New Haven in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in New Haven

53°C (128°F) High Temp

36°C (96°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather with crisp mornings averaging 8°C (46°F) and comfortable afternoons reaching 16°C (61°F) - ideal for walking Yale's campus without summer's oppressive humidity
Peak foliage season transforms this destination and West Rock Ridge into spectacular viewing areas, with maples and oaks reaching full color between November 5-20
Yale's academic calendar brings busy campus energy with Harvard-Yale Game weekend (typically November 22) creating the city's most electric atmosphere of the year
Seasonal restaurant menus showcase New England autumn classics - Union League Cafe's pumpkin bisque and locally-sourced Connecticut Valley produce at peak freshness

Considerations

Daylight saving time ends November 2nd, making sunset occur around 4:45pm by month's end - severely limiting afternoon outdoor photography and sightseeing time
Variable weather swings from 21°C (70°F) sunny days to 4°C (39°F) with sudden rain - requiring multiple clothing layers and weatherproof planning daily
Harvard-Yale weekend (November 22) inflates hotel rates 300-400% and requires 8-12 week advance booking, with many restaurants implementing prix fixe menus and reservations becoming nearly impossible

Best Activities in November

East Rock Park Hiking and Foliage Photography

November delivers Connecticut's premier autumn experience with peak foliage typically occurring November 8-18. The 1.6 km (1 mile) summit trail offers panoramic views over Long Island Sound with maples, oaks, and birches in full color. Morning fog often creates dramatic photography conditions, while afternoon light (before 4:45pm sunset) illuminates the canopy. Cool temperatures of 8-16°C (46-61°F) make the 126 m (414 ft) elevation gain comfortable.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for hiking trails. Arrive before 10am for parking at Davis Street entrance. Photography workshops typically cost $75-125 and book 2-3 weeks ahead. Foliage peak varies yearly by 1-2 weeks based on October temperatures.

Yale University Campus Architecture Tours

November's crisp air and campus energy create optimal touring conditions. Gothic Revival buildings look spectacular against autumn foliage, while comfortable 12°C (54°F) average temperatures allow 2-3 hour walking tours without summer heat fatigue. Student guides are most available during academic season, providing current insider perspectives on residential college life and recent campus changes.

Booking Tip: Official tours run twice daily and are free but limited to 25 people - arrive 30 minutes early. Private architectural tours typically range $200-350 for small groups and should be booked 10-14 days ahead. See current options in booking section below.

New Haven Food Tours and Apizza Experiences

November marks peak comfort food season when New Haven's famous apizza tastes even better in cool weather. Restaurant patios remain usable with heaters during mild 14°C (57°F) afternoons, while seasonal menus incorporate Connecticut Valley autumn produce. Lower tourist volumes mean easier reservations at legendary spots like Frank Pepe and Sally's Apizza.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $65-95 per person and include 4-6 stops. Book 7-10 days ahead as November weekend tours fill quickly with Yale families visiting. Evening tours work well with early sunset - most run 5:30-8:30pm to accommodate November darkness.

Long Island Sound Lighthouse Tours

Autumn's clear air provides exceptional visibility for lighthouse viewing along Connecticut's coast. Five Mile Point Light and other coastal landmarks stand out dramatically against November's stark landscapes. Cooler 10°C (50°F) morning temperatures mean comfortable drives to coastal viewpoints without summer's haze affecting photography.

Booking Tip: Lighthouse tours typically run weekends only in November, costing $25-45 per person. Book through Connecticut Lighthouse Society or local operators 1-2 weeks ahead. See current touring options in booking section below. Dress warmly for coastal winds that make temperatures feel 3-5 degrees cooler.

Sleeping Giant State Park Trail Networks

November transforms this 24 km (15 mile) trail system into Connecticut's premier autumn hiking destination. The blue-blazed Tower Trail (2.1 km/1.3 miles) reaches a stone observation tower offering 360-degree foliage views. Cool 6-14°C (43-57°F) temperatures prevent overheating on moderate climbs, while leafless understory improves wildlife spotting opportunities.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free with $5 parking fee. Guided naturalist walks cost $15-25 and run weekend mornings - check Connecticut State Parks website. Peak foliage crowds require arrival before 9am on weekends. No advance reservations needed for self-guided hiking.

November Events & Festivals

Late November (typically November 22)

Harvard-Yale Football Game Weekend

The 140-year rivalry creates New Haven's biggest annual celebration, typically held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Campus transforms with alumni events, tailgating parties, and city-wide festivities. Even non-football fans appreciate the historic atmosphere and chance to experience Yale traditions like the Whiffenpoofs performance.

Mid November

International Festival of Arts and Ideas Preview Events

November features preview performances and planning events for the following summer's festival. Intimate venue performances at Yale's theaters and this destination showcase emerging artists and provide insider access to festival curation process.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system: Base layer, fleece/wool sweater, and waterproof outer shell for temperature swings from 4-21°C (39-70°F) in single days

Waterproof walking shoes with good tread - autumn leaves create surprisingly slippery conditions on Yale's stone walkways and park trails

Compact umbrella - November averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 15-45 minutes

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities when temperatures drop to 4°C (39°F), especially for East Rock sunrise photography

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with sun reflection off wet autumn leaves can cause unexpected burns

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster during all-day campus touring

Cash for parking meters - many New Haven areas still require quarters, and meters run until 8pm Monday-Saturday

Comfortable day pack for carrying layers as temperatures fluctuate 8-12°C (15-22°F) throughout single days

Headlamp or small flashlight - sunset by 4:45pm means many outdoor activities end in darkness

Insider Knowledge

Yale students call November 'reading period prep season' - campus libraries extend hours and coffee shops get crowded after 2pm, but morning campus touring remains peaceful until 10am

Local residents know East Rock's best foliage viewing happens on the back (eastern) side trails, not the crowded main summit path - take Orange Street to Cold Spring Street entrance for better photo opportunities

New Haven parking enforcement runs until 8pm and tickets aggressively during Harvard-Yale weekend - downtown meters accept ParkMobile app payment, saving quarters and time

Connecticut's 'leaf peeping' traffic creates I-95 and Route 15 backups on November weekends - take Route 34 or local roads when traveling between New Haven attractions

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - by month's end, sunset occurs at 4:45pm, cutting outdoor sightseeing time dramatically compared to summer visits

Booking accommodations too late for Harvard-Yale weekend - hotels require 8-12 week advance reservations and implement 3-night minimum stays with rates 300-400% above normal

Wearing insufficient layers for morning activities - 6am temperatures of 4°C (39°F) shock visitors expecting mild autumn weather, especially for sunrise photography at East Rock