Many people know about visiting the New England coast in the summer, and the quaint towns aglow with foliage in October, but I’m here to share about one of my favorite underdog months: November!
Are you thinking of planning a trip to New England in November, and are wondering if it’s worth visiting? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve actually done a lot of traveling throughout this region in November, and I’m excited to share my thoughts and recommendations with you today. With that, let’s get started!
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So, Is November A Good Time To Visit New England?
Let’s get right to the point, shall we? The answer to this questions is – it depends. Allow me to explain 😊
Personally, I love November in New England, but it’s not for everyone. It will really come down to what your expectations are, and what you’re hoping to see and do. This is most definitely a month of transition. Most areas in New England have completed their fall foliage season, and are awaiting their first snow falls (if they haven’t gotten one already!).
This is a great time to visit New England if you’re looking for cheaper accommodations, fewer crowds, a cozy experience, and don’t mind that weather than can vary a bit. It’s an especially wonderful time to book a stay at a cozy inn with a fireplace, and experience top locations and attractions without many people.
November is probably not a great time to visit for those who are looking for the best fall foliage, skiing, or want to see the area during it’s most photogenic time.
What Is New England Like In November?
The best part of traveling to New England in November is that it’s not a popular time for tourists to visit, so you generally won’t run into a lot of crowds, which is really nice! The only exception is toward the end of the month just after the Thanksgiving holiday when the Christmas festivities begin.
Going along with that, New England feels calm this time of the year. The busy foliage season is over, and it’s just before the exciting holiday season. Therefore, many places feel peaceful and quiet.
Generally, scenery is usually kind of brown or gray, with pockets of fall color left over. Most trees are bare in much of the region, but lots of fall foliage will be sprinkled on the grounds and sidewalks. Depending on when in November you visit, the fallen foliage can be either colorful earlier in the month, or already browned later in the month.
What Kind Of Weather To Expect In November
This will vary a lot depending on the state or area you visit, as the northern states and regions will be colder and more prone to snow in November, versus the southern and coastal regions that will be a bit warmer (but usually still chilly).
Here’s a general breakdown of the type of weather to expect in November by state:
Vermont: Daytime high’s average about 45-48°F, and it averages about 32-36°F at night.
New Hampshire & Maine: Daytime high’s average about 48-50°F, and it averages about 35°F at night.
Massachusetts & Rhode Island: Daytime high’s average about 55°F, and it averages about 40°F at night.
Connecticut: Daytime high’s average about 57°F, and it averages about 40-45°F at night.
It’s good to keep in mind that these are just averages, and even in each state, weather can vary depending on where you are. For example, the mountain regions of New Hampshire will definitely be colder, and possibly have some snow, versus the southern parts of the state.
In Massachusetts, The Berkshires will feel a bit more chilly than Boston and Cape Cod.
In Connecticut, the northern countryside regions will feel cooler than the southwest corner that borders New York State.
But one thing is generally safe to count on with November weather: It’s usually chilly, and somewhere in between fall and winter weather. I also always like to remind people that New England weather is rather moody, and it can have dramatic shifts. For example, I once traveled to Massachusetts in mid-November, and it was too hot to even swear a sweater – I was in t-shirts and sandals the whole time. This was, of course, a random fluke, but it does happen!
Other times in November in this region, I was dressed for winter – it really just depends.
Is November A Cheaper Time To Visit New England?
It sure is! Because November is a transition season that doesn’t quite have the impressive fall foliage displays, or lots of snow for a winter wonderland escape, prices will reflect that. I’ve generally found that pricing in November in most areas is more affordable this time of the year. If you’re on a budget and have always wanted to explore New England, this is a great time to save money on accommodations!
One exception where you may see a rise in hotel prices is the end of November after the Thanksgiving holiday, which is when many places begin their holiday festivities like tree lightings and such. Some hotels may start to increase their prices around this time, but I’ve generally found hotel prices don’t go up until the first weekend in December.
Thanksgiving week also tends to be very inexpensive, and that’s when I typically find the cheapest hotel rates (even the weekend right after Thanksgiving!).
New England Fall Foliage In November
As mentioned, fall foliage season is pretty much over in November, with very few exceptions. In early to mid November, you can likely still catch some peak foliage in the southwest corner of Connecticut, as that’s the latest area to peak in New England.
In early November, you can likely still see some foliage in southern Maine, along the northern coast of Massachusetts, and also possibly in Rhode Island. Places like Plymouth in Massachusetts, the southern coast of Maine, and coastal Connecticut will often be showing some fall color still in the first part of November.
Peak foliage changes a bit from year to year, and depends on a lot of different factors, including rainfall and temperatures the prior winter. So, it’s possible foliage in these areas could still be vibrant in plentiful. However, it’s also possible it could be gone by the start of November.
In all the popular areas for fall foliage in New England, though, the trees are bare by November, as places like Vermont and New Hampshire peak the first two weeks of October. So any fall color will either be on the ground, or browned over by this point.
If you’re planning to visit New England in the last two weeks of November, you’re not likely to see any foliage left on the trees.
Best Places To Visit In November
Since most areas in New England during this month are generally the same when it comes to weather and scenery, there’s really no perfect destination to visit in November. That said, I would most definitely recommend visiting places that are typically more expensive during other times of the year because it will allow you to visit with a smaller budget.
Here are some destinations that can be pretty pricey throughout other times of the year, but offer good deals and fewer crowds in November:
1. The Massachusetts & Maine Coastlines
From late spring to mid-September, the Massachusetts and Maine coastlines can be a pretty expensive trip. And while it’s most definitely worth it (they’re some of my top recommendations in New England!), November is a great time to explore this area if you want to do these areas on a budget.
Since the coastline’s beauty isn’t really affected by weather, you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery without the crowds and high prices. This would also be a great time to splurge on a nicer hotel and resort if you’re looking to treat yourself, as they’ll be offering nice rates in November.
Some areas that are still wonderful to visit along the Massachusetts and Maine coastline in November are:
- Cape Cod
- The Islands (Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard)
- The North Shore of Massachusetts
- A scenic road trip from Boston to Portland, Maine, or Boston to Acadia National Park
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
It’s good to keep in mine that the businesses along the coastline in these areas can be seasonal, and in November, you’re going to run into some closures. Seafood shacks, ice cream places, certain ferries and boat tours, and some shops, will be closed for the season. However, these areas also have year-round residents, so you’ll still find plenty that’s open with things to do along the way.
Here are some posts on these areas you may find helpful:
- Best Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
- Best Stops To Make Driving Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park
- Visiting Cape Cod For The First Time
- Nantucket Day Trip Guide
- Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Guide
2. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is such a gorgeous coastal city to experience that’s packed with history, charm, and beautiful scenery. It’s also one of the most expensive destinations in New England to visit from spring through October. In November, however, you can find some wonderful hotel deals.
Newport, RI in November will also be much quieter, so exploring the Gilded Age mansions, Cliff Walk, Bowen’s Wharf, and getting a reservation for dinner will be a much easier and stress-free experience. Newport is a fantastic destination for foodies, and there are some really great restaurants to check out here.
Here are some of my Newport posts you may find helpful:
3. Boston, Massachusettes
Boston is another destination that’s pretty expensive to visit from spring through October. But once November comes around, hotel prices begin to drop until the holiday season takes off. I’ve found that hotel prices in Boston’s best neighborhoods for tourists to be about 25-40% less than prime rates in the summer and fall season. It’s still an expensive city to visit, but November is one of the cheaper times to stay.
Boston is, of course, packed with tons of amazing things to do year-round. It’s another wonderful city for food tours, history, sightseeing, New England charm, and incredible dining.
Here are some of my Boston posts you may find helpful:
4. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth is so synonymous with Thanksgiving that it’s impossible to talk about this region in November and not mention it 😊 Plymouth may also be one of the only destinations on this list where you may find more crowds as it gets closer to Thanksgiving week. That said, it’s not usually that crowded the weeks before Thanksgiving.
Foliage in Plymouth also tends to stick around through the first week of November, so this is a great place to visit if you’re hoping to see some fall color, but can’t visit until after Halloween. This town is also packed with tons of history surrounding the early settlers and Thanksgiving, but has tons more to offer, too.
A quaint downtown, beautiful parks, beaches, museums, and wonderful restaurants are reasons enough to book a November getaway to Plymouth. Mirbeau Inn & Spa also makes for a perfectly cozy and restorative getaway during this slower time of the year (but more on that later in the post 😉)
Psst! I have entire post on things to do in Plymouth, MA, if you need more ideas for your trip.
5. Vermont
Yes, Vermont is famous for its fall foliage displays in October, and there isn’t much left once November comes around. But if you’re okay with visiting the Green Mountain State during this transitional month, it’s a lovely time to visit!
For one, it’ll be very quiet and peaceful, with few crowds. And because Vermont is one of the coziest places to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, it makes for a very relaxing trip with plenty to do and see.
A trip to Vermont in November can include booking a cozy inn, enjoying the fantastic restaurant scene, sipping your way through the breweries and distilleries, taking drives through the countryside to see covered bridges and barns, and relaxing at night in your cozy room (hopefully, with a fireplace!).
6. White Mountains, New Hampshire
Another destination that’s perfect for enjoying nature this time of the year is the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. While also one of the most popular places in New England for fall color, it’s another wonderfully cozy getaway to consider in November.
Hotels rates will be much less expensive than prime foliage time, and with the entire region invoking a big “mountain cabin” feeling, it feels especially perfect this time of the year – a bit like a pre-winter getaway before the mountain towns get really busy for ski season! Nestle into a homey cabin rental in the mountains, or book a stay at one of the cozy inns or B&B to enjoy their hearty breakfasts and spa amenities.
A trip to the White Mountains in November can possibly include some hiking, as long as trail conditions are still safe, but can definitely include scenic walks that are easier to take on. You can also drive through Crawford Notch State Park and along the Kancagamus Highway for amazing mountain views, explore the charming towns, make fabulous restaurant reservations, and take a ride on The Cog to Waumbek Station on New England’s highest peak.
Cozy Places To Stay In November
If you’re looking for some of the coziest hotels, inns, and places to stay in November for a relaxing getaway that also offers a lot to do, then I’ve put together the perfect list for you. With a mix of destinations, scenery, and type of accommodation, these are the best places I recommend staying in for the perfect November getaway in New England:
🍁 Harbor Light Inn – Marblehead, Massachusetts
One of my favorite hidden gem coastal towns in Massachusetts is Marblehead, which is just north of Boston, and only a few minutes away from Salem. Marblehead is a quaint and historic town with tons of character, history, and gorgeous coastal scenery. The Harbor Light Inn is one of my most favorite inns I’ve ever stayed at, and I just so happened to have stayed there in November, too!
Highlights of Harbor Light Inn:
- Walkable to the historic downtown, with shops, restaurants, and a waterfront area
- Free parking on-site, which is a huge perk for this area
- Tavern on-site, which has a fireplace for cozy nightcaps
- Wonderful breakfast included
- Individually decorated rooms, which are all modern and perfectly styled for New England
- Many rooms come with a fireplace
🍁 Click here to check November rates & availability for the Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead
🍁 Mirbeau Inn & Spa – Plymouth, Massachusetts
Mirbeau is one of my favorite places for a relaxing getaway because everything is right at the resort, and there’s no reason to leave! Between fireplaces in every room, beautiful grounds that are still magical in November, fantastic dining options, and an amazing spa, it has everything you need for a restorative getaway.
The grounds are designed to transport you into Monet’s home in Giverny, France, and they really do! But really, you’re just a short drive away from downtown Plymouth to enjoy all the fantastic things to do there, too. It’s the best of both worlds.
Psst! I also have a detailed review of the Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Plymouth, if you’d like to check that out before booking 😉
Mirbeau Highlights:
- Gorgeous grounds and accommodations that transport you to the French countryside
- Wonderful dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including room service options
- Every room features a fireplace and soaking tub
- Full-service spa on-site (you can dine in your robe for lunch, which is so fun!)
- Free parking on-site
- A short drive to downtown Plymouth
🍁 Click here to check November rates & availability for Mirbeau Inn & Resort in Plymouth
🍁 Hermitage Inn – West Dover, Vermont
My husband and I came to The Hermitage for dinner on our honeymoon in 2009, and we fell in love with the entire estate! It’s recently undergone an extensive renovation to maintain its historic charm, while also becoming a luxury getaway experience in Southern Vermont. That said, rates are very reasonable in November, and you get a lot of bang for your buck.
As you enter the property, you cross a charming little covered bridge, and are then greeted by mountain scenery at every turn. The inn has also won a Wine Spectator Best Of award for their expertly curated wine offerings and wine cellar. Guests can enjoy private wine tastings during their stay, which is perfect for a November getaway!
Throw in 5-star dining, spa services, an idyllic estate location, and beautiful rooms, and you may never want to leave.
Hermitage Inn Highlights:
- Beautifully updated accommodations that are both homey and modern (some with fireplaces!)
- Gorgeous mountain views from the property.
- 5-star dining on-site
- Award-winning wine selection with private tastings available
- Pastry classes with the inn’s pastry chef
🍁 Click here to check November rates & availability for the Hermitage Inn in West Dover
🍁 Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham, Massachusetts
As Cape Cod’s most luxurious resort, it’s also one of the most expensive places to stay along the Massachusetts coastline. But in November, you can find some much cheaper rates! While it still won’t be a budget getaway for sure, this is a great time to splurge on a luxury hotel that’s right across the street from a gorgeous beach.
Chatham is also one of the most charming towns on Cape Cod, and November is such an underrated time to visit. Have beaches all to yourself during scenic walks, shop the boutiques, hunt for lighthouses, eat fresh seafood, and enjoy your cozy room at this amazing resort.
Chatham Bars Inn Highlights:
- Dining and spa on-site
- Beautiful rooms and accommodations
- Perfect location in Chatham that’s across the street from the beach, and walkable to downtown
- A great time of year to book the hotel for a much cheaper rate!
🍁 Click here to check November rates & availability at the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod
🍁 Christmas Farm Inn – Jackson, New Hampshire
One of my favorite places to stay in the White Mountains is the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in the quaint town of Jackson. November rates are usually almost half of what they are in peak foliage season, and you’ll find really cozy fireplaces in their cottage and carriage suite rooms.
I do recommend booking one of their cabins if it fits into your budget – they’re especially wonderful this time of the year, and for lots of rest, relaxation, and the mountain vibe you’re probably going for, the cabins fit the bill perfectly.
Although, all the rooms at this inn are very cozy!
Christmas Farm Inn & Spa Highlights:
- Very cozy rooms, with options for a fireplace
- Wonderful dining on-site
- Great spa services available on-site
- Located in a cute town, and also close to charming North Conway
- You have to cross a cute covered bridge to get there!
🍁 Click here to check November rates & availability for the Christmas Farm Inn in Jackson
🍁 Four Chimneys Inn – Bennington, Vermont
Located on an 11-acre estate, this historic inn is one of the coziest places to stay in Vermont. It’s even been named one of the best BnBs in Vermont by publications like Yankee Magazine and Fodors. The grounds make for a relaxing getaway without having to leave the inn, but you’re also just a few minutes away from the charming downtown Bennington area, and the adorable town of Manchester.
Many rooms come with jetted tubs and gas fireplaces, and they’re all perfectly decorated to feel like a second home. Every stay also comes with a full Vermont country breakfast.
Four Chimneys Inn Highlights:
- Gorgeous and updates rooms that still feel homey and cozy (some with fireplaces!)
- Full Vermont country breakfast included with each stay
- Wonderful location in Southern Vermont, and close to covered bridges and scenic areas
- Fantastic on-site restaurant for dinner
🍁 Click here to check November rates & availability at the Four Chimneys Inn In Bennington
🍁 Cliff House – Cape Neddick, Maine
For a memorable and relaxing coastal getaway in November, the Cliff House in Maine is truly perfect. This is the kind of place where you don’t feel like you ever have to leave, and offers the opportunity to unwind by the ocean with incredible views at every turn.
The entire resort offers beautiful scenery of the coastline, and all rooms also have an ocean view (some are partial, though!). The resort is also in an ideal location in Southern Maine, and close to quaint towns like Ogunquit, York, and Kennebunkport – all of which will be very quiet and peaceful this time of the year.
You’re also just a few minutes away from one of Maine’s most picturesque lighthouses – Nubble Light.
Cliff House Highlights:
- On-site dining and coffee café
- Amazing spa on-site
- Beautiful coastal rooms
- Resort activities in November include bouquet making, history cliff walks, live music nights, create your own spa products, and tours of the resort’s art gallery.
🍁 Click here to check November rates & availability for the Cliff House in Cape Neddick
Fun Things To Do In November
7. Newport Restaurant Week In Rhode Island
I know I’ve already mentioned Newport, RI as being a wonderful place to visit in November, but what makes it even more exciting during this time of the year is Newport’s Restaurant Week!
Taking place in early November, this is a great time to dive into the incredible culinary scene in the City by the Sea. Many restaurants that participate offer special and prix fixe menus, dining deals, and more during the event. So if you’re visiting in November to save a few bucks, this is another way to do just that while feeling like you’re getting a lot for your money.
8. Eat Your Heart Out
Speaking of food, the entire New England region is truly a culinary delight, and one of the best things to do in November is hunker down and try as much of it as possible. I mean, it is the start of hibernation season, right? 😉
Cities like Boston, Providence, Portland, and Portsmouth all have fantastic restaurant scenes, so these are wonderful places to check out in November, too.
Vermont is also simply amazing when it comes to dining, and you’ll find lots of impressive culinary experiences all over, including at the cozy inn you may be thinking about booking (inns are actually my favorite places to eat in Vermont!).
Here are a few special restaurants to check out in New England during the month of November:
- The Lincoln Inn in Woodstock, VT
- COAST in Westerly, RI
- The Mill at Simon Pearce in Quechee, VT
- Neptune Oyster in Boston, MA
- White Horse Tavern in Newport, RI
- Revival Kitchen and Bar in Concord, NH
- The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA
- Arethusa al tavolo in Bantam, CT
9. Sip On Seasonal Cocktails, Brews, Wines & Ciders
With a chill in the air, I’m just gonna say in – alcohol feels and tastes especially nice, am I right? While sipping on local wines and cocktails is something I recommend year-round, November is a really wonderful month to enjoy the flavors of all the handcrafted drinks in the area. Bars and tasting rooms are likely to be less crowded, and sipping on a good drink perfectly coincides with a slower pace during this time of the year.
Here are some wonderful places to get some great drinks in New England:
- Any of the Batson River locations (they all have very cozy and special atmospheres, too!)
- Stowe Cider in Stowe, VT
- Far From The Tree Cider in Salem, MA
- Westport Rivers Vineyard in Westport, MA
- Maine Beer Company in Freeport, ME (also does awesome wood-fired pizzas!)
- Blythe & Burrows in Portland, Maine
- Treehouse Brewing – A few different locations, but the Charlton one is especially awesome in November
Does It Snow In New England In November?
Yes, it can snow in November! It’s not a sure thing, but it’s likely in many areas.
November is usually the first month where most New England destinations will get their first significant snowfall (meaning an inch or more). Sometimes, the very first snowfalls of the year in places like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine happen in October, but they’re usually just light flurries in the air that don’t really accumulate on the ground.
Can You Ski In New England In November?
Yes! Many of the top ski resorts in New England will begin to open for the season in mid-November. Of course, you’ll likely be skiing on snow made by the resorts, so you won’t get that winter wonderland or magical snow globe feel, but you’ll still be able to hit the slopes starting in mid-November.
The top ski resorts in New England can typically be found in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Is It Better To Visit New England In November Or December?
This also really depends on what you’re looking for out of your trip, and I personally like both of these months for very different reasons.
As mentioned, November is more of a peaceful time of year to visit, where weather is still a bit more mild compared to winter.
December, however, will bring more crowds as folks start to explore all the magical Christmas and holiday events around the region. New England is home to some of the best towns for the holidays in the entire country, and you’ll start to see prices for hotels go up, and more people out and about.
Weather wise, there’s more of a chance for snow in December is most areas of New England, but it’s also not the snowiest month, either, and weather can continue to be pretty mild. I’ve experienced Christmas getaways in December where it rained the whole time, and some where it’s snowed a few inches!
So, it really comes down to if you want a peaceful getaway, or one that’s all about celebrating the holiday season with more festive things to do.
More posts you may enjoy:
- Cozy Getaways & Ideas For Spending Thanksgiving in New England
- Maine In November: What To Expect & Things To Do
- Best Time To Visit New England
- Best Breweries in Portland, Maine
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- Vermont Or New Hampshire In The Fall: Which Is Best?
- Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston To Stowe, VT
- The Ultimate Guide To Cape Cod In The Fall Season
- Best Time To Visit Vermont
That’s A Wrap On Visiting New England In November
Now that you have the inside scoop on what it’s like to visit New England in November, you’re ready to decide if this is a good month to plan your visit. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, cheaper rates at hotels, and are happy with different kinds of weather, this might just be a perfect time for you to visit! Happy planning 😊