New York Weather in November

Cool days outdoors

November feels cool and often damp in New York. Average highs reach 12°C and lows fall to 6°C, with rain on eight days. The shorter daylight can make afternoons feel brief, so keep outdoor plans flexible.

You can still walk the High Line, admire autumn colour in Central Park, or cross the Brooklyn Bridge on a dry day. Rainy spells suit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History. Coney Island is less appealing for a beach day now, and a long, exposed walk can feel chilly when the wind picks up.

Thanksgiving and parade crowds

Thanksgiving brings a major holiday mood, with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade drawing crowds along its route from Central Park West to Herald Square. Expect busy pavements and road closures near the parade. Veterans Day is also observed in November, with events around the city.

Families who love floats and marching bands may enjoy the parade, but crowded viewing spots can be tiring with young children. For a calmer day, visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum or stroll around the West Village away from the route.

Quieter stretches and practical tips

Outside Thanksgiving, November is usually less crowded than summer and December, when holiday visitors fill Midtown. Hotel prices can be easier on your budget than during those busier periods, though Thanksgiving week is an exception. The weather is cooler than October, but generally milder and less rainy than December.

For the parade, don't assume you can cross the route by taxi. Subway stations and streets nearby can be affected, so use the subway and check MTA service notices before heading to Central Park West. If you'd rather skip the crowds, save Herald Square for another day.