Top 20 Best Places to Visit in November in the USA

With fall nearly over and winter just around the corner, the shoulder month of November offers both fewer crowds, less expensive prices, cooler temperatures, but still some truly beautiful scenery. From famously cool cities to incredible national parks here is my choice for the best places to visit in November in the USA…

1. Telluride, Colorado – makes a fantastic November travel destination 

Get to Telluride at the beginning of the ski season that starts in November if you want to beat the worst of the crowds.

This jewel in Colorado’s crown is nestled in the San Juan mountains which makes it the ideal place for both downhill and cross country skiing. Telluride has been popular with outdoor types since the 1970s, yet has its roots in the gold rush and all manner of precious metals have been mined here.

Temperatures this time of year can range from 6 degrees to minus 10 and in November, it usually snows for around 10 days and 13.82 inches of snow is accumulated making it a great USA ski destination to visit in November.

Those who don’t want to break a sweat can take the gondola journey from the town to the European-style mountain village that sits at the beginning of the Uncompahgre National Forest.

At the end of the day, unwind with a beer from the Telluride Brewing Co, one of the biggest microbreweries in the whole of the United States.

• The average temperature in Telluride in November are around 7 to -10 degrees

2. New York – the best city to visit on the run-up to Christmas 

We all know that New York City is magical at Christmas, whether it’s the incredible window dressings in the shops on Fifth Avenue or the festive decorations that make it even more vibrant than it was before.

November is the perfect time to soak up the atmosphere as there are so many iconic things happening in NYC this month, from the New York Marathon on the 1st, to the famous ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center.

This makes November the fun before the chaotic month of December, with events galore including the New York Comedy Festival, the Radio City Rockettes Show, the Craft Beer Festival, and the unmissable Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Temperatures range from 6 to 13 degrees in the day in November so just make sure you wrap up warm! 

• The average temperature in New York in November is around 13 degrees

3. San Antonio, Texas – make a great city weekend break with cooler temperatures and no crowds

Historic San Antonio is a Texan city on the rise and November is the perfect time to visit, when temperatures are cool (around 22 degrees in the day) and hotels are much cheaper after the busy summer season.

Combining UNESCO-listed missions with impeccable waterside strolls along walkways lined with bars and restaurants, San Antonio is a cosmopolitan mix of the old and the new.

In November, the Christmas lights go up and the Nutcracker is performed by the Children’s Ballet, the multicultural makeup means Diwali, and Dia de los Muertos are big here too.

The harvest season also gives visitors the opportunity to get lost in the South Texas Maize, an elaborate puzzle carved into a local maize field.

• The average temperature in San Antonio in November is around 22 degrees

4. Kauai, Hawaii – for a warm November USA vacation and stunning scenery

The emerald green island of Kauai is the fourth-largest in Hawaii and one of the best-loved.

November is a great time for the weather (temperatures are still around 23 degrees in the day) and it’s a cheaper time for accommodation and flights.

It really is impossible not to love Kauai, and with beautiful coastlines, epic surfing opportunities, delectable local food, tranquil waterfalls, and red canyons, why would you want to share all this with other tourists at peak season?

• The average temperature in Kauai in November is around 23 degrees

5. Charleston, South Carolina – for a charming November trip in the USA and a great place to spend Thanksgiving

If you’re wondering where to go in November for a couple’s break, Charleston is South Carolina’s most charming port city, known for romantic scenery, sunset boat rides in the ocean, beaches, luxury spas and bars, dreamy courtyards, and fascinating history.

The word is out about Charleston which has seen an influx of tourists over the last few years, so this makes November a great time to enjoy its relaxed vibe to yourself.

It’s also a nice temperature during this month, around a still balmy 20 degrees, so you won’t get too hot while walking around.

Things to enjoy in Charleston include museums, galleries, beaches, boutique shops, rooftop bars, browsing the markets, kayaking, and outdoor concerts, and strolling in the parks. If you make the trip to the coast then look out for the dolphins and manatees that pass by here.

Events to join in with in November include the Scottish Games, the Charleston Literary Festival, Harvest Festival, South Carolina Underground Film Festival, the Festival of Lights, and the holiday markets start to mark the run-up to Christmas.

If you’re looking to spend Thanksgiving here there are a number of great restaurants offering traditional meals and they also have many thanksgiving celebrations too including the famous Turkey Day Run! 

• The average temperature in Charleston in November is around 20 degrees

6. The Florida Keys – for a family-friendly warm beach destination in November

Avoid hurricanes, bad weather, and busy beaches by visiting the popular archipelago of the Florida Keys in November. Grab a canoe and explore the 113 islands, made from mud, mangroves, and sand, they are the ultimate way to get back to nature!

At this time of year, you won’t get too hot and temperatures can top 80 degrees making it very comfortable for sunbathing and swimming for a warm November beach vacation.

The strips of land are the perfect place to create your own adventure, to snorkel, sail, dive, paddle, or just watch the sunset over the ocean.

• The average temperature in The Florida Keys in November is around 26 degrees

7. Flagstaff, Arizona – November is a great time to visit this popular US city

The natural setting for the city of Flagstaff means it is stunning in November time when the trees start to change their color from green to reds and purples.

As the weather is so cool and clear, it’s the perfect time to view the ponderosa pine forest in all its glory. The surrounding scenery here in November takes on a special beauty of its own and temperatures range from around eleven degrees to minus five.

The world-famous Grand Canyon is located an hour and a half drive away. 

Flagstaff is a laid-back college city, making it a great place to relax after a day hiking with tasty eateries, coffee shops, wine bars, and breweries serving craft beer.

• The average temperature in Flagstaff, Arizona in November is around 12 degrees

8. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina – one of the best places to visit in November in the USA for gorgeous scenery

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains of Carolina is a dream in the crisp air of November when the foliage turns shades of red, orange, and yellow. In November, the average high temperature is 48°F, and the average low temperature is 30°F.

The Smokies make up 500,000 acres of Southern Appalachian range that peek out of the early mists just as the name suggests.

It’s not surprising that it’s the most visited park in the U.S., but this is a wonderful time to have it to yourself. Definitely, one of the best National Parks to visit in November! 

• The average temperature in the Great Smoky Mountains in November is around 13 degrees

9. San Diego, California – for a warm November USA city trip

While San Diego has much to offer all year round, November is the time to get great deals on what can be an expensive and popular city mid-season.

Autumn is a great time to explore the 70 miles of coastline and enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, biking or gliding as the trees change color with temperatures around 21 degrees in the day. 

It’s another place to enjoy Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, as well as the craft beer festival and Fleet Week Boat Parade this month.

• The average temperature in San Diego in November is around 21 degrees

10. Death Valley National Park, California – a much safer month to explore this famous National Park

While Death Valley can be famously hot enough to fry an egg in the summertime, temperatures become (almost) pleasant in November and average around 25 degrees in the day.

Not only that, but you can expect clear skies to enjoy every inch of this stark yet alluring lunar landscape.

From sand dunes to volcanoes, giant boulders to canyons, all kinds of geological drama can be found here.

If you visit on Veterans Day in November, the entrance to the park is free.

• The average temperature in Death Valley National Park in November is around 25 degrees

11. Bayou Country, Louisiana – November is a great time to explore this swampy paradise

The inspiration for the Creedence Clearwater Revival album of the same name, bayou country is the tranquil swampy area near New Orleans in Louisiana.

Swamps and creeks are wonderful places to spot wildlife and November is prime time for watching the alligators here. You may even see the brown pelican which is the state’s national bird.

The first two weeks of November are dedicated to celebrating the bayou’s Lafourche heritage and National Louisiana Day is celebrated here on the 9th do you can take in the culture too.

Temperatures average around 71 degrees and hotels are priced much lower in this season.

• The average temperature in Bayou Country, Louisiana in November is around 25 degrees

12. Big Bend National Park, Texas – one of the best National Parks to visit in November

November at the Big Bend National Park is the ideal time between the hot summer and chilly winter to find the ideal hiking temperature which sometimes reaches around 70 degrees in the day but can also fall to around 45 degrees.

Big Bend is almost the same size as Rhodesia Island which makes it easy to get away from it all here.

One of the most famous treks is the glorious Santa Elena Canyon, there are also hot springs to bathe in and scenic drives if you get tired from hiking.

• The average temperature in Big Bend National Park in November is around 18 degrees

13. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah – explore this desert destination when the temperatures are cooler

One of the best national parks to visit in November, the stunning Capitol Reef National Park is located in the south-central Utah desert, filled with unexpected geology just waiting to be explored.

November sees cool yet dry weather and there are fewer crowds to share the incredible vistas. The average high temperature, in November, is 50°F.

This is true red rock country that surrounds a ‘wrinkle’ in the earth called Waterpocket Fold. While the park is named after the white sandstone domes that create the Capitol Reef, it’s also home to the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and the monoliths of Cathedral Valley in the north.

• The average temperature in Capitol Reef National Park in November is around 10 degrees

14. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – makes a hip city break in November

While Pittsburgh might not be the most picturesque city, this Pennsylvania highlight has more than enough to charm a casual visitor in November time.

The city comes alive during this period because as well as the beautiful autumn colors, there is a Light Up Night to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

As Pittsburgh has so much history and culture, now is the perfect time to enjoy it by visiting tourist spots like the Maxo Vanka murals, the Bayernhof museum, the Andy Warhol museum, and Kentuck Knob at their least crowded.

Temperatures average around a chilly 10 degrees though so make sure you wrap up warm!

• The average temperature in Pittsburgh in November is around 10 degree

15. Jekyll Island, Georgia – a beautiful destination to explore in the month of November

Once upon a time, Georgia’s Jekyll Island was a hunting club for uber-rich American families like the Rockefeller’s and the Pulitzers. Nowadays, Jekyll Island is a place to relax with 10 miles of coastline, driftwood-covered beaches, and Georgia’s sea turtle rehabilitation center.

November sees much fewer day-trippers and you’re unlikely to experience rain, giving you more opportunities to watch wildlife, shop for souvenirs, and taste fresh seafood. Sports lovers will also be thrilled by the golfing, tennis, and biking on offer if you want to work up a sweat in between.

The average daytime high in November lies around 73.4°F and if you enjoy looking at a blue sky and love the sun then this is a great time to go to Jekyll Island as it offers 195 hours of sun. Perfect if you’re looking to escape a Vitamin D starved state! 

• The average temperature in Jekyll Island in November is around 21 degrees

16. Gulf Shores, Alabama – for a warm November beach destination

The city of Gulf Shores is ideally located on Alabama’s coastline and has so much to do, even for a relaxed day trip.

Naturally, this means it gets expensive and crowded during the slightly stuffy summertime season, but it is positively balmy in November as temperatures are a very comfortable 22 degrees. It may not be hot enough to swim comfortably but it still allows you to get some beach time and take advantage of the cool sea breeze.

Gulf Shores also has all the family-friendly attractions of golfing, beaches, trails, and even a zipline to take you over the sand dunes. History lovers will love the 19th-century Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay and animal aficionados will be fascinated by the flora and fauna of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

It’s also a great place to let your hair down as the party is in swing here all year round.

If you really want to make it a holiday, then jump in the sea as the Gulf of Mexico is still lovely and warm in November. Don’t forget to look out for sea turtles when you’re in there!

• The average temperature in Gulf Shores in November is around 22 degrees

17. Albuquerque, New Mexico – a great US city to visit in November offering great events

Home to much more than the spirit of Walter White, Albuquerque is an electric mix of urban life juxtaposed with the profound emptiness of the desert and the mountains.

While the heat can be overwhelming in summer, it’s much more comfortable in November (around 15 degrees in the day) and it’s a time when the whole city comes alive with celebrations on the cool evenings.

This month take your pick from the Albuquerque Tango Festival, Dia de los Muertos, the Doggie Dash and Dawdle pet carnival, Scandinavian Festival, craft festival, and the River of Lights at the botanical gardens.

November is also a more favorable time to reenact iconic scenes from Breaking Bad, as the roads are less busy. For those that love hiking, it’s a lovely time to stroll the Paseo del Bosque trail.

• The average temperature in Albuquerque in November is around 15 degrees

18. Los Angeles, California – a fun place to visit for a November birthday

While Los Angeles is naturally one of the most famous and visited cities in the US, it’s a whole different place to discover once the camera-clicking throngs have left, which is why November is the time to come.

Out of all the U.S. cities, Los Angeles is one of the warmest in November (averaging around 23 degrees), and sun-worshippers can still sunbathe in the parks and beaches at this time of year.

It’s also a great time to dine al fresco in the balmy evenings when it’s quieter and there are more locals around to befriend.

Outdoor lovers will still enjoy hiking in Griffith Park and the Santa Monica mountains and may even spot a celebrity along the way.

If your birthday falls in November Los Angeles is a great choice for a birthday vacation as there are no shortage of very cool bars, clubs, and restaurants to celebrate in! 

• The average temperature in Los Angeles in November is around 23 degrees

19. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas – a beach with no crowds but is still warm enough to swim in November

Texas’ Padre Island is the world’s longest barrier island and this undeveloped stretch separates the Gulf of Mexico and the saline lagoon of Laguna Madre.

It’s a wonderful place to kayak, spot sea turtles, go birdwatching, camp or just relax on the beach.

November is the ideal time to miss the summer crowds while the water is still warm enough to swim in – the average water temperature in South Padre Island in November is around 75°F. It’s also out of hurricane season so you won’t need to worry about bad weather or poor sea conditions.

• The average temperature in Padre Island National Seashore in November is around 22 degrees

20. Adirondack Mountains, New York State – perfect for a super cozy weekend getaway

The Adirondack Mountains are a massive range in northeastern New York. This impressive swathe of high peaks offers thousands of miles of trails to hike, with plenty of rivers to paddle along at the bottom of the valleys.

Once you’ve taken in thanksgiving and the Christmas build-up in New York City, the mountains here are the perfect place to escape in November.

Daytime temperatures can get a little chilly at highs of around 35 degrees (and can even snow) so wrap up warm but it’s a peaceful time to come and hire a cabin for a cozy and romantic weekend getaway watching night fall over this stunning wilderness.

• The average temperature in the Adirondack Mountains in November is around 1 degree

Frequently asked questions

1. Where should I go for a beach vacation in US in November?

Kauai makes a great destination for a beach vacation in November, the beautiful island is surrounded by 50 miles of glistening white-sand coast and stunning unspoiled views. It’s also a great place to surf, hike, swim or sunbathe. In November the temperatures hover around 23 degrees in the day and it’s also a cheaper time for great deals on both accommodation and flights.

2. What vacation spots are warm in November in US?

There a few great choices for a warm vacation in November in the USA, these include Maui in Hawaii, The Florida Keys for warm weather and gorgeous beaches, San Diego with a city trip with still pleasant temperatures and Gulf Shores, Alabama for a low key beach destination and temperatures which hover around a very comfortable 22 degrees. 

3. Where can I go for sun in US in November?

The warmest states in this month include Hawaii, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Nevada, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Arizona and New Mexico and the temperatures in California are pretty steady too. 

4. Which are the cheapest places to visit in November in USA?

There are many great places to visit in November that won’t cost the earth. Some less expensive destinations include San Antonio in Texas, Laughlin in Nevada, the desert-city of Albuquerque in New Mexico, Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, Charlotte in North Carolina and Reno in Nevada. 

5. Where is the best place to vacation in US in November? 

There are many great choices for vacations in November in the USA. For example Charleston in South Carolina makes a charming port city break known for its romantic scenery, sunset boat rides in the ocean, beaches and great restaurants. Alternatively head to the Florida Keys for a family-friendly and warm beach vacation or Big Bend National Park in Texas for beautiful unspoilt wilderness and fewer crowds. 

We also posts on… 

• The best places to visit in October in the USA
• Best places to visit in August
• Best place to travel in September
• Best places to visit in December
• Best places to visit in February
• Best places to visit in January
• The best places to visit in March in the USA