Things to Do in United States in November

November Weather in United States

15°C (59°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Autumn foliage peaks in most regions - New England reaches 80% color change, Great Smoky Mountains hit prime viewing, and Pacific Northwest displays golden maples through mid-month
Thanksgiving week offers authentic American cultural immersion - witness local traditions, enjoy seasonal foods like pumpkin everything, and experience the country's most important family holiday
Shoulder season pricing in most destinations - hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to summer peak, flight deals abundant for early November travel, and major attractions have shorter wait times
Ideal weather for outdoor activities - comfortable hiking temperatures of 10-18°C (50-65°F) in most regions, minimal humidity, and crisp air perfect for city walking tours lasting 4-6 hours

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - early blizzards possible in northern states after November 15th, temperature variations of 15°C (27°F) within 24 hours common in Midwest regions
Thanksgiving week chaos - November 21-29, 2025 sees airports 40% busier, rental cars scarce, and many restaurants closed November 28th, making spontaneous travel nearly impossible
Shortened daylight limits sightseeing - sunset by 5pm in northern cities means outdoor activities must start by 2pm, and some national park roads close for winter maintenance

Best Activities in November

New England Fall Foliage Tours

November's first two weeks offer peak autumn colors across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Temperatures of 8-15°C (46-59°F) create perfect conditions for scenic drives and hiking. The crisp, dry air enhances color saturation, and tourist crowds thin out after Halloween. Late-season foliage often lasts until November 20th at lower elevations.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as local accommodations fill quickly during peak color season. Tours typically cost $150-300 per person for full-day experiences. Look for operators offering flexible cancellation policies due to weather variability. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Great Smoky Mountains Wildlife Viewing

November brings exceptional wildlife activity as animals prepare for winter. Black bears are most active during daylight hours, and elk bugling season continues through mid-month. Clear, cool weather averaging 12°C (54°F) means excellent visibility for wildlife photography, and reduced summer humidity eliminates afternoon haze that obscures mountain views.

Booking Tip: Wildlife tours cost $80-180 per person for half-day experiences. Book with operators who guarantee early morning departures (6-7am) when animal activity peaks. Rangers recommend tours 1-2 weeks in advance during November's prime wildlife season.

California Wine Harvest Experiences

November marks the end of harvest season in Napa and Sonoma valleys. Temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) during the day create ideal conditions for vineyard tours and outdoor tastings. Post-harvest activities like barrel sampling and crush pad tours offer behind-the-scenes access unavailable during peak tourist summer months.

Booking Tip: Harvest experiences typically cost $120-250 per person including tastings. Book directly with vineyards 2-3 weeks ahead as many close for winter maintenance after Thanksgiving. Look for operators offering harvest-specific activities like grape stomping and wine blending workshops.

Florida Everglades Airboat Tours

November's cooler temperatures of 20-26°C (68-79°F) and lower humidity make Everglades exploration comfortable. Dry season begins, concentrating wildlife around water sources for better viewing opportunities. Mosquito activity drops 70% compared to summer months, and alligators remain active in the warm subtropical climate.

Booking Tip: Airboat tours range $45-85 per person for 1-2 hour experiences. Book morning tours (8-10am) for optimal wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Choose operators with covered boats and noise-dampening technology for better wildlife encounters.

Pacific Northwest City Food Tours

November showcases seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine - wild mushroom season, fresh Dungeness crab, and harvest vegetables. Seattle and Portland's 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures make walking food tours comfortable, and frequent light rain creates cozy indoor dining experiences at local markets and food halls.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $75-120 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including 6-8 tastings. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as many focus on seasonal ingredients only available during autumn months. Look for tours covering indoor markets as backup for rainy days.

Arizona Desert Hiking Adventures

November offers perfect desert hiking weather with temperatures of 15-24°C (59-75°F) - ideal after the extreme summer heat. Clear skies provide excellent visibility for photography, and desert wildlife becomes more active during cooler daylight hours. Cacti and desert plants show subtle autumn changes often missed by summer visitors.

Booking Tip: Desert hiking tours cost $90-160 per person for half-day experiences. Book with operators providing plenty of water and sun protection despite cooler temperatures. Early morning starts (7-8am) offer the best lighting and wildlife activity.

November Events & Festivals

November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving Day Celebrations

November 27, 2025 - America's most important holiday offers unique cultural immersion. Many cities host community Thanksgiving dinners for visitors, and the tradition of gratitude expressions provides insight into American values. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City draws 3.5 million spectators.

Early November

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

November 1-2 throughout Southwest United States, particularly in California, Arizona, and Texas. Authentic Mexican-American cultural celebrations with elaborate altars, traditional foods, and community gatherings. Many cities host festivals combining Mexican traditions with American multicultural celebrations.

Throughout November

Native American Heritage Month

November-long celebrations across the country highlighting indigenous cultures. Museums, cultural centers, and tribal lands offer special exhibitions, traditional food experiences, and cultural performances. Particularly notable events in Arizona, New Mexico, and South Dakota near tribal territories.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures can vary 15°C (27°F) in a single day, pack base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells

Waterproof hiking boots - 76mm (3 inches) of rainfall and potential snow in northern regions requires proper footwear with good traction

Insulated jacket rated for -5°C (23°F) - early winter storms can drop temperatures rapidly, especially in mountain and northern regions

UV protection despite cooler weather - UV index of 3 still requires SPF 30+ sunscreen, particularly at higher elevations and desert areas

Portable umbrella or packable rain jacket - 10 rainy days means you'll encounter precipitation, but showers are often brief and localized

Warm accessories for morning/evening - wool hat and gloves essential when temperatures drop to 2°C (36°F), especially during sunrise activities

Comfortable walking shoes with good support - city exploration in 10-15°C (50-59°F) weather allows for longer walking tours of 5-8 km (3-5 miles)

Power bank and car chargers - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone navigation and cameras during limited sightseeing windows

Thermal underwear for northern destinations - essential if visiting areas above 40°N latitude where temperatures can drop below freezing

Light scarf or neck warmer - versatile for layering and protecting against wind chill during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Thanksgiving week (November 21-29) requires completely different planning - book accommodations 2 months ahead, expect restaurant closures on November 28th, and airport delays increase 300% during this period

National parks begin winter closures mid-November - Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes around November 15th, while Yellowstone's high elevation roads close for snow removal

Local harvest festivals offer better cultural experiences than tourist attractions - apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and farmers markets showcase authentic American autumn traditions without crowds

Hotel rates drop significantly after November 15th in most destinations - waiting until mid-month can save 30-50% on accommodations as tourist season ends and business travel decreases before holidays

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - November weather changes rapidly, packing only for forecasted conditions without layers leads to discomfort during 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings

Not booking Thanksgiving week travel early enough - waiting until October to book November 21-29 travel results in 200-400% higher prices and limited availability

Planning outdoor activities too late in the day - 5pm sunsets in northern cities mean starting hiking or sightseeing after 2pm leaves insufficient daylight for safe completion