United States United States Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Itineraries Getaways All United States November in New England: Weather, What to Pack and What to See Make the Most of Late Harvest Season in the New England States By Kim Knox Beckius Kim Knox Beckius Facebook Twitter Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/17/19 Share Pin Email Newport, Rhode Island, is one of many New England destinations that are quietly beautiful in November. Ted Kerwin @tedkerwin/flickr.com/Creative Commons License Ah, November in New England... you want an honest opinion, right? It's not the best month. Leaves have faded and fallen in all but the southern and coastal parts of the region, leaving a stark landscape of skeletal trees. It's cold but usually not cold enough to ski New England's slopes until maybe the end of the month. It can be damp and horribly dreary. New Englanders head into November thankful to gain an hour when they turn the clocks back to Eastern Standard Time at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month... but they lament how early darkness falls for the remainder of the year. But wait! November does have some redeeming qualities. After all, it's the month when Americans feast and give thanks. Thanksgiving traditions originated in New England with the Pilgrims in 1621, although some, like making mincemeat, traveled here from across the Atlantic. Throughout the region, the harvest is celebrated, and restaurant menus are loaded with comfort foods. Newport, Rhode Island—one of New England's best cities for dining—even hosts Restaurant Week in November, and the deals make meals even more pleasurable. As with any in-between season, November is also a time for lodging bargains in New England. Give yourselves the early holiday gift of a romantic getaway at one of these 10 New England B&Bs that have fireplaces in every room, and you won't mind November's chill at all. New England Weather in November Average November Temperatures (Low / High): Hartford, CT: 35º / 52º Fahrenheit (2º / 11º Celsius)Providence, RI: 36º / 53º Fahrenheit (2º / 12º Celsius)Boston, MA: 38º / 52º Fahrenheit (3º / 11º Celsius)Hyannis, MA: 37º / 53º Fahrenheit (3º / 12º Celsius)Burlington, VT: 31º / 46º Fahrenheit (-1º / 8º Celsius)Concord, NH: 28º / 48º Fahrenheit (-2º / 9º Celsius)Portland, ME: 31º / 48º Fahrenheit (-1º / 9º Celsius) New England is known for its tough-to-predict weather, but November holds fewer surprises than most months. Typically, as the days march on, they grow gradually more frigid and somber. The season's first dusting of snow is often in November, and it's actually a lovely sight. But it's also a harbinger of heftier storms to come. On average, Boston sees 4 inches of rain and 1 inch of snow in November. The farther north you travel in the region, the better your chances of seeing white stuff at some point in the month. What to Pack Warm layers are necessary in November, and a winter jacket is likely a must by the end of the month. The farther north you venture, the colder temperatures will be particularly after dark. Pack an umbrella, too, because freezing cold rain is actually the worst. Snow boots might be worth packing, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. Top 10 November 2019 Events in New England New England's best November events have a touch of holiday magic. Here are 10 fun festivities you won't want to miss: November 2: WaterFire in Providence, Rhode Island November 2-3: NH Open Doors throughout New Hampshire November 8-10: Boston Christmas Festival in Boston, Massachusetts November 16: Kids Con New England in Portland, Maine November 16-17: Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Craft Fair in West Springfield, Massachusetts November 22-24: America's Hometown Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts November 22-24: Paradise City Arts Festival in Marlborough, Massachusetts November 23-24: Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, Massachusetts November 24: Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular in Stamford, Connecticut November 29: Annual Lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine November Holidays in New England Election Day: November 5 Veterans Day: November 11 Thanksgiving: November 28 Less "Official" November Holidays Worth Celebrating in New England November 13: National Indian Pudding DayTry this Native American dessert at the Union Oyster House in Boston. November 23: Eat a Cranberry Day November 29: Black FridayStart your holiday shopping off with a bang at New England outlet stores. November 30: Small Business SaturdaySupport local businesses in New England, from gift shops to restaurants. Northampton, Massachusetts, is a perfect destination for a buy local shopping trip. Best Destinations for November in New England New England's number one place to visit in November is Plymouth, Massachusetts, of course! There was no "New England" until the Pilgrims arrived aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and established the first permanent English settlement on the northern Atlantic coast. You may not know this, but... the Pilgrims did not mean to land here! They were bound for Virginia but blew off course. Plymouth is a place you should intend to visit, though, at least once in your lifetime. Attractions like Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II (returning to Plymouth in 2020) tell the story of the founding of New England and of American traditions that have endured for centuries. If you make reservations in advance, you can even dine with Pilgrim reenactors on Thanksgiving. By mid-November, Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the best places in the region for a getaway. Summer's crowds have vanished, so it's easy to get a table at Newport's hottest restaurants. Newport has the densest concentration of B&Bs in all of New England, so you're sure to find a cozy room where you can hide from the elements if November days turn gray. The ocean helps to moderate temperatures, so you may actually find the weather surprisingly tolerable, and a brisk stroll along the Cliff Walk may be a highlight of your stay. Best of all, starting November 23, Newport's famed mansions show off their over-the-top holiday decorations. If holiday shopping is on your mind, another ideal November destination is the compact coastal city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here, the shops, galleries and boutiques are all unique, and your holiday budget goes farther because there's no sales tax in New Hampshire. Visit a state-run New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet, too, to stock up and save on liquid supplies for all of your holiday festivities. More November in New England Travel Advice People drive for miles to visit the neon-colored turkeys at Gozzi's Turkey Farm in Guilford, Connecticut, as Thanksgiving nears.Thanksgiving is a busy time to travel, so plan far ahead. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit