Best Running Weather in November

November occupies a unique position in the running calendar. The peak racing season continues with major events like the New York City Marathon, but conditions are transitioning—some days feel like October's perfection, others preview December's challenges. It's a shoulder season that rewards adaptable runners.

For those racing, November offers excellent opportunities. For those training, it's the bridge between fall's peak and winter's maintenance. Understanding November's dual nature helps you maximize its possibilities.

The November Transition

Early vs. Late November

November's character shifts dramatically through the month:

Early November (1-15):

Often feels like late October
Cool but comfortable running
Major racing continues
Fall conditions persist

Late November (16-30):

Winter arriving in many regions
Shorter days, colder temperatures
Holiday season beginning
Transition to winter running mode

This progression varies by region, but the trend is consistent: November starts fall and ends winter.

The Daylight Reality

November brings the year's most dramatic daylight changes:

The numbers:

November 1: ~10.5 hours daylight (varies by latitude)
November 30: ~9.5 hours daylight
DST ends first Sunday: Sunsets suddenly at 5pm

The impact:

After-work outdoor running ends for many
Morning runs in full darkness
Weekend daylight more precious
Headlamps become essential

The Daylight Saving Time transition hits hard psychologically. One day sunset is at 6:30pm; the next it's at 5:00pm. Runners must adapt quickly.

Regional November Conditions

Northeast United States

Boston averages 44°F. New York averages 48°F. Philadelphia averages 48°F.

The experience:

NYC Marathon conditions (early November) often excellent
Cold rain possible
First snow sometimes appears
Highly variable week to week

The pattern: Good running days interspersed with challenging ones. Check forecasts, seize opportunities.

Midwest

Chicago averages 42°F. Minneapolis averages 36°F. Detroit averages 43°F.

The picture:

Cooling rapidly
First significant cold by month's end
Lake effect weather begins
Winter preview days appear

Reality: Upper Midwest November often feels like early winter. Prepare accordingly.

Southeast

Atlanta averages 52°F. Charlotte averages 51°F. Nashville averages 49°F.

The advantage:

Still very comfortable
Often the South's second-best month
Cool but rarely cold
Extended outdoor running season

Opportunity: Southern runners enjoy November conditions that northern runners miss.

Southwest

Phoenix averages 65°F. Tucson averages 61°F. Prime time.

The gift:

Ideal running weather
Morning running no longer mandatory
Desert at its best
Rock 'n' Roll Arizona (late November/early December)

The window: November through February represents the Southwest's peak running season.

West Coast

Los Angeles averages 63°F. San Francisco averages 56°F. Seattle averages 47°F.

The scene:

Generally comfortable
Fall rain arriving in Pacific Northwest
Southern California excellent
Variable but runnable

Europe

London averages 46°F. Paris averages 46°F. Berlin averages 42°F. Barcelona averages 56°F.

The conditions:

Cooling but often still good
Rain more frequent
Darker earlier
Transition month throughout

November Racing

New York City Marathon

The first Sunday of November brings running's largest and most iconic marathon:

Why it matters:

50,000+ runners
Five borough tour of NYC
Electric crowd support
Bucket list race for many

Typical conditions:

Temperatures 40-55°F most years
Occasional cold (30s) or warm (60s) years
Wind can be a factor on bridges
Generally good but variable

What to prepare for:

Cold start on Staten Island (hours of waiting)
Throwaway layers essential
Weather can change through race
Dress for conditions, not photos

Other Major November Events

Philadelphia Marathon (late November):

Quality race through historic city
Late fall conditions
Good for November PR attempt

Various half marathons:

Abundant opportunities
Last push before holiday season
Good benchmark racing

Turkey Trots (Thanksgiving):

Community 5Ks everywhere
Fun, festive atmosphere
Family participation
Usually not PR-focused

November Training

Post-Fall-Race Recovery

For those who raced in September/October:

Weeks 1-2 post-marathon:

Rest and recovery priority
Easy running only (if at all)
Address any injuries
Celebrate achievement

Weeks 3-4:

Volume gradually returning
Still easy effort
Rebuild routine
No intensity yet

By month's end:

Base running reestablished
Light intensity returning
Preparing for winter training
New goals forming

For Those Not Racing

November offers base-building opportunity:

What to focus on:

Consistent easy mileage
Building winter running habits
Enjoying remaining good days
Preparing for holiday schedule chaos

The advantage: Less racing pressure allows steady training without taper interruptions.

Winter Base Building Begins

November marks the start of the winter training cycle:

For spring marathoners:

November begins the long journey to April/May races
Early base miles
No intensity yet
Establish routine for dark months

For general fitness:

Maintain summer gains
Build habits that survive winter
Set up for January training
Avoid the common winter slide

Navigating November Weather

The Variability Challenge

November's week-to-week variability requires flexibility:

One week might bring:

55°F sunny perfection
35°F with rain
Anything in between

How to respond:

Check forecasts frequently
Have gear for all conditions ready
Adjust daily plans to weather
Seize good days for quality runs

When Cold Arrives

November introduces cold weather running for many:

First cold run adjustments:

Extended warm-up
Layering system deployment
Extremity protection
Acceptance of different feel

What "cold" means in November: Usually 30-45°F—cool but very manageable. Real winter cold comes later.

Rain and Wind

November often brings wet and windy conditions:

Rainy November runs:

Hat with brim essential
Quick-drying layers
Accept getting wet
Post-run warmth important

Windy November runs:

Wind chill becomes factor
Wind-resistant outer layer
Adjust expectations
Running harder than conditions appear

November Clothing Strategy

The Full Closet Requirement

November requires access to full clothing range:

Warm days (50-60°F):

Short-sleeve shirt
Shorts
Like October

Cool days (40-50°F):

Long-sleeve shirt
Shorts or light tights
Maybe light gloves

Cold days (30-40°F):

Base layer
Wind-resistant outer layer
Tights or running pants
Gloves, hat covering ears

The principle: Check conditions before each run. November doesn't allow single-outfit autopilot.

Essential November Gear

Headlamp: Non-negotiable for dark morning/evening runs. November darkness is real.

Reflective gear: Visibility matters more than ever. Drivers aren't expecting runners in dark.

Wind-resistant layer: Light jacket for windy or wet days. Blocks chill without overheating.

Ear protection: Headband or hat covering ears. Cold ears are miserable.

The Holiday Challenge

Thanksgiving Week

The fourth Thursday brings schedule disruption:

The challenge:

Travel disrupts routine
Family obligations compete
Turkey Trot if participating
Maintaining momentum

Strategies:

Run before family events
Turkey Trot as structured workout
Flexibility with timing
Some running beats no running

Post-Thanksgiving to December

The stretch from Thanksgiving to January 1 is notorious for fitness loss:

The prevention:

Establish routine before holidays hit
Commit to minimum running frequency
Use November to build habits
Plan ahead for December challenges

November Psychology

The Darkness Adjustment

Losing daylight affects runners mentally:

Common responses:

Motivation decrease
Seasonal mood changes
Reluctance to run in dark
Questioning running commitment

Countermeasures:

Embrace morning running
Quality headlamp makes darkness manageable
Run with partners for safety and motivation
Accept that this is temporary

Maintaining Fall Momentum

November tests whether fall's motivation survives:

The challenge: October's racing high gives way to November's gray reality. Motivation can fade.

The solution:

Set small, achievable goals
Register for winter/spring races
Connect with running community
Remember why you run

Looking Ahead

November is about transition:

From: Fall racing season, peak conditions, PR pursuits To: Winter maintenance, base building, next season preparation

Embracing this transition—rather than fighting it—makes November more enjoyable.

Common November Mistakes

Stopping Running After Fall Race

Post-marathon fatigue plus dark evenings plus cold equals excuses:

The problem: Taking all of November off loses fitness built over months.

The fix: Easy running maintains fitness without stress. Even 20-minute easy runs count.

Ignoring the Darkness

Running in dark without proper safety gear:

The problem: Drivers can't see you. Accident risk increases.

The fix: Reflective vest, headlamp, blinking lights. Be visible even if you can see.

Overdressing for "Cold"

November's 40°F feels cold after summer. Runners overdress:

The problem: Overheating, sweating, discomfort.

The fix: 40°F running feels like 55-60°F standing. Dress accordingly.

Giving Up on Outdoor Running

"It's too dark/cold/wet. I'll run inside":

The problem: Treadmill dependency develops. Outdoor running feels harder when you return.

The fix: Indoor running is valid sometimes, but maintain outdoor running most days. Gear exists for a reason.

Key November Takeaways

November bridges fall and winter. Early November continues racing season; late November previews winter.
NYC Marathon anchors the month. Running's biggest marathon leads November racing.
Daylight changes dramatically. DST ends, evenings go dark. Adapt with headlamps and schedule changes.
Weather variability is high. Check forecasts daily. Be ready for any conditions.
Recovery matters after fall races. Those who raced should rest. Those who didn't can build base.
Holiday season approaches. Establish routine before Thanksgiving disrupts everything.
Darkness affects mood. Recognize seasonal effects and counter them actively.
This is transition, not ending. November leads to winter training which leads to spring racing.

November is the shoulder season—still capable of greatness but transitioning toward winter's challenges. Run Window helps you identify the best remaining fall conditions and prepares you for what's coming.