Visiting Washington, DC in November

ByKelley Smith
Capitol columns at the National Arboretum with purple flowers

Washington, DC in November is a great time to visit. There are not many big events in the city between Halloween and Thanksgiving, but this is a great time to explore museums, enjoy outdoor walks, and eat outside if the weather is nice.

The weather is usually cooler in November, averaging between 44 and 60 degrees. It will usually be much cooler at night, so bring layers and a warmer jacket for the evenings. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended in any season. Always check the forecast before you arrive!

Election Day – November 5th

Don’t let Election Day influence your plans to visit in November. It is unlikely that you will run into any protests or unrest. At most, you may see locals lined up to vote. DC may not be a state, but the city has 3 electoral college votes and will vote on local issues. Due to the historic nature of this election, you may see celebrations near the White House and in some neighborhoods if America elects our first woman president. The 14th and U Street area and Shaw near Howard University will likely be particularly busy that evening.

Fall Weather Walks

If there is still fall foliage and the weather is nice, there are many spots in the city to enjoy the trees. My favorites are:

  • The National Arboretum: Accessible by car or rideshare, there are tons of walking trails around the Arboretum. Bring some snacks to picnic in the Grove of State Trees.
  • Rock Creek Park: Rock Creek Park is over 1,700 acres of green space in the city. Enjoy the paths, fresh air, and foliage on foot or bike.
  • Teddy Roosevelt Park: an island accessible by a footbridge with multiple walking paths and a Roosevelt Memorial. Parking is limited, so consider taking a rideshare.
  • Malcolm X Park/Meridian Hill: a neighborhood park between Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and 14th Street with lots of green space. Walkable from the U Street Metro stop.
Capitol columns at the National Arboretum with purple flowers
Fall at the National Arboretum

Thanksgiving Weekend

If you are visiting for Thanksgiving weekend, expect most things to be open. Bars and restaurants may close early on Wednesday night, so check websites before you go. Some restaurants will be serving special Thanksgiving menus on Thursday, November 28. Most museums, including the Smithsonian museums, will be open all week. There is one DC turkey trot in the city on Thanksgiving Day that raises money for So Others Might Eat.

On Friday and Saturday, holiday shopping will be in full swing. Check out the Downtown DC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter and the DC Holiday Market in Dupont.

Celebrate The Holiday Season Early

Some holiday festivities begin in mid to late November! A few of my favorite early events are listed below, but check out the full holiday round-up to see what is going on all holiday season long!

  • Season’s Greenings at the Botanic Gardens: November 28
  • DC Holiday Market in Dupont: November 22
  • DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter: November 22
  • Bull Run Festival of Lights in Centreville, Virginia: November 10
  • Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna, Virginia: November 8
  • Reston Town Center Tree Lighting: November 29
  • Baltimore Christmas Market: November 23
  • Garden of Lights Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland: November 22