The Local’s Guide to Exploring Florida This November
November is an ideal time to visit Florida, offering a pleasant blend of mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and a vibrant array of seasonal activities. Many appreciate the ability to experience Christmas attractions throughout the month with the crowds or holiday stress. And if you rather wait until after Thanksgiving to start jolly season, most cities will have their fall festivities still in full swing!
In this blog post, I’ll provide you with essential tips to make the most of your November trip to Florida. Whether you’re planning to explore the magical realms of Disney World, bask in the sun on Miami Beach, or take a scenic boat tour through the Everglades, I’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how to pack smart for the variable weather, discover the best local festivals and events, and get insider advice on navigating the state’s top destinations.
Navigating Florida’s November Climate
November is known to have wonderful weather all across Florida. While most of the country is starting to bundle up, Floridians can still enjoy the beach and pool here. Though the days are shorter due to Daylight Savings, the temperatures are pleasant with slight variation, as laid out below.
North Florida
The northern region of Florida sees temperatures in the mid-70s°F (around 21-24°C) most of the month, with a chance for a cold snap. Expect minimal rainfall, lower humidity and crisp, pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the outdoors.
Central Florida
Central Florida weather tends to be beautiful in November with highs in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (around 24-28°C). In this type of weather, you can be comfortable at the beach or theme parks and experience evening cool-downs. Rain is less frequent, but there is still a chance of storms in the afternoon.
South Florida
In South Florida, November typically brings pleasant weather with daytime temperatures averaging between the mid-70s and mid- 80s°F (24-29°C). Rainfall decreases compared to the summer months, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities as the region transitions from the rainy season to the dry season.
Advice for Packing for a November Trip
When packing for a Florida vacation this time of year, it’s important to prepare for a mix of warm days and cooler evenings. I recommend bringing light T-shirts, tanks, and shorts for the daytime, as well as a jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings.
For accessories, I recommend sneakers and flip-flops, and maybe a nicer pair of shoes if you plan to go out. Comfortable shoes for walking are essential, especially if you plan to visit the theme parks. You will also want to bring swimsuits because the weather is still perfect for the beach or pool!
I always pack lots of sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a rain jacket for any Florida vacation. If you want my complete list of things to pack for Florida, get my free guide here!
Top November Picks for a Florida Vacation
You can’t go wrong with a vacation to any Florida destination this time of year! The lower crowds and cooler weather, makes it ideal for beach, theme park and city trips! However, I have four places I love to go this time of year especially that I wanted to recommend.
Key West
November is the absolute best time to visit Key West for a multitude of reasons. I find it to be a lot cheaper than visiting December through April due to school vacations. And the weather beats the rainy season that occurs the rest of the year!
With low rainfall and less scorching temperatures, it’s a great time to explore the island on a bike and go boating. Best of all, the famous sunsets are breathtaking this time of year!
Gainesville
Another November trip I have fond memories of is our fall trip to Gainesville. If you are a Floridian looking for a taste of fall, this is a must-do! The weather is much cooler and there are so many great hikes and biking trails to check out.
We stayed in a tiny home which added to the cozy feel of our visit and spent the weekend exploring Payne’s Prairie Preserve and Devil’s Millhopper. We also spend a lot of time at Swamphead Brewery, which has a gorgeous outdoor area where you can relax in the fall. Gainesville’s historic districts and museums are enjoyable without the summer heat, and the local festivals and markets during the fall add to the city’s charm.
Lakeland
One November hidden gem destination is Lakeland, located conveniently between Busch Gardens and Legoland. Families can have a more affordable theme park experience with playful rides at LegoLand and thrilling coasters and wildlife exhibits at Busch Gardens.
This is also the perfect time to spend time in natural Florida. There are lakes, gardens and hiking trails abound in Lakeland! It’s also less than an hour from the famed Bok Tower Gardens. These activities offer a blend of nature, and excitement that’s best experienced in the fall.
Cocoa Beach
As for a November beach vacation, Cocoa Beach shines as a top destination for both relaxation and space enthusiasts. The pristine beaches are particularly inviting this time of year, offering the perfect setting for paddleboarding, boating, or simply soaking up the sun in pleasant weather.
Just a short drive away, the Kennedy Space Center presents an extraordinary opportunity to witness live rocket launches or dive into the rich history of space exploration. To top off your trip, spend an evening in Cocoa Village, the charming historic downtown filled with unique shops and delightful restaurants. With fewer crowds and endless outdoor activities, Cocoa Beach is an ideal getaway in November.
Florida’s November Calendar
November in Florida provides a mix of fall fun and holiday spirit with exciting events taking place nearly daily! Here’s a guide to some of the top events happening around the state this month.
Miami Book Fair
Are you an avid reader? Head to Miami November 17th through 24th or one of the nation’s largest literary festivals, featuring readings, signings, and talks from renowned authors. Visitors can browse hundreds of exhibitors, attend writing workshops, and enjoy family-friendly events.
Pumpkin Patches
If you didn’t get a chance to visit a pumpkin patch before Halloween, many are still open the first two weeks of November. Check out this blog post to find out my favorite Florida farms for fall activities.
Festival of Trees – Various Locations
One of the first events I attend every holiday season is a Festival of Trees. These showcases occur all over the state and visitors are treated to beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses. My favorite location is the Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees, but there are many destinations to experience this seasonal event.
Want more Christmas Things to Do in Florida? Check out my Florida Christmas Event Guide!
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
Every November, you can count on a show by the Blue Angels in Pensacola. They demonstrate their aerial feats here as the last performance of the year!
Theme Park Events
November might still be considered fall but the theme parks start Christmas early in Florida! Most theme park events start decorating shortly after Halloween and by Thanksgiving, it’s all Christmas. If you don’t mind getting into the holiday spirit early, it’s a great way to see the decorations without dealing with December crowds.
- Disney World: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- A family-friendly Christmas party at Magic Kingdom with snow fall, special parades, and fireworks. This requires an after-hours ticket and starts early in November.
- Disney World: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
- This annual event continues until just before Thanksgiving and features special culinary offerings and concerts.
- Universal Orlando: Holidays at Universal
- Experience Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, plus the famous Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios, starting just before Thanksgiving.
- SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
- Starting mid-November, SeaWorld’s Christmas event includes holiday shows, an ice-skating spectacular, meet-and-greets with Santa, and thousands of lights that turn the park into a winter wonderland.
- Busch Gardens Christmas Town
- Closer to Tampa, the Busch Gardens theme park will be lit up with holiday lights animal encounters and festive fireworks
Food and Wine Festivals
In addition to Epcot’s scrumptious event, multiple places throughout the state highlight their own culinary masterpieces with food and wine festivals. Check out the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and Savor St. Pete.
Medieval Fairs
Step back into days of yore with medieval festivals across the Sunshine State. November is wonderful weather to get dressed up as a night or fair lady and feast like a king! Check out Hollywood and Sarasota for Medieval fairs this month.
Art Festivals
Florida also hosts a variety of art festivals across the state in November, where you can explore galleries, admire works of art, and experience live music. Some favorites include the Great Gulfcoast Art Festival, The Halifax Art Festival, and Downtown West Palm Beach Art Festival.
Turkey Trots
Another beloved November tradition is doing a turkey trot on the morning of Thanksgiving! You can find these in nearly every town in Florida and it’s a fun way to work out before a day of feasting.
Professional Sports
In November, Florida offers an exciting lineup of sporting events, attracting fans of various disciplines. Football enthusiasts can catch NFL action with the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting home games as they progress through the regular season. College football is also in full swing, with major teams like the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, and Miami Hurricanes playing crucial conference matchups, often featuring high-stakes rivalries.
For basketball fans, the NBA’s Miami Heat are in their early-season schedule, offering exciting matchups at their home arena. Hockey enthusiasts can catch the NHL action with the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning playing games throughout the month. Florida in November truly has something for every sports fan.
Visitor Volumes in November
Florida’s cities, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, offer a variety of cultural and outdoor events in November that draw moderate crowds, but nothing compared to the high season during the winter months. The beginning of the month is quiet, with low crowds at theme parks and beaches.
However, by Veteran’s Day and continuing through the month, the tourists start descending upon Florida. Expect heavy crowds at theme parks on weekends and holidays and lots of traffic on weekends as well. For those looking to avoid crowds altogether, it’s best to plan a trip during the earlier part of the month before the Thanksgiving rush.
How to Prepare for November Vacation Costs
The cost of a Florida vacation in November varies significantly based on the location, type of accommodation, and activities planned. Overall, the price will be average or slightly higher than average due to the nice weather and holiday time.
Hotels in the state tend to range from $100 to $400 per night this time of year. Vacation rentals like Airbnb properties are also popular, especially for families or groups. You can find options ranging from $100 to $400 per night, depending on proximity to attractions and amenities.
As far as airfare, average round-trip airfare to Orlando International Airport (MCO) can range from $200 – $400, depending on your departure city and booking time. Most airports in the state will be slightly higher with prices up to $500 round-trip for domestic flights. Around Thanksgiving weekend, expect flights and hotels to be extremely expensive.
With dining, rental cars, and excursion prices varying greatly, it is hard to say exactly what to budget for a Florida vacation. I usually recommend expecting to spend at least $2,000 for a 5-night trip for couples and at least $3,000 for families.
Since the biggest expense is typically hotels, be sure to save some money by reading my guide and finding out how to get four hotel nights free at Hyatt hotels!
Need to Know November Safety Tips
Like any travel destination, it’s essential to be mindful of safety on a trip to Florida. While November marks the end of the Atlantic hurricane season, there’s still a small chance of tropical storms. Here are my tips for staying safe on a late hurricane season trip.
- Monitor local weather forecasts and stay updated through apps like the National Hurricane Center’s. If a storm is forecasted, follow evacuation orders and local advisories.
- Mosquitoes can still be present in November, particularly in the evenings. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when hiking, and avoid standing water areas where mosquitoes breed.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours, especially if swimming or sweating.
- Florida’s coastal waters can have strong rip currents. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards and check for warning flags before entering the water. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current before swimming back to land.
- Even in cooler weather, it’s important to stay hydrated, particularly if you’re spending time outdoors. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink water frequently.
Know Before You Go
Florida in November is a great experience due to the milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and the numerous events and festivals happening throughout the state. By following these tips, you can enjoy an entertaining and memorable trip, making the most of the state’s beautiful landscapes, attractions, and cultural offerings. Before you go, be sure to save these highlights as you prepare for your trip.
- Weather: Moderate to hot, with some chance of rain or cold fronts.
- Ideal Destinations: Key West, Gainesville, Lakeland, Cocoa Beach
- Areas to avoid: Cities and Theme Parks around the holidays if you want to avoid crowds and traffic.
- Crowds: Low the first two weeks, followed by high crowds the rest of the months.
- Affordability: Average costs for flights and lodging, with some high-cost days around holidays
Have you been to Florida in November? I love spending Thanksgiving by the beach!