The Definitive Guide to U.S. Travel in November: Unlocking the Best of the Shoulder Season
In the United States, November is a “shoulder season sweet spot” for travel. This month has a unique mix of nice weather, fewer people, and the start of holiday celebrations, which are often cheaper.
The change in the seasons is one of the best things about traveling in November. As the intense summer heat fades, the southern and southwestern states enjoy mild, comfortable temperatures. In the north, on the other hand, winter may start to show itself early, and higher areas may even get snow. This gives you a wide range of places to go.
When looking at how much something costs, ticket prices have been going down. For five months in a row, hotel prices have gone down, and flights are still less than they were in 2019.
This is complemented by vacation packages with roundtrip flights and hotel stays available for under $600 per person.
While many destinations are less crowded in November, there are two high-volume periods to avoid: the surge around Veterans Day and “Jersey Week” (November 6-11), and the major rush of Thanksgiving week (November 24-30). The days leading up to and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are projected to be among the busiest travel days on record. For the ideal balance of low crowds, pleasant weather, and early holiday spirit, the period between November 12-21 is the strategic travel window
The Quest for Sunshine: Top Warm-Weather Escapes
For those seeking to escape the cold, November is a great time to visit warm-weather destinations with mild climates and a variety of activities.
Florida
Florida transitions out of hurricane season and into a period of pleasant weather. With normal high temperatures of about 79°F and lower humidity, Miami and the Florida Keys are like a tropical oasis. They are great for outdoor activities. At Oleta River State Park, people can kayak, take a boat ride through Biscayne National Park, or look at the street art in Wynwood Walls and the Art Deco District. People can also enjoy culture events like the Miami Book Fair and Native American Heritage Month celebrations during this month.
Orlando’s theme parks are a popular place for families to go because they are less busy in November. However, crowds spike for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving week. The best time to visit is the week of November 17-21, when crowd levels are moderate and new holiday decorations are up.
Hawaii
Oahu, Hawaii, is an exceptional destination with average high temperatures of 84°F. November sees a notable absence of peak-season crowds, which often results in cheaper accommodations and a more relaxed experience. This is the unofficial start of whale-watching season, with the first of thousands of humpback whales arriving in the warmer waters from Alaska . The period also marks the beginning of Hawaii’s prime surfing season, with large Pacific waves hitting the north shores, where spectators can watch the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
The Southwestern Serenity: Arizona and New Mexico
For a warm escape away from the coast, Arizona and New Mexico offer beautiful desert landscapes. Sedona, Arizona, has a great mix of activities with mild average temperatures, a high of 68°F and a low of 41°F, making it perfect for hiking, biking, and Jeep tours . Nearby, visitors can find Ojo Santa Fe Hot Springs in New Mexico, which provides a relaxing experience with saunas and a saltwater pool. Joshua Tree and Saguaro National Parks also enjoy mild daytime temperatures and little rain in November.
The Lure of the Outdoors: National Parks in Their Prime
November is a transformative month for national parks, providing a rare quiet solitude.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a destination that shines in November. Daily visitation drops significantly from summer highs, making it a quiet and tranquil experience . The weather is described as “beautiful,” with average daytime temperatures in the 60s°F, which is perfect for hiking. Fall colors, with golden cottonwoods and vivid reds, paint the canyon and create a spectacular contrast against the red rock cliffs.
While waterfalls are reduced to a “trickle” and the water is cold for hikes like The Narrows, several classic hikes remain great options, including the Emerald Pools Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail.
The City Pulse: Culture, Events, and Urban Adventures
For those who prefer a city trip, November offers a unique pre-holiday excitement.
New York City
New York City in November is a bridge between autumn and the festive holiday season. The weather is chilly, with average highs of 54°F and lows of 41°F. The main event is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which draws an estimated 3.5 million attendees. For the best viewing, it is advised to arrive early. The parade, along with the unveiling of iconic Christmas windows and light displays, officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. Many key holiday attractions, such as the Bryant Park Winter Village, begin in early to mid-November, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere before the peak crowds of December .
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an attractive destination in November, as the extreme heat of the summer has passed, with temperatures a comfortable 70°F. The city experiences a lull in crowds, making it a great time for Black Friday shopping.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, offers a charming November experience with mild temperatures, a gentle breeze, and dry conditions . This is perfect for leisurely walks and taking a ghost tour. The city also hosts unique local events like the Savannah Film Festival and Crafts on the River .
The Travel Pro's Playbook: Navigating November
To ensure a successful trip, it’s crucial to avoid the predictable periods of high congestion, specifically the periods around Veterans Day (Nov 6-11) and Thanksgiving (Nov 24-30). For those who must travel during the peak Thanksgiving period, the TSA recommends packing smart and using programs like TSA PreCheck to reduce wait times.
Booking strategy is also key, as bundling flights and hotels can lead to significant savings.
| Destination | Best For | Average Temp Range (°F) | Key November Event/Activity | Crowd Level (Mid-Nov) | Nearest Major Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, Florida | Warmth, Beaches, Nightlife | 74–79 | Miami Book Fair, Hispanic Heritage Month | Moderate | Miami International Airport (MIA) |
| Oahu, Hawaii | Warmth, Surfing, Whales | 72–84 | Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Kalakaua Festival | Low | Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) |
| Zion National Park, Utah | Hiking, Solitude, Scenery | 31–65 | Fall Colors, First Snowfall | Low | Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) |
| New York City, New York | City Culture, Holiday Magic | 41–54 | Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Holiday Markets | Moderate to High | LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, Newark (EWR) |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | Entertainment, Shopping | 35–70 | Black Friday Shopping, Live Entertainment | Low | Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) |
| Savannah, Georgia | Southern Charm, History | Mild, Dry | Savannah Film Festival, Tybee Post Music Festival | Low to Moderate | Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) |
| Sedona, Arizona | Relaxation, Outdoor Adventure | 41–68 | Illuminate Film Festival, Hiking, Jeep tours | Moderate | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) |
Conclusion
The study shows that a trip in November is a smart and valuable chance. Travelers can enjoy places in ways that aren’t possible during peak season if they know how the weather will affect them, how crowds will behave, and how to take advantage of good deals. November has a wide range of unique and interesting things to do, from the quiet beauty of Zion’s fall foliage to the electric energy of New York City before the holidays. It’s clear that the best trips of the year are often the ones that happen when there aren’t many people around. Now is the time to make plans for your trip.
