Ask anyone who lives here and they’ll tell you the same thing: autumn is Valencia’s best-kept secret. The summer crowds are gone, the light turns golden by four in the afternoon, and you can still have lunch outside on a sunny day. It’s not beach weather anymore, but it’s the kind of mild that makes the rest of Europe jealous.
Here’s how we, your local hosts, would spend November and December in the city.
What’s the weather really like?
Let’s be honest: it’s not summer. And when winter officially arrives in late December, it’s still not the winter most of our guests know.
- November: pleasant days, often around 18-20°C at midday, cooler evenings. A light jacket is enough.
- December: daytime highs usually around 16-17°C, chilly nights around 7-9°C. Sunny days are the norm, not the exception.
- Rain: autumn is the rainiest season here, but it usually comes in short, heavy bursts. A rainy day rarely lasts all day.
Pack layers: a jumper, a light coat and comfortable shoes. Leave the heavy winter gear at home.
10 things to do in Valencia this autumn
- Cycle or walk the Turia Gardens. Nine kilometres of park where a river used to run, from Bioparc to the City of Arts and Sciences. In autumn the light is softer and the paths are quieter.
- Go to Mercado Central early. Grab a coffee, try whatever’s in season (citrus is at its best now) and watch the locals do their shopping. It’s closed on Sundays, so plan ahead.
- Have the beach to yourself. Malvarrosa and Las Arenas are perfect for a long walk, a paella by the sea or just sitting in the sun with a book.
- Watch the sunset over La Albufera. The lagoon is 20 minutes south of the city. Take a boat ride at El Palmar and stay for dinner: this is where paella was born.
- Spend a rainy morning at the Oceanogràfic. Europe’s largest aquarium is the perfect plan B, and the City of Arts and Sciences looks even better under a grey sky.
- Get lost in the old town. El Carmen, the Cathedral, the Silk Exchange (a UNESCO site) and the Serranos Towers are all within walking distance of each other.
- Eat your way through Ruzafa. Brunch spots, vermouth bars and some of the city’s best restaurants, all in a few blocks. Book a table on weekends.
- Buy roasted chestnuts on the street. When the stalls appear on the corners, you know autumn is here. Eat them warm, straight from the paper cone.
- Catch the city’s big sports weekends. MotoGP closes the season at the Ricardo Tormo circuit at the end of November, and the Valencia Marathon fills the streets on 6 December. Even if you’re not racing, the atmosphere is worth it.
- Do Christmas the Valencian way. Lights in the city centre, the nativity scenes, the markets and, on New Year’s Eve, the 12 grapes at midnight. More on that in our Christmas guide, coming soon.
What to eat when it gets colder
As the days get cooler, Valencian cooking gets comforting.
- Arròs al forn: oven-baked rice with chickpeas, pork and black pudding. The ultimate cold-weather dish.
- All i pebre: eel stew from La Albufera, with garlic, paprika and potatoes. Try it in El Palmar.
- Hot chocolate with churros or buñuelos: for a cold afternoon in the old town.
- Fresh oranges and mandarins: this is the season. Ask for the local ones at the market.
Where to stay in Valencia this autumn
Where you stay shapes your trip, so pick the neighbourhood that fits your plans:
- Ciutat Vella (old town): for first-timers who want to walk everywhere. Monuments, markets and tapas bars on your doorstep.
- Ruzafa: for food lovers and anyone who likes a lively, local feel. Close to the station and the centre.
- Cabanyal and the beach: for slow mornings, sea views and long walks on the sand. The old fishermen’s quarter is full of character.
- Near the Turia Gardens: for runners, cyclists and families who want green space close by.
Coming for longer? Many of our guests stay a month or more to work or study here. Autumn is a great time to try living in Valencia.
Yes. It’s one of the mildest cities in Europe at this time of year, with plenty of sunny days and far fewer tourists than in summer. It’s ideal for city walks, food and culture.
Daytime temperatures are usually around 16-17°C and nights drop to about 7-9°C. Frost and snow are very rare.
You can walk on the beach, have lunch by the sea or sit in the sun on a good day. Swimming is only for the brave: the sea is cool by now.
Autumn is the wettest season, but rain tends to come in short spells and most days are still dry and bright.
Layers: a jumper, a light coat, comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses. You won’t need heavy winter clothing.
Ciutat Vella if you want to walk everywhere, Ruzafa for food and nightlife, and Cabanyal if you’d rather wake up near the sea.
The city gets lively, especially around the city centre on New Year’s Eve, and the best places go early. If you’re coming between 20 December and 6 January, book as soon as you can.
Book direct with your local hosts
We’ve been hosting guests in Valencia for 8 years, with more than 200 homes across the city. When you book directly on our website, you deal with us from the first message to check-out, with no platform fees.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are filling up fast, so if you’re thinking about a Christmas escape, now’s the time.
Find your place in Valencia at vlchost.com
