groups visit. Book morning slots (9-11am) for clearest visibility before afternoon rain typically arrives. Weather can change viewing conditions rapidly - check live weather cameras before ascending.

Traditional Pub Food Tours and Warming Cuisine

November activates Portsmouth's authentic pub culture - locals retreat indoors creating the coziest atmosphere of the year. Perfect timing for hearty Sunday roasts, mulled wine, and seasonal game dishes. Local pubs serve hot toddies and winter warmers unavailable other months. Fish and chips taste better when it's properly cold outside.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically £25-35 per person, book 5-7 days ahead as November groups are smaller (8-12 people vs summer's 20+). Tours include indoor venues with heating. Most tours run 2-4pm to maximize limited daylight hours.

Indoor Christmas Market and Seasonal Shopping

Portsmouth's Christmas markets begin mid-November, featuring local artisans, hot food stalls, and covered shopping areas perfect for escaping rain. Guildhall Square transforms with heated vendor stalls and warm drink stations. Local Christmas pudding and mince pie tastings are November specialties. Evening markets (5-8pm) create magical atmosphere with early darkness.

Booking Tip: Free entry to markets, budget £15-25 for food and drinks. Weekday evenings (Tuesday-Thursday) less crowded than weekends. Many vendors cash-only, so bring £20-30 in small notes. Markets typically run from November 20th through December.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum Indoor Experience

Located in nearby Gosport (12-minute ferry ride), November's cool weather makes the authentic submarine experience more realistic - you'll appreciate the cramped quarters and understand why submariners found them cold and damp. Ferry rides offer dramatic views of Portsmouth Harbor in winter conditions. Indoor museum sections provide warm respite.

Booking Tip: Combined ferry and museum tickets £18-22, book online for small discount. Ferry runs every 15 minutes but reduced schedule November-March (last return 5:30pm). Allow 3-4 hours total including ferry time. Museum has cafe with hot drinks and harbor views.

Cozy Literary and History Walking Tours

November's atmospheric conditions perfect for Charles Dickens-themed walks (he was born in Portsmouth) and ghost tours through Old Portsmouth's narrow cobbled streets. The early darkness, mist, and historic architecture create authentic Victorian ambiance impossible in bright summer weather. Tours typically 90 minutes with pub warming stops.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (starting 6pm) most atmospheric but dress warmly. Day tours (11am start) better for photography. Groups limited to 15 people in winter, book 3-5 days ahead. Prices typically £12-18 per person. See current tour schedules in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Portsmouth Christmas Market Opening

Traditional German-style Christmas market with local artisan stalls, mulled wine, and seasonal foods. Features heated vendor areas and live music. The market creates a warm, festive atmosphere perfect for November's chilly weather.

November 11th

Remembrance Day Naval Ceremony

Significant naval ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Memorial with wreath laying and military honors. As Britain's premier naval city, Portsmouth hosts one of the most moving Remembrance services, with this destination and harbor providing dramatic backdrop.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - not just water-resistant, as November brings proper rain with 50 km/h (31 mph) winds

Warm layers including fleece or wool sweater - 6°C (43°F) morning temperatures feel colder with 85% humidity and wind

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - cobblestones in Old Portsmouth become slippery when wet

Compact umbrella that won't invert in wind - test the frame strength, Portsmouth's seafront gets fierce gusts

Thermal underlayers for outdoor sightseeing - essential for Spinnaker Tower viewing deck and harbor walks

Waterproof bag or cover for electronics and maps - rain can be sudden and heavy

Warm hat and gloves - wind chill off the Solent makes it feel 3-4°C (5-7°F) colder than air temperature

Quick-dry clothing layers - indoor heating in museums and pubs can be intense after cold outdoor walking

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, especially when using GPS and camera

Insider Knowledge

Take the 10-minute Gosport ferry across Portsmouth Harbor for the best harbor views and photo opportunities - locals use this as a cheap sightseeing cruise for £4.80 return

Visit pubs between 2-5pm for the most authentic local experience - this is when regulars gather before evening dinner rush, and you'll hear proper Portsmouth accents and naval stories

Park at Port Solent (3 km/1.9 miles north) for £3/day instead of city center £15+ - regular bus service runs every 20 minutes to Historic Dockyard

November fish and chips taste best because the oil stays hot longer in cold weather - locals recommend eating them immediately while walking along the harbor wall for the full experience

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold and windy the waterfront gets - many visitors pack for typical UK November but don't account for harsh sea winds that make it feel much colder

Planning too many outdoor activities after 3:30pm - darkness falls quickly and most outdoor attractions lose their appeal, plan indoor activities for late afternoon

Not checking ferry and harbor tour schedules - many reduce frequency or close entirely in November, leaving tourists stranded or missing connections to Gosport attractions