Washington, DC in November: weather, events and what to know

November is a comfortable month for sightseeing in Washington: cool, often sunny days, lingering fall color and smaller crowds than spring. Clocks fell back on November 1, so sunset comes around 5 p.m. The month is anchored by Veterans Day ceremonies and Thanksgiving, when the city empties out and museums are quieter.

Updated 2026-11-01

November at a glance

Typical temperatures: Highs around 60°F, lows in the low 40s (approximate)
Conditions: Crisp, mostly dry days; occasional cold rain
Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is about 5 p.m. early in the month and about 4:45 p.m. by the end
Crowd level: Low to medium; Thanksgiving week is quieter on the Mall but busy at airports and train stations
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Weather in Washington in November and what to pack

A medium-weight coat and layers.

A hat and gloves for mornings, evenings and monument visits.

Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes; the Mall involves miles of walking.

A compact umbrella.

Photo ID for buildings with security screening.

Daylight shrinks through the month: sunset moves from about 5:06 p.m. on November 1 to about 4:46 p.m. by November 30, with sunrise shifting from about 6:36 a.m. to about 7:07 a.m..

Top events in Washington in November 2026

5 events

Dates as of 2026-11-01; confirm with the organizer.

Capitals vs Wild (Youth Hockey Day) Sunday, November 01, 3:30 PM local (2026-11-01T20:30:00.000Z) · Capital One Arena Ticketed evening show at Capital One Arena on Sunday, November 01.
Washington Capitals VIP Tickets: 11/01/26 Sunday, November 01, 3:30 PM local (2026-11-01T20:30:00.000Z) · Capital One Arena Ticketed evening show at Capital One Arena on Sunday, November 01.
Toby's Dinner Theatre Presents: Summer - The Donna Summer Musical Sunday, November 01, 5:00 PM local (2026-11-01T22:00:00.000Z) · Toby's Dinner Theatre Columbia Ticketed evening show at Toby's Dinner Theatre Columbia on Sunday, November 01.
Fan Appreciation: Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars FC Sunday, November 01, 5:00 PM local (2026-11-01T22:00:00.000Z) · Audi Field Ticketed evening show at Audi Field on Sunday, November 01.
Premium Spaces: Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars FC Sunday, November 01, 5:00 PM local (2026-11-01T22:00:00.000Z) · Audi Field Ticketed evening show at Audi Field on Sunday, November 01.

Also in Washington in November

seasonal picks

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

Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. The national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begins at 11 a.m., with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by a program in the Memorial Amphitheater. Other ceremonies take place at the Navy Memorial (listed for 12:30 p.m.), the Air Force Memorial and the National Mall.
Turkey trots, Thursday, November 26. Options include the Capital Turkey Trot 5K and 10K and the Georgetown Turkey Trot 5K, plus runs in Arlington and Alexandria.
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26. Restaurants run special menus; check museum and attraction hours.
Holiday lights and markets begin to appear late in the month; confirm dates.
Sports and shows: check Commanders, Capitals and Wizards schedules and venue calendars.

Crowds, prices and what to book ahead

Calmest: the week of Thanksgiving on the Mall, and weekdays in mid-November. Busiest: Veterans Day ceremonies and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for transport. Book ahead: Capitol tours, popular museum timed passes, Thanksgiving dinner and any White House tour request, which must go through a member of Congress far in advance. Getting around: Metro is the simplest option; ceremonies and runs close some streets.

What changes in Washington in November

Fall color lingers in the first half of the month in Rock Creek Park and along the Potomac.

Earlier dark. Evening monument visits start in twilight; the lit memorials are a highlight.

Fewer crowds at museums and monuments than in spring and summer.

Cold-weather outdoor dining thins out; indoor restaurants and bars fill up.

Best things to do in November

5 picks

Walk the National Mall memorials at dusk.

Visit the Smithsonian museums and the National Archives.

Tour the U.S. Capitol (reserve ahead).

Explore Georgetown and the waterfront at the Wharf.

Try Ethiopian food on U Street or a half-smoke at a local classic.

Full Washington visitor guide

Sample November itinerary

Day 1: Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam, Korean War and World War II memorials, a museum afternoon, and dinner in Penn Quarter.

Day 2: The Capitol and Library of Congress, then Georgetown or the Wharf. On November 11, visit Arlington National Cemetery for the Veterans Day ceremony.

Getting around in November

Getting around: Metro is the simplest option; ceremonies and runs close some streets.

Questions

6 answers

Is Washington, DC worth visiting in November?

Yes. Comfortable weather, fewer crowds and meaningful ceremonies make it a good month.

What should I wear in Washington, DC in November?

A medium coat, layers, hat, gloves and comfortable shoes.

When do clocks change?

Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

What happens on Veterans Day?

Highlights include Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11.; Turkey trots, Thursday, November 26.; Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26.; Holiday lights and markets; Sports and shows:; Capitals vs Wild (Youth Hockey Day) on November 01; Washington Capitals VIP Tickets: 11/01/26 on November 01; Toby's Dinner Theatre Presents: Summer - The Donna Summer Musical on November 01; Fan Appreciation: Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars FC on November 01; Premium Spaces: Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars FC on November 01. See the live calendar for concerts and nightly shows.

Are museums open on Thanksgiving?

Hours vary. Check each museum's website before you go.

Do I need to plan for security?

Yes. Expect screening at museums and federal buildings, and bring photo ID. --- *An independent local guide. Weather figures are approximate climate norms. Verify event dates, hours and ticket requirements with official sources before you go.*