• Typical temperatures: Highs in the mid 50s °F, lows in the upper 30s (approximate; colder snaps are common)
• Conditions: Gray, breezy days; first flurries are possible
• Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is about 5:30 p.m. early and 5:10 p.m. by the end
• Crowd level: Low outside football weekends; very high on home-game days
• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

A warm coat and layers.

A hat, gloves and scarf for game days and evening lights.

Waterproof shoes with grip.

A compact umbrella.

Scarlet and gray gear if you're going to a game.

Dates as of 2026-11-13; confirm with the organizer.

1. Happy Hour w/ Donna Mogavero Band at Woodlands Tavern Friday, November 13, 6:00 PM local (2026-11-13T23:00:00.000Z) · Woodlands Tavern Music at Woodlands Tavern; tickets via www.ticketweb.com.
2. I’ve Got A Fire Tour with Pat Barrett - Pickerington, OH Friday, November 13, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-14T00:00:00.000Z) · Life City Church, Pickerington Music at Life City Church, Pickerington; tickets via www.ticketweb.com.
3. JOHN SUMMIT - CTRL ESCAPE ARENA TOUR Friday, November 13, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-14T00:00:00.000Z) · Schottenstein Center Music at Schottenstein Center; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball vs. University of Wisconsin Badgers Volleyball Friday, November 13, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-14T00:00:00.000Z) · Covelli Center Columbus Sports at Covelli Center Columbus; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.
5. Little Big Town - For The Art Of It Tour Friday, November 13, 7:30 PM local (2026-11-14T00:30:00.000Z) · Mershon Auditorium Music at Mershon Auditorium; tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.

Recurring seasonal events and holidays. Dates move year to year, confirm with the organizer.

• Ohio State vs. Northwestern Saturday, November 14, at Ohio Stadium (listed on event calendars; confirm kickoff time).
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights opening November 20, with millions of LED lights, a new Bricktopia display and rides included with admission. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in past seasons; confirm.
• Thanksgiving Thursday, November 26. Many restaurants run special menus; book early.
• Ohio State vs. Michigan ("The Game") Saturday, November 28, about noon, at Ohio Stadium. One of the biggest weekends of the year; hotels and parking sell out.
• Holiday lights and markets open around Thanksgiving including displays at Alum Creek State Park and in downtown; confirm dates.
• Blue Jackets and Crew games: check the schedules at Nationwide Arena. Blue Jackets and Crew games: check the schedules at Nationwide Arena.

Calmest: non-game weekdays, especially the first half of November. Busiest: Ohio State home-game days and Thanksgiving weekend (The Game). Book ahead: hotels for game weekends, Wildlights tickets, Thanksgiving dinner and parking. Getting around: game days close streets near campus; use rideshare or arrive very early.

Colder, grayer weather shifts attention to indoor attractions.

Earlier sunset brings holiday lights on sooner.

Patios close for the season; breweries and restaurants fill up.

Hocking Hills is quieter but trails can be icy or muddy.

Catch an Ohio State game or soak up the tailgates.

Walk the Short North and German Village.

Visit COSI and the Columbus Museum of Art.

Eat at North Market and get Jeni's ice cream.

See Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo (from November 20).

Full Columbus visitor guide

Day 1: The Ohio Statehouse, COSI or the Museum of Art, lunch at North Market, and dinner in the Short North.

Day 2: German Village, the Brewery District, and Wildlights at the zoo in the evening (from November 20).