Do you know what the November weather is like in New England? Then you got the most likely weather in Bavaria in November.

As for the castles (Neuschwanstein) with a 3-year old. I doin't think you will have a happy travelkler. Yo can visit the Neuschwanstein castle only in a tour

Ooooops, somehow the message closed up on me.
At any rate, you can only take guided tours through Neuschwanstein. These are long, full of history and involve many steps, up and down.

The Zugsputze will have snow, so bring good footwear. No use going up there, if the montains are not clear.

You won't need a car in Munich; it's only nuisance.

Any chance that you can postpone your trip? Some of the sights and lodgings will be closed in November, which is the shoulder season.

PS: I grew up in the Allgaeu alps, where Fuessen is located,so I am familiar with the castles, Zugspitze, etc. situation. Sorry to be so negative.

I think of being in Munich with a taxi driver who skidded off the road several times into plowed snow drifts. You'd think a Mercedes would handle better than that.

I'd think a cab driver would drive better...I'll tell you about the Mercedes afterwe rent one....
Thanks for the comments; however the dates are pretty set as this is a stopover on our way to a final destination. We'll try to make the best of it and hope that global warming will cooperate during that week.

As for the weather, you are mixing the beginning of the winter season with the mountains, depending on where you will be. It could be just about any weather but the good part is the Germans and Austrians are very good at keeping the roads and highways clear. Check on the weather at the top of the Zugspitze before you go up. It can get socked in and not be able to see what you are going upnto see.

The road from Garmish to Schwangau has lots to see. Ettal Monastary, Schlos Linderhof, Oberammergau, Wiesekirche. About 10 miles the other way (toward Innsbruck) you will find Mitterwald, the violin maker's village. There is a lot to see and do in Munich itself. Look at a guidebook for a complete list.

Road conditions should not be a problem.
While snow and black ice, especially at night, can occur even in the lowlands any time during that time frame, you will hardly encounter any real problems that will keep you from going where you want to go.
Just make sure that your car is equipped with winter tires.
Mountain pass roads in the Alps will be closed, so you will use the tunnels to get across the Alps.

Weatherwise it is the one of ghastliest times of the year to make a trip. Period. No praying, no fingers crossing, no hope for global warming will change that. It's like going to Arizona in July and hoping that it won't get that hot.

Weather usually hovering between freezing and a little bit above, lots of rain, short days with little day light and/or sunshine.
It will get better once you get south of the Alps, though not as if you had a guarantee for balmy, late fall weather.

Your best bets in the Alpine region in /around Austria should be South Tyrol/Italy or Carinthia. South Tyrol and the Dolomites are only a short drive from the Garmisch/Mittenwald / Innsbruck area, but the change in weather can be dramatic.

As it will be a very quiet season whereever you go, you can pre-book your Munich accomodation only, and check the weather forecasts once you get there to decide whether to stay North of the Alps or go further South.

Thank you for the information. Very insightful and helping.

We're Californians and had a vague idea of what to expect for weather and (we'd hoped and weren't disappointed) snow.

We brought layers, long silk underwear and good socks and coats. And good wool scarfs folded with an accordian pleat and wrapped around neck. If you get a blast of chilled wind, just unfold it up to your nose.

Have fun! Stay warm. Bring an extra pair of gloves in case you lose a glove.