Milan in November: Cool Rainy Weather, the Duomo, Brera and the Navigli Boat Tour

Yes, November works in Milan for travelers who plan around museums, churches and a walk along the canals, with afternoons at 54°F (12°C).

Rain falls on about a third of the days and daylight is short, so the outdoor stops need the middle of the day, and the Sforza Castle museums are closed on Mondays.

At a glance

• Afternoon high: 54°F (12°C)
• Night low: 41°F (5°C)
• Rainy days: 8
• Rainfall: 4 inches (104 mm)
• Daylight on November 15: 9 hours 33 minutes
• Sforza Castle museums: closed Mondays

What is the weather like in Milan in November?

*Long-term monthly averages.*

November in Milan is cool and damp. Afternoons reach 54°F (12°C), and nights drop to 41°F (5°C). A coat is needed all day, and mornings call for a warm layer.

Rain falls on 8 days of the month, and 4 inches (104 mm) fall in total. Carry an umbrella, and plan the outdoor stops for the dry part of the day. Days are short, with 9 hours 33 minutes of daylight in mid-month. Schedule the Navigli walk or the Duomo terraces for late morning or early afternoon, and keep the evening for a meal.

October is milder, with a 66°F (19°C) high, a 50°F (10°C) low and 7 rainy days. December is colder, with a 46°F (8°C) high and a 33°F (1°C) low. It is also drier, with 6 rainy days and 1.8 inches (46 mm) of precipitation. November sits in the middle on temperature and is the wettest of the three.

What to do in Milan in November

The Duomo and its terraces

The Duomo complex includes the Cathedral, the Archaeological Area, the Terraces and the Museum. The Museum has 26 rooms, and the Madonnina d’oro stands on the main pinnacle. The Duomo is on Piazza del Duomo.

The terraces are open air, so pick a dry spell and bring a layer. The YesMilano City Pass Standard includes the cathedral and the terrace with stairs, which helps if you plan several sights. The Duomo Smart Experience, with augmented reality and a 3D tour, suits a rainy hour.

Sforza Castle museums

One ticket gives access to all the Castle Museums, including the Ancient Egypt Gallery. Ad Artem organizes guided tours.

The museums are closed on Mondays, so choose another day. The City Pass also covers the Castle Museums. Parco Sempione is about ten minutes on foot from Brera, so the castle and the park fit into one outing on a dry afternoon.

The Pinacoteca di Brera on a wet day

The Pinacoteca has 38 rooms and 500 works on display, by Italian and foreign artists from the 14th to the 19th century. The entrance is at Via Brera 28, in the heart of the Brera district.

From the Duomo it is a 12 to 15 minute walk. The Lanza (M2) and Montenapoleone (M3) metro stops are each about 5 minutes on foot. Palazzo Citterio, at Via Brera 12, is close by.

The Navigli by boat and on foot

The guided itinerary is on foot and by boat. It starts near the Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio, and a boat cruise takes in the Navigli neighbourhood.

The boat departs from Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4, and the tour passes the Vicolo dei Lavandai, where women washed clothes for centuries. It ends with a walk along the alzaia of the Naviglio Grande. Most of this is outdoors, so dress for the 41°F (5°C) mornings and go in the middle of the day.

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale Milano is on Via Sammartini, at the corner of Piazza Quattro Novembre. You eat food from the botteghe, the food stalls.

The Info point gives details on events at the market, in the Piazza and on the Terraces. It is a convenient stop for a meal when showers move in.

What to pack for Milan in November

November in Milan asks for layers and something for rain, plus shoes made for walking on stone and stairs.

• A warm layer for mornings near 41°F (5°C) and the open-air Duomo terraces.
• An umbrella or waterproof jacket, since 8 days of the month bring rain.
• Comfortable shoes for the walk along the Naviglio Grande alzaia and the stairs to the Duomo terrace.
• A coat you can wear on the Sforza Castle patrol walkways, which are outside.
• A scarf and light gloves for afternoons that stay near 54°F (12°C).

What to know before visiting Milan in November

The Sforza Castle museums are closed on Mondays. If you drive, Area C in the historical center has cameras active Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. A car pays €7.50 for the day, and Area C is not active on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

The U.S. State Department lists Italy at Level 2, Exercise increased caution, issued September 10, 2026, due to terrorism. It recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate, and it highly recommends buying travel insurance before you travel.

Is November a good time to visit Milan?

Yes, for travelers who want museums, churches and food, and who accept cool, damp days. Brera, the Sforza Castle and the Duomo Museum all work in any weather.

October is warmer, with a 66°F (19°C) high and 11 hours 02 minutes of daylight in mid-month. Shifting four weeks either way changes the weather more than the sights.

If you want longer, milder days for walking the Navigli, October suits better, with 11 hours of daylight in mid-October against 9.5 hours in mid-November. If you prefer less rain, December is the drier month. For indoor culture, November is a good choice.