What Are The Best Places To Visit In November In The USA? Vote Your Favorite November Spot

Oct 14, 2025

Last Updated on: Jun 1, 2026

Travel Guides

Crisp air! Mild temperatures! Colorful foliage! 

All these have been the go-to experiences for anyone visiting the USA in November.

Now, add to that the declaration from President Donald Trump, marking 11th November as a national holiday. The day commemorates the Armistice Day of World War I.

Already known as Veterans Day, the rebranding of November 11th now allows the USA and visitors to adjust their travel plans.

The declaration of a new historic holiday always boosts tourism to war memorials and places associated with the specific event.

So, from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia Marine Barracks, the travel scene in the USA in November is going to get busier.

Furthermore, with Thanksgiving Day approaching on 27th November this year, it seems like the perfect time to plan a holiday in the USA.

Now, what kind of traveler are you? Do you want warmer escapes, cultural encounters, fall colors, or the quintessential autumn festive spirit in November?

I will share the best with you, and no wonder, you will find many of the best places to visit in November, in common with our October favorites.

How I Have Chosen The Best Places To Visit In November In The USA?

How I Have Chosen The Best Places To Visit In November In The USA
  • Map + climate zones: A U.S. map colored by “mild, cool, snow-likely” zones in November 

I have considered five key points in choosing the best places to visit in November in the USA.

  1. An assessment of mild, cool, and snowy-like zones in November. 
  1. Differences in the early vs. late November weather conditions.
  1. Considering the amount of daylight in the specific regions and the availability of outdoor attractions. 
  1. Budget and cost expectations. 
  1. Autumn Colors
Criteria for Best Places to Visit in November Places
Mild Weather Conditions • Florida 
• Savannah 
• New Orleans 
Cool Weather Conditions • San Diego 
• Phoenix 
• San Antonio 
• Palm Springs 
Snowy-Like Conditions • Flagstaff 
Early November Visits • Sedona
Late November Visits • Maui 
Longer Daylight in November  • Las Vegas 
Budget-Friendly Places to Visit in November • Glacier National Park 
• Boston 
Autumn Colors • New England 

What Are The Best Places To Visit In November In The USA (Based On The Criteria Discussed)

Here are my favorites for visiting the best places in the USA in November. You can vote for your favorite now.

1. Mild Weather Conditions 

Want to explore the warmer places to visit in November? These are places where you can be.

• Florida 

Florida

Temperature in November: 13-25 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Miami Book Fair International, Manatee Viewing and Swimming in the Crystal River, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival 

Florida is the home of the Crystal River, and November is the Manatee season. Furthermore, it is the best time for wildlife viewing in the Everglades National Park.

Moreover, you can plan a trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo and enjoy snorkeling.

• Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Georgia

Temperature in November: 12-21 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: The Savannah Lighted Boat Parade, SCAD Savannah Film Festival 

Forsyth Park, Davenport House Museum, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist are some of the best places to visit in Savannah in November.

However, for moments of solitude, you can visit the Bonaventure Cemetery.

• New Orleans 

New Orleans

Temperature in November: 12-22 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Bayou Bacchanal, celebrating Caribbean culture, Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival at Louis Armstrong Park 

The Garden District or the French Quarter are the best places in New Orleans to soak in the autumn vibe.

Furthermore, don’t miss the coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde.

2. Cool Weather Conditions 

The following places are cool and comfortable in November. However, you will feel the nip in the air.

• San Diego, California 

San Diego California

Temperature in November: 13-21 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Watching Fall Foliage at the Japanese Friendship Garden and Balboa Park, Whale Watching Tours 

November in San Diego is the month to revel in the Craft Beer Festival and taste the best beers from local breweries.

It is also the ideal time to try the local wine, ceviche, and oysters.

• Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Arizona

Temperature in November: 10 to 24 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Phoenix Veterans Day Parade (the largest in the Country), Phoenix Pizza Festival 

The Desert Botanical Garden is the best place to visit in Phoenix in November. The garden hosts the ZooLight or a Festival of Lights this month.

Furthermore, the November weather is ideal for golfing and hot air balloon rides in Phoenix.

• San Antonio, Texas 

San Antonio Texas

Temperature in November: 9-22 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony 

The River Walk in San Antonio is the epicenter of fall festivities.

Furthermore, San Antonio is one of the most celebrated locations in the country for the Day of the Dead.

• Palm Springs, California 

Palm Springs California

Temperature in November: 11-25 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Greater Palm Springs Pride for LGBTQIA+ Community, Veterans Day Parade, Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival 

Palm Springs in California is one of the most coveted locations for travelers from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Furthermore, in November, it becomes a foodie’s paradise with the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival.

3. Snowy-Like Conditions 

Snowy-Like Conditions

Flagstaff is the best place to visit in the USA in November if you want to experience snowy-like conditions.

Temperatures fluctuate throughout the month of November in Flagstaff, and the temperature ranges between -5 and 10 degrees Celsius.

As an International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff is the ideal place for stargazing at Lowell Observatory in November.

Also, you can explore the local art scene by being a part of the First Friday ArtWalk on the first Friday of November.

4. Early November Visits 

Sedona and New York are my favorite picks for early November visits.

• Sedona, Arizona 

Sedona Arizona

Temperature in November: 4-18 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Sedona Annual Turkey Trot 

Fall in Sedona is beautiful, with hiking in the Oak Creek Canyon and driving through the 89A route. While hiking and driving, you will see the most gorgeous fall colors.

Furthermore, a drive through the SR 179 route is another great choice to see the fall foliage.

Moreover, as a certified International Dark Sky Community, Sedona is ideal for stargazing in November.

5. Late November Visits 

Are you visiting the USA around the Thanksgiving Day festivities? These are the places you can visit.

• Maui, Hawaii 

Maui Hawaii

Temperature in November: 19 to 27 °Celsius 

Top Seasonal Activity in November: Humpback Whale Watching 

With places such as Turtle Town and Molokini Crater, Maui is ideal for snorkeling in November.

You can also try surfing at Ho’okipa Beach.

6. Longer Daylight in November 

Longer Day lightin November

The sunshine hours start becoming shorter from mid-November to late November, and Las Vegas is the place you must visit for longer sunshine hours.

Las Vegas experiences temperatures ranging from 5 to 19 degrees Celsius in November.

Furthermore, the Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan, Downtown, and the LINQ Promenade are some of the best places to visit in November in Las Vegas.

7. Budget-Friendly Places To Visit In November 

Visiting the USA in November on a budget? Visit the following destinations.

• Glacier National Park, Montana 

Temperature in November: -3 to 4 °Celsius 

With the first snowfall in November, Glacier National Park transforms into a snowy wonderland.

Furthermore, the golden leaves of the larch trees in the park look stunning against the backdrop of white snow.

• Boston 

Boston

Temperature in November: 4-11 °Celsius 

Boston bustles with energy in November, with the Holiday Market at Snowport offering the best shopping experience.

Furthermore, ice skating at the Frog Pond, enjoying a stroll along the Freedom Trail, and seeing the fall foliage are the best seasonal attractions in Boston in November.

8. Autumn Colors 

Autumn Colors

New England is the most picturesque location to visit in the USA throughout the autumn season.

The temperature in the region varies between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, Plymouth in Massachusetts is the first site of Thanksgiving. It is the venue for America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration.

Moreover, Vermont is the crown jewel in autumn tourism in the USA, with the most vivid display of fall foliage.
What Are The Best Places To Visit In November In The USA? A 7-Day Itinerary

While it is logistically impossible to cover all the locations listed within a month, forget 7 days; you can focus on specific zones, such as the Southwestern regions like California (mild weather conditions) or the Southeast Cities (for cultural exploration).

Table 1: A 7-Day November Vacation Itinerary In The Southwestern Region/California, Arizona, And Nevada 

Days Destination Activities/Focus Estimated Drive Time 
Day 1 San Diego, CA • Arrival in San Diego
• Exploring Balboa Park
• Visiting the San Diego Zoo
• Beach Vacation at Coronado and La Jolla 
N/A 
Day 2 Palm Springs, CA • Driving to Palm Springs
• Explore the Downtown
• Visit the Art Galleries
• Relax by the pool 
2-3 Hours 
Day 3 Sedona, AZ • Drive through the Red Rocks of Sedona.
• Go for a hike on the Airport
• Mesa Trail in the afternoon.
5-6 Hours 
Day 4 Flagstaff, AZ • Drive to Flagstaff.
• Visit Lowell Observatory. 
• Hike to Humphreys Peak, the highest natural point in Flagstaff.
2 Hours 
Day 5 Las Vegas, NV • Drive to Las Vegas.
• Try your luck at the Casinos.
• Have the best food in Nevada.
4-5 Hours 
Day 6 Phoenix, AZ • Drive from Las Vegas.
• Visit the Old Town Scottsdale. 
• Spend the afternoon and evening in the Valley of the Sun. 
5 Hours 
Day 7 Leaving Phoenix • Take the return flight from Phoenix.N/A 

Table 2: A 7-Day November Vacation Itinerary In The Southeastern Region/ Florida, Georgia, And Louisiana

A Calendar Of November Festivities In The USA

Here is a list of local and nationwide observances and celebrations in November in the USA.

Dates of Important Festivities/Celebrations in November Festivals/Observance Significance Date in 2025 
1st November All Saints’ Day Christian Religious Festival N/A 
1st-2nd November Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Important for people of Mexican heritage 2nd November 
Month-Long Festivity Native American Heritage Month Celebrates the history and contributions of indigenous people N/A 
Month-Long Observance National Adoption Month Promotes child welfare and adoption N/A 
11th November Veterans Day and now the Armistice Day of World War I • Honors military veterans and commemorates the victory of World War I.N/A 
Fourth Thursday Thanksgiving Day • Family feasting 
• Parades Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC 
27th November 
Day after Thanksgiving Black Friday • Marks the Holiday Shopping Season28th November 

Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The USA In November

Weather conditions vary massively across various regions in the USA in the month of November. So, here are the things you need to keep in mind.

Regions Weather Conditions/Things to Keep in Mind 
Midwest and New England • Cold Temperature 
• Possibility of Snow 
• End of Fall Foliage 
• Pack Warm Clothes
Mid-Atlantic/Central States, such as New York • Chilly Weather 
• Great for Outdoor Activities 
• Wear a Long Coat 
Southern Destinations/Florida, Hawaii, Southern California, Key West • Mild Weather 
• Popular for Sun Break in Late November 
Mountain/Ski Regions such as Lake Tahoe, Utah, and Colorado • Mountain Resorts Gear up for Ski Seasons Check out the Opening and Early Snow Deals 

Moreover, despite November being a quieter month, in comparison to the summer season, during the Thanksgiving Day celebration, there is a rise in the number of visitors to the USA.

So, the airports and parking lots are going to get busy.

Furthermore, many roads and natural attractions remain closed or partially accessible from mid to late November thanks to the onset of snowfall and ice.

For example, the following places remain closed due to snow

  • Glacier National Park in Montana 
  • Trail Ridge Road of the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado 
  • Glacier Point Road and the Tioga Pass Road of the Yosemite National Park in California

For updates on the accessibility of the national parks, you can check out the updates on the National Park Official Website.

What Are The Best Places To Visit In November? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best places to visit in the USA in November.

1. Where Is The Best Weather In November In The USA? 

The weather conditions in the USA vary across regions in November. However, Florida, Savannah, and New Orleans are some of the best places if you are looking for mild weather conditions.
Also, for snowy conditions, you can visit Northern New Mexico and Flagstaff.

2. Is November A Good Time To Visit The USA? 

Yes, November is a good time to visit the USA. Being in the shoulder season, November does not have the crowd of summer.
Furthermore, the fall colors, mild weather conditions, and festivals such as Thanksgiving Day make November an ideal month for a trip to the USA.

3. Where Is The Most Romantic Place In The USA? 

Maui is the most romantic place in the USA. In a recent survey report conducted by FunJet Vacations, Maui has dethroned Paris, the City of Love, as the most romantic destination in the world.
The landscape of Maui is beautiful, and it has pristine beaches. Moreover, Maui is an Instagrammable location for its amazing sunset views. 

4. Where To Go In November With Family? 

Maui, San Diego, and Orlando are some of the best places to visit with Family in November. Furthermore, if you are in the USA for the Thanksgiving Day celebration, New York City is the best place to be.
Be a part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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Off-Peak Season For Diving In Raja Ampat   Feature Peak Season (October – April) Off-Peak Season (May – September) Sea Conditions Calm, glassy water Choppy in the South, calm in the North Visibility Excellent (15m–30m) Variable (can be lower near islands) Marine Life Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and Dolphins Resident Reef Life, Macro, "Walking" Sharks Crowds High (Book 12-18 months early) Low (Peaceful dive sites) Price Premium Potential discounts (10-20% off)  Have you already booked your dates? Check our guide on Raja Ampat diving trips for a detailed itinerary planning.   The Two Main Seasons Of Diving In Raja Ampat: A Detailed Breakdown  The character and conditions of the dive sites in Raja Ampat change in dry and wet seasons.   The Dry Season (October to April) The Wet Season (May – September)  • Low Winds  • Calm Water  • Ultimate Raja Ampat Liveaboard Season  • Ideal for Spotting Reef and Oceanic Mantas • High Southern Winds  • Misool Becomes Inaccessible  • Dampier Strait is Accessible  • Ideal for Spotting Snapper and Barracuda  Raja Ampat Marine Life Calendar  For you, the best diving season in Raja Ampat Indonesia depends on the kind of marine animal you want to encounter. Here, I will give you details about the Oceanic and Reef Manta Ray season, the whale and dolphin migration season, and the season for walking sharks and macro life.   1. Manta Ray Season (Oceanic Vs. Reef)  December to March is the best season for spotting these marine animals.   Manta Sandy cleaning station is great for Reef Manta sightings. Magic Mountain in Misool is one of the sites where you will find Oceanic and Reef Mantas together.   Furthermore, Dr. Setyawan, in a report published by Conservation International on 9th October 2024, has shared some interesting facts about the Reef Mantas. He mentioned that   “...reef manta rays can travel hundreds of kilometres, and there aren’t any obvious barriers to movement between these three regions in Raja Ampat.”  2. The Whale And Dolphin Migration (November – December)  You will find Pilot Whales and different dolphin species in the deep channels of the Dampier Strait in November and December.   3. Walking Sharks & Macro Life (Year-Round)  The endemic Walking Sharks, or Raja Ampat Epaulette Sharks, are visible in the water year-round. Night dives are the best to watch these marine creatures in action.   You will also spot the Pygmy Seahorses and Nudibranchs across all seasons.   Regional Differences: The Misool Vs Dampier Strait Season  Let’s check out the regional differences in Raja Ampat across seasons. 1. Dampier Strait (North/Central)  Sheltered by large islands, the Dampier Strait offers safe diving conditions even when the wind is high.  So, you can dive here safely in all seasons.   2. Misool (South)  Thanks to the southern monsoon, crossing Misool is dangerous in the wet season. The frotier is wilder than the north and central zones.   Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Liveaboard Vs. Resort  There is no "bad" time to visit Raja Ampat, only the "wrong" region for the season. If you want Mantas and luxury liveaboards, aim for January. If you want solitude and budget-friendly resort stays, June in the Dampier Strait is a hidden gem.  1. The Komodo Switch And The liveaboard Season   In May, about 80% of the liveaboard fleet sails west to Komodo National Park to follow the dry weather. If you want a luxury boat experience, you must visit Raja Ampat between October and April.  2. Choose Diving Resorts For Off-Peak Season Diving   If you are traveling in the summer, between June and August, you must choose the land-based resorts in the Dampier Strait. These resorts offer stability, and you can take shorter boat rides to reach the dive sites. Enjoy the low-season pricing.   What Are The Expert Tips For the Raja Ampat Diving Season?  You cannot fear the rain when you are diving in Raja Ampat. Also, the consistent temperature of the water in Raja Ampat makes diving possible, especially in the Dampier Strait sites.  Here are some other things to remember if you are diving in Raja Ampat.   Expert Tips What It Means Don't Fear the Rain It is a rainforest; it rains even in the dry season. The fish don't mind, and you're already wet.  The "Green Water" is Good Lower visibility often means plankton, and dense plankton is the "dinner bell" for Manta Rays. Book Christmas Early This is the busiest window, and some boats sell out 2 years in advance.  Currents and Moons For the most intense fish action, book your trip during the New or Full Moon.  Surface Intervals Use sun protection in the dry season and bring a windbreaker for the wet season boat rides.  Water Temp is Constant It stays 28 to 30 degrees Celsius all year. A 3mm wetsuit is plenty.  Check Boat Locations Ensure your preferred boat hasn't already moved to Komodo for the summer. Flight Reliability Pad your travel schedule in July/August, as wind can delay small island hops or ferries.  Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Photographers: The Lens Guide  Seasons  Ideal Lens What to Capture  October to April Wide Angle • Perfect for Capturing Mantas  • Sweeping Schools of Fish  Split Shots with Blue Skies  May to September Macro Lens • Fluctuating Visibility  • Perfect to Focus on Pygmy Seahorses, Blue-ringed Octopus, and Ornate Ghost Pipefish.  Late April and Early October (The Shoulder Season Secret) Macro Lens  • These are Sweet Spots, and You Get to Frame the Calm Transition of the Marine Animals.   • Still, the Crowd of the Big 5 is Not Intense as the December and January Holidays.   Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Raja Ampat diving season tips.   1. What Is The Absolute Best Month To Dive Raja Ampat?  January is the absolute best or the prime month to dive in Raja Ampat. You get peak visibility, around 25 to 30 meters in the water, and it is the ideal month to spot Reef and Oceanic Mantas due to plankton increases.  Furthermore, all the regions, the south, the central, and the north, remain accessible this month.   2. Can I Dive Raja Ampat In August? Yes, you can dive in Raja Ampat in August. In fact, August is a great month if you want to explore Cape Kri and Blue Magic without the crowd. However, if you are diving in Raja Ampat in August, stick to the sites in Waigeo, Gam, and Mansuar and along the Dampier Strait in the North and Central zones. 3. When Is The Best Time For Whale Sharks In Raja Ampat? October to April is the best time to see Whale Sharks in Raja Ampat. You can find them in Misool and the Dampier Strait sites. However, for a better and more certain visibility of Whale Sharks, you must visit Triton Bay, south of Raja Ampat. The Full Moon Nights are ideal for spotting Whale Sharks.  4. Is The Wet Season Cheaper In Raja Ampat? Yes, the wet season is cheaper in Raja Ampat as it is the off-peak season for diving. In the diving resorts, mostly concentrated around the Dampier Strait Region, you will get a discount of around 10-15%. There is also a hefty discount on the diving packages. On the other hand, the liveaboards will offer around 20-30% discount in the wet season.  5. What Is The Water Temperature Like Year-round In Raja Ampat? The year-round water temperature in Raja Ampat is around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. One of the best things about diving in Raja Ampat is the incredibly stable, bathtub-warm water. Because the archipelago is located just one degree from the equator, you won't experience the dramatic temperature drops or "thermoclines" found in other parts of Indonesia, like Komodo or Bali.  6. Do I Need A Dry Suit Or A Thick Wetsuit In The Off-season? No, you don’t need a dry suit or thick wetsuit to dive in Raja Ampat, even in the off-season. It is because the temperature of the waters here hovers around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. A 3mm thick wetsuit is enough if you are doing deep diving. It ensures that your body does not lose temperature rapidly. It also protects you from the irritants in the water and helps in buoyancy. 7. Does Visibility Change With The Seasons In Raja Ampat? Yes, visibility changes with the seasons in Raja Ampat. However, remember that having clear water does not mean the ideal condition for spotting the marine life in Raja Ampat. In the dry season, from October to April, the visibility is around 15 to 30 meters. Still, from December to March, nutrient-rich currents flood the archipelago. This creates "green" or "particulate" water. While this might frustrate wide-angle photographers looking for a pure blue background, it is the "dinner bell" for Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.Furthermore, during the wet season, from May to September, the visibility is 10 to 20 meters. However, this is an ideal time for many photographers as the water is clearer due to the lack of plankton blooms. 8. When Do The Liveaboards Move To Komodo? The famous Indonesian Switch, or the transition of liveaboards to and from Komodo, happens twice a year. In April and May, the peak diving season in Raja Ampat approaches its end. So, 80% of the liveaboards in Raja Ampat move toward the Komodo National Park. These liveaboards often pass through the Banda Sea and the Forgotten Island, where you can spot hammerhead sharks in late April and May. Again, these liveaboards return in September and October as Komodo starts getting heavy rainfall, but the water of Raja Ampat becomes still. On the way, you can spot deep-sea pinnacles and incredible whale shark encounters in Triton Bay or the Banda Sea.  9. Is It Safe To Visit Raja Ampat During The Monsoon? Yes, the rainy season does not mean a complete shutdown for tourists to Raja Ampat. In fact, the central zone (Dampier Strait) and areas such as Waigeo/Gam remain quite accessible even in high winds due to the protection of huge land masses. However, the diving sites in the southern zone of Misool are risky in these months.  10. When Is The Best Time For Underwater Photography In Raja Ampat? The best time for underwater photography in Raja Ampat will depend on the kind of backdrop you want. The waters of Raja Ampat always amaze you with an impressive marine life. October to November is the time for the best all-round photography experience. You will get calm seas, returning Mantas, and massive schools of baitfish. Great for wide-angle and split shots. Also, for a truly unique photographic subject, aim for the Full Moons in October and November. This is when the reefs often experience mass coral spawning. It is a spectacular nighttime event that turns the water into a "snow globe" of biological activity.Again, January and February are ideal for framing the Manta action. Plankton blooms can create "green" water, but offer world-class Manta displays. These are the months for macro specialists. The months of March and April offer peak visibility. You will now find the clearest water of the year (30m+). Ideal for large reefscapes and blue backgrounds.Finally, June to September is ideal for shooting the empty reef and macros in action.