November is a magical shoulder season for travel in the United States. The summer crowds are a distant memory, the frantic holiday rush has yet to begin, and the landscape is painted in the final, brilliant strokes of autumn or the first dustings of winter snow. Whether you're seeking warm sunshine, crisp mountain air, or the cozy charm of a small town, November offers a diverse array of unforgettable experiences.
This guide breaks down the best places to visit in the USA in November by travel style, helping you find the perfect destination for your autumn escape.
Table of Contents
For Last-Minute Fall Foliage & Pleasant Weather
For Sunny Warm Escapes from the Cold
For Early Skiing & Snowy Mountain Adventures
For Charming Cities & Small-Town Coziness
For Unique Cultural Experiences & Thanksgiving Vibes
Essential November Travel Tips
1. For Last-Minute Fall Foliage & Pleasant Weather
While peak color has passed in the north, several regions hit their stride in November, offering comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina: Early November is your last chance to witness the spectacular fall colors in the Smokies. The mountainsides erupt in a final fiery display of red, orange, and gold. Enjoy scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike to waterfalls, and explore the charming towns of Gatlinburg and Asheville without the October crowds.
Savannah, Georgia: With its humid subtropical climate, Savannah remains mild and pleasant in November. The live oaks draped in Spanish moss provide a unique, evergreen-heavy fall aesthetic. It's the perfect time for strolling the historic squares, enjoying a riverboat cruise, and indulging in Southern cuisine on an outdoor patio.
Napa and Sonoma Valleys, California: November is "Cabernet Season" in California's wine country. The harvest is complete, the crowds have thinned, and the vineyards are blanketed in stunning yellow and red foliage. It’s an intimate time for wine tasting, enjoying world-class meals, and taking a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque valleys.
2. For Sunny Warm Escapes from the Cold
If your goal is to trade your jacket for sunglasses, these destinations deliver reliable warmth in November.
Scottsdale, Arizona: The scorching summer heat is long gone, replaced by perfect pool and golf weather with average highs in the mid-70s°F (around 24°C). November is ideal for hiking in the Sonoran Desert, lounging at a luxurious resort, and exploring the vibrant art and food scene.
The Florida Keys: For a true tropical escape, the Keys are hard to beat. Hurricane season is winding down, and the weather is idyllic. Enjoy snorkeling in the clear, warm waters, fishing, kayaking through mangroves, and watching spectacular sunsets at Mallory Square in Key West.
San Diego, California: Blessed with a near-perfect climate year-round, San Diego shines in November. With minimal rain and comfortable temperatures, you can comfortably explore the beaches, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the city's diverse neighborhoods.
3. For Early Skiing & Snowy Mountain Adventures
For winter sports enthusiasts, November marks the exciting beginning of the ski season.
Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada: Several resorts, like Palisades Tahoe and Heavenly, often open by mid-to-late November. You can enjoy early-season skiing and snowboarding with a stunning backdrop of the pristine blue lake. The surrounding area also offers beautiful snowy landscapes for snowshoeing and cozy cabin stays.
Park City, Utah: Known for its legendary light, powdery snow, Park City typically sees its ski season kick off around Thanksgiving. The historic Main Street is charming, and the anticipation of the winter season creates a festive atmosphere. It's a great time to get first tracks before the peak season crowds arrive.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: For the serious adventurer, Jackson Hole offers some of the most challenging and rewarding early-season terrain in the country. The rugged Teton Range is breathtaking under a fresh coat of snow, and the town of Jackson has a authentic Western vibe.
4. For Charming Cities & Small-Town Coziness
November’s cozy atmosphere is perfectly matched by cities and towns that exude warmth and charm.
Charleston, South Carolina: The weather is ideal for exploring Charleston's historic district, with highs in the 60s. The city feels peaceful and relaxed. Enjoy gourmet dining, take a carriage ride, and stroll along the Battery without the summer heat and humidity.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: The high-desert air is crisp, and the adobe architecture looks stunning against the clear blue sky. November is a fantastic time to explore the city's world-class art galleries, visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and warm up with authentic New Mexican cuisine (don't forget the green chile!).
Leavenworth, Washington: This Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains is the epitome of a winter wonderland. By November, the town is often covered in snow and begins decking its halls for its famous Christmas lighting festival, which often starts in late November. It feels like stepping into a European alpine village.
5. For Unique Cultural Experiences & Thanksgiving Vibes
Some places offer once-a-year events and a special atmosphere in November.
New York City, New York: NYC in November is iconic. You can experience the world-famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person—a truly unforgettable spectacle. The holiday windows on Fifth Avenue are unveiled, and the ice rinks at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park open, filling the city with festive cheer.
New Orleans, Louisiana: The summer heat has broken, making it a delightful time to visit. Beyond the pleasant weather, you can experience unique cultural events like the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and the Bayou Classic, a legendary rivalry football game and celebration of HBCU culture.
Williamsburg, Virginia: For a historical Thanksgiving, visit Colonial Williamsburg. They host special Thanksgiving events that re-create 18th-century feasts and traditions, offering a fascinating and educational look at the holiday's origins.
6. Essential November Travel Tips
Book Early for Thanksgiving: If you're traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, book flights and accommodations months in advance, as this is the busiest travel period of the year.
Pack in Layers: November weather can be unpredictable. Pack a mix of t-shirts, sweaters, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer to be prepared for anything.
Check for Closures: Remember that many museums, shops, and restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Some may also have limited hours the day after.
Embrace the Shoulder Season: Take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds at popular destinations that are still accessible and beautiful during this month.
Ready to Explore? Finding the perfect November getaway is easy when you have the right plan. Explore our curated United States Tour Packages to seamlessly plan your trip to these incredible destinations.
No matter what kind of adventure you're seeking, the USA in November has a perfect destination waiting for you. From sunny beaches to snowy peaks and charming, historic streets, your unforgettable autumn journey begins now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best warm places to visit in the USA in November?
For reliably warm and sunny weather in November, the best destinations are typically in the Southwest and South Florida. Consider Scottsdale, Arizona; the Florida Keys; or San Diego, California. These locations offer perfect conditions for swimming, golfing, and exploring without the intense summer heat.
2. Where can you go for a snowy vacation in the USA in November?
For early-season skiing and snowy landscapes, head to the Rocky Mountains. Resorts in Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada), Park City (Utah), and Jackson Hole (Wyoming) often begin opening in late November.
3. Is November a good time to visit national parks?
Yes, November is an excellent time to visit many national parks to avoid crowds. Parks in southern regions like Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and the Grand Canyon have pleasant hiking weather. Always check for seasonal closures, as some roads and services in higher-elevation parks (like Yellowstone) close for winter.
4. What US city is best to visit for Thanksgiving?
New York City is the quintessential Thanksgiving destination to experience the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person. Other great cities for a festive atmosphere include Chicago for its Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Williamsburg, Virginia, for a historical Thanksgiving experience.
5. Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA in November?
November's long nights increase your chances. The best places are in Alaska, particularly Fairbanks, and in the northern contiguous US under dark skies, such as Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Upper Michigan.
