Things to Do in St. John's in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
November Weather in St. John's
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
59°F (15°C)
High Temp
34°F (1°C)
Low Temp
0.0 inches (0 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ UV index reaches 8 even in November - the thin atmosphere at this latitude burns skin faster than tropical destinations
⚠ Black ice forms on hills after sunset when temperatures drop - avoid driving unfamiliar routes after dark
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + November lands in St. John's sweet spot. The hurricanes have gone, winter has not yet clamped down. Afternoons hit 15°C (59°F) and feel almost balmy after October's damp chill.
- + Whale watching peaks now. Humpbacks gorge before their southward migration, the bay thick with them. Local captains know the exact ledges where they surface.
- + Hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer highs. Restaurants still serve fresh cod and the last of the season's partridgeberries. You get the food without the cruise-ship crowds.
- + George Street's pubs turn properly local again. Summer bartenders have flown home. You drink with fishermen who rose at 4 AM to haul crab pots.
Considerations
- − Days shorten fast. By late November you lose 3 minutes of daylight daily. Sunset hits 4:30 PM. That Newfoundland darkness feels heavier than elsewhere.
- − Weather swings violent. You might wake to windshield frost, need sunglasses by lunch, and face horizontal rain by dinner. All in one day.
- − Some well-known boat tours shut down by mid-November. Operators prep for winter fishery. Want that puffin colony shot? You're cutting it close.
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
November in St. John's brings elemental clarity. The air carries a sharp chill off the North Atlantic. Skies shift fast from pale grey to brilliant afternoon sun, setting the city's jellybean-colored row houses aglow. Daylight shrinks. Life moves indoors to pubs where body heat and fish chowder steam fog the windows. This is the season for the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival Winter Warm-Up downtown. It turns local pubs into concert halls. The sound of fiddles and accordions spills onto damp, empty streets all night. Expect variable weather. Some days feel brisk. Others bring a persistent, damp breeze that sends you searching for a hearth. With ten rainy days on average, you learn to value the sudden breaks in cloud cover. The sun then illuminates the stark coastline in sharp relief. Locals embrace this cozier tempo. They gather for kitchen-party sessions in bars resonant with stories sung in thick accents. Tales of shipwrecks suit the gathering dark outside. A November visit means trading long hikes for rich conversations. The city's legendary hospitality burns bright against the cool backdrop of approaching winter.
Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise
cruiseA boat cuts through steel-grey North Atlantic swells. It passes sea stacks crowned with hardy grasses to reach islands where thousands of puffins gather for late-season molt. You will hear a cacophony of gulls and the deep exhalation of a humpback's blow. Smell the crisp, iodine-tinged air. Feel the spray on your face as you watch these charismatic birds bob on the chilly water in subdued winter plumage.
This cruise has a final, intimate audience with the region's most well-known seabirds. It also provides a chance to witness whales preparing for southern migration.
Insider tip: Dress in layers with a waterproof outer shell. The wind on open water amplifies the autumn chill and makes for a bracing ride back to port.
This month: Puffins are typically present until late November. This has a chance to see their transitional winter plumage before they depart for the open ocean.
Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour
culturalThis tour winds along coastal roads. You will see the foam-capped Atlantic crash against the black cliffs of the Avalon Peninsula. Feel the full force of the wind at North America's easternmost point, Cape Spear. Stand before the stark white and red stripes of the historic lighthouse.
The narrative weaves together geological drama with tales of early Portuguese fishermen, wartime convoys, and life in isolated outport communities. It connects the raw beauty of the coastline with the layered human history shaped by its formidable presence.
Insider tip: Request a seat on the left side of the vehicle when departing St. John's. This gives the most direct views of the ocean and cliffs.
St. John's Downtown Walking Tour
walking_tourThis walk plunges you into the steep, narrow streets of downtown St. John's. You will see the lively clapboard facades of Water Street. Hear echoes of shipwrights' hammers from the 1800s. Feel the worn stone steps of alleyways bearing foot traffic for centuries.
The guide's stories illuminate the city's mercantile past, its devastating fires, and the resilient character of its people. They point out architectural details and local haunts you would likely miss. It provides the essential skeleton for understanding every other city experience.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip. The route involves navigating St. John's signature hills and uneven historic sidewalks.
Award Winning 4 Hr Tour w Come From Away star* (lunch included)
guided_experienceThis experience blends theatrical narrative with physical exploration. A performer from the original Canadian cast of *Come From Away* guides you through Gander's hospitality story. You will feel the emotional weight of history in the quiet chapel at Gander Airport. Taste a traditional Newfoundland lunch in a local community hall. Hear firsthand accounts of bonds formed during a week of global crisis.
The narration offers poignant insight from someone who helped tell this story to the world. It transcends standard tourism. This tour has a profound connection to a recent historical event that defines modern Newfoundland's spirit.
Insider tip: It involves significant time on a coach. Bring a book or podcast for the highway stretches between St. John's and Gander.
St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour
foodThis tour is a deliberate education in Newfoundland's larder. You will taste the salty-sweet burst of a fresh scallop. Sample the dense richness of a traditional figgy duff. Try the sharp tang of a locally crafted mustard. You will smell baking bread in tucked-away shops. Hear the sizzle of cod cakes on a griddle. Feel the warmth of a family-run bakery using the same recipe for decades.
Learn how the island's isolation and maritime bounty created a unique Canadian cuisine. It offers the most flavorful path to understanding St. John's culture.
Insider tip: Come hungry. Avoid a large breakfast. The portions are generous and show a full spectrum of local flavors.
2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls
cruiseThis brisk boat tour departs from Bay Bulls. It ventures into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. You will see towering humpback whale flukes slip beneath the dark water. Hear the guide's sharp whistle directing your gaze to a soaring bald eagle. The scent of diesel and saltwater hangs in the air. The boat maneuvers near seabird colonies on cliff faces. Feel the thrill when the engine cuts out. You sit in silence, broken only by a whale's breath.
It delivers a concentrated dose of the region's spectacular marine wildlife.
Insider tip: The boat's enclosed cabin offers warmth. For the best viewing and photographs, be prepared to spend time on the open deck facing the wind.
Where to Stay in St. John's in November
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for November travellers.
★★★★
Mid-Range
Best Western Plus St. Johns Airport Hotel and Suites
From $281 / night
Check Prices on Trip.com →
November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Mid November
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival Winter Warm-Up
Local musicians pack into downtown pubs for sessions that run until the bars close at 3 AM. The music is pure kitchen-party: fiddles, accordions, and songs about fishing disasters that happened before your grandparents were born. No cover charge. But buy a round or three.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View St. John's Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The Rooms museum cafe serves the city's best fish and chips. But locals know to ask for the 'screech-in' version; they soak the cod in rum before battering it.
November's when you can get into Raymonds for dinner without booking three months ahead. The cruise crowds are gone but the chef hasn't left for his winter break yet.
Water Street's shops discount winter gear 25-30% in mid-November as they clear inventory. Perfect if you underestimated how cold St. John's gets.
The Battery neighborhood's colorful houses photograph best at 2 PM in November when the sun hits them straight on. Morning and evening they're in shadow.
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming November means winter tires aren't needed. Rental agencies switch over by October 15, and you'll slide sideways on the hills without them.
Booking whale tours more than a week ahead. Captains cancel for weather constantly in November, and you'll lose deposits to operators who won't reschedule.
Wearing jeans. They take three days to dry in November's damp, and locals will spot you as a mainlander immediately.
Explore More Activities in St. John's
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in St. John's.
See All St. John's Tours on Viator