November can be a great time to take an RV road trip. If you travel early in the month, you’ll miss the crowds of people who are out for Thanksgiving break. You can check out many places to visit in November that are hot and uncomfortable during the summer. Or you can get a jump on ski season with an RV trip to a snowy spot.
Whatever your preference, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in November.
November Travel Hotspots and Hidden Gems
Whether you’re looking for the trendiest place for a fall road trip, or you’re searching out hidden gems that fly under the radar, there are options for you! Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit in November and some of the hidden gem destinations for fall.
Orlando, Florida — A Hot Spot
Orlando, Florida is a great choice to escape the cold weather that’s already beginning to grip some of the northern states. The city’s weather is in the low 70s in November, so you can enjoy outdoor activities. Visit the Kennedy Space Center or head to a beach less than two hours away.
Crowds at Disney World and Universal Resort are also less intense in November, if you skip the week of Thanksgiving when kids are out of school.
Palm Springs, California — A Hot Spot
Palm Springs’ desert temperatures make it one of the best places to visit in November, after the heat of the summer. Just as other tourist areas are winding down, Palm Springs is coming alive. You can hike, golf, and stroll downtown. The city’s Food & Wine Festival also happens in November, and many local wineries have tasting specials in the fall.
RVshare rentals near Palm Springs, California.
New Orleans, Louisiana — A Hot Spot
New Orleans is at the top of everyone’s mind every late winter for Mardi Gras, but November is a wonderful time to visit the city! The sweltering heat of summer is mostly gone, and temperatures are comfortable. The Bayou Bacchanal at the very beginning of the month celebrates Caribbean culture and heritage and is a fun way to kick off November.
Football season is also in full swing, with New Orleans’ college and NFL teams lending a level of excitement to the city.
RVshare rentals near New Orleans, Louisiana.
Big Bend National Park, Texas — A Hot Spot
November is actually the busy season at Big Bend National Park! As with many of these warm weather destinations, Big Bend cools down to a pleasant temperature in the fall. You’ll be comfortable hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and enjoying the time outdoors. In fact, Big Bend’s bustling season is from October through April. You’ll want to reserve a campground spot as soon as you know your plans, to make sure you get a spot.
RVshare rentals near Big Bend National Park, Texas.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming — A Hot Spot
Of course, not everyone traveling in November is trying to escape the cold. Some people are embracing winter weather with ski and snow vacations. If you’re willing to don a few layers, Jackson Hole is a wonderful place to go in November. Depending on when you arrive, you may still be treated to a few relatively mild days with temperatures as high as 40 degrees. If you come later on in the month, you can enjoy one of the most celebrated ski bowls in the country.
Even if you’re not much for snow sports, the view alone is worth traveling for. Bison and elk graze in the shadow of the Tetons, and you’ll be greeted with majestic views on all sides.
RVshare rentals near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
San Francisco, California — A Hidden Gem
San Francisco as a city may not be a hidden gem, but many people don’t know that November is one of the best times to visit! This part of the Bay Area tends to have “reverse” seasons – foggy, cool summers and surprisingly warm, clear autumns. November is a great time to visit and walk around the city, admiring the views of the Bay.
As you get into later November, temperatures will begin to drop … but the weather here never gets unbearably cold. You’ll also avoid the tourist crowds of summer this late in the fall. If you visit during or just after Thanksgiving, you can also see holiday decorations and see events like the Union Square Tree Lighting.
RVshare rentals near San Francisco, California.
Tucson, Arizona — A Hidden Gem
Like Palm Springs, many Arizona towns are oppressively hot in summer, but are the perfect temperature in the fall. November is a great time for hiking in nearby Saguaro National Park, visit Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona, or check out the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
RVshare rentals near Tucson, Arizona.
Charleston, South Carolina — A Hidden Gem
If you’re looking for the best place to travel in November for warm weather, don’t let this southern gem escape your notice. As well-known for its historical attractions as its modern-day food scene, Charleston is also blessed with mild weather in November, when temperatures hover between 55-65 degrees.
The area also stays relatively dry during the winter, seeing only four days of rainfall in November on average. This gives you lots of opportunity to explore all the unique sites and attractions, including the famous seaside monument of Fort Sumter.
RVshare rentals near Charleston, North Carolina.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona — A Hidden Gem
The Grand Canyon is one of the best places to visit in November for several reasons. Summer crowds have disappeared (although you may run into some crowds the week of Thanksgiving when schools are out). Temperatures are pleasant – averaging in the high 60s during the day and above freezing at night. Thanks to fewer crowds, you’ll probably also have a better chance of finding space at the open park campground or at RV resorts nearby.
RVshare rentals near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
Best Places to Travel in November to Avoid Crowds
Much of November is a great time to travel and avoid the crowds in areas where you might encounter them during the summer months. For popular destinations, you’ll want to avoid the week of Thanksgiving, when families may be traveling during kids’ holiday break. But if you travel in early November, or after the holiday, you’ll likely find fewer people.
Here are a few of the best places to visit in November and avoid crowds.
Yosemite National Park, California
Thanks to its proximity to several large cities and its year-round activities, Yosemite National Park may never be crowd-free. But you’ll find fewer people here in November than you will during the summer. Sometimes, you’ll even catch the tail-end of leaf peeping season, making this a beautiful time to visit the park.
Of course, due to high elevation and snowfall, some areas of the park may be closed to visitors later in the month. Additionally, the rivers and waterfalls that are a draw for so many sometimes dry up during this season. But the park’s amazing scenery is breathtaking at any time of year. The ice skating rink at Curry Village usually opens in mid-November as well.
RVshare rentals near Yosemite National Park in California.
Maui, Hawaii
If you want the opportunity to experience everything this beautiful island has to offer, November is a great time to do it. Daytime temperatures are usually in the mid-70s, and this island tends to see less of the rain that comes for many islands during this time of year, especially along the southern beaches.
While you obviously won’t be driving an RV to Maui (unless you already live there), you can certainly fly out to the island and pick up your rental upon arrival. There are a variety of camping options around the island, making this a unique getaway option.
RVshare rentals on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has been making a splash in the travel industry for good reason. This western North Carolina mountain town is adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and has one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in the United States.
From hiking to chasing waterfalls to kicking back with a cold one, there’s something for everyone in Asheville, and fall is a beautiful time of year to visit.
RVshare rentals near Asheville, North Carolina.
Zion National Park, Utah
November is the perfect time to visit Zion National Park. Temperatures in the park are in the mid-50s during the day, and just below freezing at night. The summer crowds have disappeared, so you won’t have long lines to get into the park, ride the shuttle, or eat. You may also catch the tail-end of the fall color season, so you might see some beautiful foliage on your trip as well.
RVshare rentals near Zion National Park, Utah.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has mild weather in November, with less humidity than its famously sweltering summers. In fact, November is the driest month of the year in the city, and temps are pleasantly in the 70s. Fall foliage also starts turning colors later in the season in places like Savannah, so you may get a beautiful show in November. Finally, attractions like the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens and Forsyth Park are wonderful places to enjoy a fall stroll.
RVshare rentals near Savannah, Georgia.
Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
An RV road trip at Thanksgiving can be a great way to get out and see the world! Here are a few tips to make sure you have a successful road trip.
Plan for traffic
Thanksgiving traffic can be a challenge! The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after the holiday are some of the busiest travel days of the year, and both roads and airports can be jammed. You’ll definitely want to plan for traffic if you’re headed through a major city around Thanksgiving. Check traffic apps like Waze to help you determine your route, and make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to drive to your destination. If you’re able to, you may want to travel the week before or after Thanksgiving instead, to avoid traffic and crowds.
Check your rig
Make sure to check your RV before you head out on a road trip, to make sure everything’s in good working order. Ensure that your tires are in good condition, check the interior for signs of leaks or water damage, make sure your oil and coolant levels are good, and gas up.
Pack carefully
Many people tend to overpack on an RV road trip. Make sure you pack what you’ll need, but not a lot of things you won’t! You can consult our handy packing list to help get you started.
Plan your route
Along with planning for any traffic problems along your route, you’ll want to allow plenty of time to rest. Driving an RV can be more physically and mentally taxing than driving your regular, smaller vehicle (although both require a lot of attention!). You may want to consider a day of driving, and then a day of rest and exploring, to allow yourself time to recover.
You’ll also want to allow extra time for your drive. Many larger RVs can’t go as fast as standard vehicles, especially if you’re tackling hills. Take it slow, and plan extra time for your trip.
November can be a wonderful time to explore this country! The cooler temperatures allow you a chance to visit cities that may be sizzling in summer. You can still find fall foliage drives and destinations. And if you’re ready for winter, you can find plenty of places that already have snow for skiing and other outdoor sports.
