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
45°F (7°C)
High Temp
36°F (2°C)
Low Temp
0.2 inches (5 mm)
Rainfall
86%
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 carries a particular cadence. It is a pause between the warmth of summer's visitors and the deep freeze of winter. The air turns crisp, carrying the sharp, clean scent of the Atlantic. The city settles into a quieter, more reflective state. While the official data shows variable conditions, you can feel the temperature dropping. Afternoons sometimes reach a mild 7 degrees Celsius. Nights dip near freezing. This is not a month for predictable sunshine. Instead, you might see low, fast-moving clouds obscuring Signal Hill one moment. A sudden shaft of golden light illuminates the colorful row houses of Jellybean Row the next. Locals are buttoning up. They frequent cozy pubs where the hum of conversation mixes with the clinking of glasses. They are preparing for the holiday season ahead. Visiting St. John's in November means embracing the raw, elemental character of the place without the summer crowds. You will find warmth in its interiors and drama in its windswept, empty coastlines. The rhythm of the season is dictated by the sea. Gusts off the ocean can make the air feel colder than the thermometer suggests. It is a damp chill that seeps into your bones if you're not layered properly. You will hear the constant groan of foghorns from the Narrows. You will see the harbor water churned to a steely grey. Rainfall is brief but frequent. It leaves the historic streets slick and gleaming under the streetlights. This atmospheric shift makes indoor havens, from museums to music sessions, all the more inviting. For those curious about St. John's weather in November, prepare for changeability. A waterproof jacket is a more constant companion than an umbrella. Umbrellas can turn inside out in the Atlantic gusts.
Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour
culturalThis guided tour stitches together the foundational narratives of St. John's. It takes you from the fortified harbor entrance at Signal Hill to the continent's easternmost point at Cape Spear Lighthouse. You will stand where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal. You will gaze out from cliffs where whales breach in warmer months, now lashed by November's surging surf.
It connects the city's strategic maritime history with the raw, powerful geography that shaped it, all under the guidance of a knowledgeable local.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy, wind-resistant layers and secure your hat. The exposed headlands at Cape Spear are often battered by forceful gusts that can steal it away.
Award Winning 4 Hr Tour w Come From Away star* (lunch included)
guided_experienceThis experience blends storytelling, song, and a shared meal. It is often led by a cast member from the celebrated musical 'Come From Away', which recounts the true story of Gander's hospitality. You will hear a cappella renditions in a local venue. You will feel the collective warmth of the room. You will taste a traditional Newfoundland lunch, perhaps a savory fish cake or a rich pea soup.
It offers an emotionally resonant, personal immersion into the community spirit that defines Newfoundland, far beyond a standard historical lecture.
Insider tip: This is a popular offering. Reservations should be secured well in advance, as November sees fewer tour options operating.
Late Season Puffin & Scenic Coastal Cruise
cruiseDeparting from Bay Bulls, just south of St. John's, this late-season cruise navigates past towering sea cliffs and into sheltered inlets that are home to thousands of seabirds. While puffin colonies have largely departed for the open ocean by November, you might still see fulmars and gannets riding the air currents. You will certainly feel the spray of the cold sea. You will hear the thunder of waves against the rock.
It provides a bracing, intimate perspective on the formidable coastal landscape that defines the region, with expert commentary on the marine ecosystem.
Insider tip: The boat's heated cabin is a welcome refuge. Claim a window seat early to watch for seals bobbing in the swells without braving the deck's full chill.
Pedego eBike Rental
adventureRenting an electric bicycle allows you to conquer St. John's famously steep hills with ease. You will pedal from the harbor up to the Battery with its clapboard houses clinging to the rock. You will ride along the paved trail offering panoramic views of the city and the Narrows. You will feel the cool November air on your face. You will hear the whir of the motor as you ascend streets you might otherwise avoid on foot.
It grants expansive mobility and freedom to explore the city's distinct neighborhoods and vistas at your own pace, regardless of the challenging topography.
Insider tip: Map your route to include stops at sheltered lookouts or cafes where you can warm up. The wind-chill while riding can be significant.
The Best of St. John's Private Walking Tour
walking_tourThis private walking tour is tailored to your interests. It winds through the narrow lanes of downtown St. John's, past the bright facades of heritage buildings, and into places like the Anglican Cathedral with its vaulted stone silence. Your guide will point out architectural details you'd miss alone. They will share stories that make the city's past feel immediate. You will feel the uneven cobblestones underfoot.
It delivers a personalized and detailed introduction to the city's core, adapting to November's weather by ducking into historic interiors.
Insider tip: Discuss starting points with your guide in advance. Beginning at a landmark like The Rooms museum allows you to incorporate a warm, excellent cultural stop into your itinerary.
Conception Bay Tour Experience
guided_experienceJourneying north from St. John's into Conception Bay, this tour visits outport communities like Brigus and Cupids. You can walk quiet, historic lanes and learn of early English settlement. You will see centuries-old stone root cellars. You will smell the damp earth and salt air. You will witness landscapes where the forest meets the rocky shore in a palette of November greys and browns.
It reveals the quieter, historical rural heart of the Avalon Peninsula, showing a way of life intrinsically linked to the sea and the land.
Insider tip: The days are short. Appreciate that this tour covers considerable ground. The fading afternoon light over the bay will be part of the atmospheric journey.
Explore More Activities in St. John's
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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 ViatorWhere 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
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Public Holidays in November
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Armistice Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-NL.
Remembrance Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-AB, CA-BC, CA-NB, CA-NT, CA-NS, CA-NU, CA-PE, CA-SK, CA-YT.
Armistice Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-NL.
Remembrance Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-AB, CA-BC, CA-NB, CA-NT, CA-NS, CA-NU, CA-PE, CA-SK, CA-YT.
Armistice Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-NL.
Remembrance Day
A public holiday in these regions only: CA-AB, CA-BC, CA-NB, CA-NT, CA-NS, CA-NU, CA-PE, CA-SK, CA-YT.
Packing Checklist
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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.
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