Greensboro in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Greensboro

61°C (141°F) High Temp

39°C (102°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor activity weather with mild 15-20°C (59-68°F) daytime temperatures - ideal for hiking trails without summer's oppressive heat
Fall foliage season transforms downtown parks and Greensboro Arboretum into spectacular color displays, peaking mid-November
Shoulder season pricing means hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks, with downtown accommodations averaging $90-120 versus summer's $140-180
Fewer crowds at major attractions like Weatherspoon Yaounde and Greensboro Science Center, with 40% shorter wait times than peak summer months

Considerations

Unpredictable weather shifts - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) in 24 hours, requiring layered clothing strategies
Early sunset at 5:30 PM limits outdoor sightseeing time, especially for photographers wanting golden hour shots
Occasional early winter storms bring freezing rain, potentially disrupting outdoor plans 3-4 days per month

Best Activities in November

Greensboro Arboretum Fall Foliage Walking Tours

November showcases the arboretum's 17 different themed gardens at peak fall colors. The 2 km (1.2-mile) loop trail offers comfortable walking in crisp 15°C (59°F) morning temperatures, avoiding summer's heat and humidity. Professional botanical guides available weekends. Morning visits (8-10 AM) provide best lighting and fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for self-guided tours. Guided tours typically cost $15-25 per person, available weekends only. Park early - lots fill by 10 AM on peak color weekends in mid-November. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Piedmont Triad Wine Country Tours

November harvest season means active wineries with fresh vintages and fewer summer crowds. Cool 18°C (64°F) afternoon temperatures perfect for vineyard walks. Many wineries offer harvest experiences and barrel tastings only available October-November. The 45-minute drive through autumn countryside adds scenic value.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 7-10 days ahead during November harvest season. Full-day tours typically cost $85-120 including transportation and tastings. Half-day options run $45-65. Look for tours including 3-4 wineries with harvest experiences. See current options in booking widget below.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Historical Tours

Cool November weather ideal for the 3.2 km (2-mile) battlefield walking trail without summer's oppressive heat. Revolutionary War reenactments occur most November weekends. The park's 220 acres of preserved battlefield offer excellent photography opportunities with fall foliage backdrop.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round. Private guided tours cost $30-45 per group up to 6 people. Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead for November weekends when reenactments draw larger crowds. Current tour scheduling available in booking section.

Downtown Greensboro Food Walking Tours

November's comfortable 16°C (61°F) evening temperatures perfect for 2.5-hour food tours covering 1.6 km (1 mile) downtown. Fall menus feature seasonal ingredients like local apples and North Carolina sweet potatoes. Less crowded restaurants mean better service and interaction with chefs.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $65-85 per person including 6-8 tastings. Book 10-14 days ahead for Friday-Saturday evening tours. Thursday tours often discounted 15-20%. Look for tours featuring farm-to-table restaurants highlighting seasonal ingredients. Check availability in booking widget.

Bog Garden and Bicentennial Garden Photography Tours

November's soft light and fall colors create optimal conditions for nature photography. The elevated boardwalk through wetlands offers unique angles impossible in summer's dense vegetation. Morning fog effects common in November add dramatic elements to landscape shots.

Booking Tip: Self-guided access free during daylight hours. Photography workshops cost $40-60 per person, typically 3-hour sessions. Book workshops 1-2 weeks ahead as November attracts serious photographers for fall colors. Equipment rental available through local camera shops. Current workshop schedules in booking section.

Haw River Paddle Tours

November's lower water levels create calmer paddling conditions ideal for beginners. Cool air temperatures of 17°C (63°F) prevent overheating during 3-4 hour paddle trips. Fall foliage reflected in water provides spectacular scenery unavailable other seasons. Wildlife more active in cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals typically $35-50 per day, guided tours $75-95 per person. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Dry suits recommended for November paddling - most outfitters include in rental. Look for tours specifically highlighting fall foliage routes. See current tour options below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Festival of Lights Holiday Display Setup

Greensboro transforms downtown parks with over 100,000 lights throughout November, with grand lighting ceremony typically the weekend before Thanksgiving. Walking tours of light installations become available mid-November, offering unique photography opportunities.

Mid November

North Carolina Folk Festival

This three-day festival usually occurs the second weekend in November, featuring traditional Appalachian music, crafts, and regional food vendors. Over 300 artists participate across downtown venues, with many outdoor stages perfect for November's mild weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - temperatures swing from 4°C (39°F) mornings to 21°C (70°F) afternoons, pack light base layer, warm mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell

Waterproof hiking boots for trail activities - November brings 10 rainy days averaging 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) each, trails stay muddy 2-3 days after rain

SPF 30+ sunscreen crucial despite cooler temperatures - UV index of 8 still causes burns, especially with reflective fall foliage

Compact umbrella for sudden afternoon showers - November weather changes rapidly, 60% of rain occurs between 2-5 PM

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures drop to 4°C (39°F) before sunrise, essential for sunrise photography or early hikes

Breathable cotton layers avoid polyester in 70% humidity - synthetic fabrics trap moisture even in cooler November temperatures

Camera rain cover - November's variable conditions create sudden weather changes that can damage unprotected electronics

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean heavy GPS and camera use drains batteries faster

Insect repellent for wooded areas - mosquitoes remain active in November's mild temperatures, especially near water features

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - wet leaves create slippery conditions on paved trails and sidewalks throughout November

Insider Knowledge

Local residents start holiday shopping in November, avoiding December crowds - downtown parking fills by 11 AM on weekends, arrive early or use the free trolley system

University of North Carolina Greensboro students create weekend crowds at downtown restaurants - visit Monday-Wednesday for better service and 20% shorter wait times

Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours after Thanksgiving - complete outdoor activities before November 25th to avoid disappointment

Local farmers markets transition to indoor winter locations mid-November - check current locations as several popular markets move to different venues for winter months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking warm clothes - visitors see 'North Carolina' and expect warmth, but November mornings regularly hit 4°C (39°F) requiring winter gear

Planning all outdoor activities without weather alternatives - November brings unpredictable weather changes, always have 2-3 indoor backup plans ready

Booking accommodations downtown without parking research - November events and university activities create parking shortages, verify parking availability or choose hotels with included parking