Visiting the USA in November: Weather, Events & Travel Tips
November is a month of two halves in the USA. The first three weeks offer some of the best value in the travel calendar — foliage has largely dropped in the Northeast, summer crowds are gone, and prices are at their shoulder-season low across most cities. The final week, anchored by Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November), is among the busiest and most expensive travel periods of the year. Plan around that divide and November becomes one of the smartest months to visit.
Weather by Region
| Region | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 9°C (48°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 90mm | Cold; snow possible in northern New England by month’s end |
| South | 20°C (68°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 75mm | Mild and pleasant; the South’s best month for comfortable outdoor time |
| Midwest | 7°C (45°F) | -1°C (30°F) | 60mm | Cold with frost; Great Lakes effect snow begins in western Michigan and upstate New York |
| Southwest | 19°C (66°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 15mm | Warm days, cold nights; excellent for desert hiking at lower elevations |
| West Coast | 15°C (59°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 80mm | Rainy season fully established in the Pacific Northwest; California mild and dry |
The South is genuinely underrated in November. New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston offer warm days (18–22°C), minimal crowds, and accommodation rates well below their spring peak. This is the best value window for those cities.
The ski season opens at higher-elevation resorts in November. Vail and Breckenridge in Colorado typically open in mid-November (dependent on snowpack), with full operations by Thanksgiving. Park City, Utah follows a similar pattern.
Major Events in November
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — New York City, Thanksgiving Thursday Central Park West, from 77th Street down Broadway to Macy’s Herald Square (151 W 34th St). The parade runs approximately 9am–12pm. Viewing is free from the street; arrive by 7am for a position on the barricades along Central Park West. Ticketed grandstand seating at the finish line is available via nycgo.com from approximately $40–$85. The famous giant character balloons are inflated the evening before (Wednesday) along Central Park West between 77th and 81st Streets — a quieter and equally impressive spectacle.
New York City Marathon — first Sunday of November (See October entry for full details.) The marathon begins at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and finishes in Central Park. Spectating is entirely free and gives an unscripted view of all five boroughs in a single morning.
Día de los Muertos — continued through early November Several cities continue their Día de los Muertos observances into the first week of November. San Francisco’s Mission District (24th Street corridor) sees community altar installations through November 2nd. The celebrations are neighbourhood-scale and free to observe.
Veterans Day — Nationwide, November 11 Veterans Day is a federal holiday. National cemeteries and memorials hold ceremonies; the most significant is at Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, Virginia) with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier observance. Many national parks offer free admission on Veterans Day — check the National Park Service site (nps.gov) for the current year’s fee-free dates.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday — late November For visitors who want to shop, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) remains the highest-sales retail day in the US calendar. Outlet malls such as Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY) and premium department stores run significant discounts. Be realistic about the queuing and crowd conditions — this is not a relaxed shopping experience.
City Recommendations
New Orleans, Louisiana
November is New Orleans at its best: 20–22°C during the day, almost no humidity, and the city’s festivals and cultural life running at full pace without summer heat or tourist volumes.
Where to stay: The Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St) in the French Quarter is a New Orleans institution; from approximately $170/night in early November. The Ace Hotel New Orleans (600 Carondelet St) in the Warehouse District attracts a younger crowd and has better breakfast options; from approximately $150/night.
Where to eat: Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave) in the Garden District for the white-tablecloth Creole experience; three-course lunch from approximately $55, dinner from approximately $80. For something more casual, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (2301 Orleans Ave) serves the traditional Creole cooking that influenced New Orleans cuisine for decades; lunch mains from approximately $18.
Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona
November is the sweet spot for Phoenix — daytime highs of 24–26°C, cold clear nights, and the snowbirds haven’t yet driven up accommodation rates (which spike from December onward). Hiking South Mountain Park and Camelback Mountain is pleasant all day.
Where to stay: The Royal Palms Resort and Spa (5200 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale) is an elegant mid-century property in the shadow of Camelback Mountain; from approximately $300/night in November, rising sharply in December. The Clarendon Hotel (401 W Clarendon Ave, Phoenix) is more modestly priced at approximately $140/night with a rooftop pool.
Where to eat: Kai Restaurant (5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler) for Native American-influenced fine dining that sources from tribal farms; tasting menus from approximately $115. For a more casual afternoon, Postino WineCafe (multiple locations) is a reliable choice for wine and bruschetta boards; budget approximately $25–$35 per person.
Washington, D.C.
November is a strong value month for D.C. — the cherry blossoms are months away, the summer tourist groups are gone, and all Smithsonian museums remain free. The National Mall is at its starkest and most dramatic under grey November skies.
Where to stay: The Riggs Washington DC (900 F St NW) occupies a former bank building and is well-positioned for the Mall; from approximately $220/night. The LINE DC (1770 Euclid St NW) in Adams Morgan is smaller and more neighbourhood-focused; from approximately $160/night.
Where to eat: Jose Andres’ minibar (855 E St NW) for the full tasting menu experience — approximately $275/person, reservations required weeks in advance. For something more immediate, Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St NW) near the White House serves reliable American food in a historic setting; mains from approximately $22.
Packing List for November
Clothing
- Winter layering system for the Northeast and Midwest: base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer shell
- Warm coat and scarf for the Northeast; New York City in November frequently drops below 5°C at night
- Light jacket and layers for the South and Southwest — mornings and evenings are cool even where days are warm
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers if visiting the Pacific Northwest
Footwear
- Waterproof boots for the Northeast and Pacific Northwest
- Comfortable walking shoes for the South and Southwest
- Warm socks — underrated in cold-city walking
Practical
- Portable battery pack
- Gloves and a hat for the Northeast and Midwest
- Umbrella or packable rain jacket for the Pacific Northwest
Thanksgiving Specific
- If your trip spans Thanksgiving week: book everything (flights, hotels, restaurants) as early as possible — the last two weeks of November are the most booked period in the US travel calendar
- Confirm restaurant reservations for Thanksgiving Day itself; many restaurants close or offer prix-fixe-only menus requiring advance booking
Booking and Budget Notes
The Thanksgiving travel window — roughly Wednesday before through Sunday after — sees domestic airfares and hotel rates spike to levels matching or exceeding the Fourth of July. Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself is significantly cheaper than the days surrounding it; the trade-off is fewer options if flights are delayed.
The first three weeks of November are among the best value in the USA’s annual travel calendar. Hotel rates in New York, Chicago, and Boston drop 20–35% from their October levels. This is the optimal window for a city break focused on museums, food, and neighbourhood exploration rather than weather.