November is when Orlando finally exhales after 5 months of punishing heat and afternoon deluges. Daytime highs settle around 25°C (76°F), the daily 3 p.m. thunderstorm routine fades, and you can spend a full day outdoors without wringing out your shirt. This is the month that splits cleanly in two, though. The first three weeks feel like a well-kept secret, with manageable crowds at the theme parks and hotel rates 20-30% below peak. Then Thanksgiving week arrives, and Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld fill to capacity. If you can time your trip for early-to-mid November, you'll hit one of the best windows of the entire year.
EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival is still running through mid-to-late November, which means you can eat your way around the World Showcase with shorter lines than the October crowds. Magic Kingdom starts its holiday overlay early in the month, with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party typically kicking off in the first or second week. The air carries the faint sweetness of orange blossoms from nearby groves, and the mornings have a crispness that locals genuinely look forward to after months of swamp-thick humidity.
To be fair, 77% average humidity still feels sticky by northern standards. You might catch a leftover tropical system, since hurricane season technically runs through November 30. But the odds drop considerably compared to September and October, and most years November passes without incident. The month tends to reward flexibility. Visit before Thanksgiving, and you'll wonder why anyone comes in July.
Why visit in November
- Early-to-mid November theme park crowds run 30-40% lighter than summer or holiday peaks, meaning shorter wait times at rides like Hagrid's Magical Creatures at Universal and TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues into November with 30+ global food and drink booths around World Showcase, and the October surge of locals with annual passes has thinned out
- Average highs of 25°C (76°F) make full-day outdoor plans realistic without heat exhaustion risk, a sharp contrast to the 32°C+ (90°F+) and 263mm of rain in August
- Florida's citrus season opens in November. Roadside stands along Highway 27 and in nearby Winter Garden sell fresh-picked navels and tangerines that taste nothing like supermarket fruit
- Hotel rates in early November can drop 25-35% compared to Christmas and spring break weeks, particularly along International Drive and in the Kissimmee corridor
Worth knowing
- Thanksgiving week (typically the last full week of November) sees theme park attendance spike to near-capacity levels, with wait times at popular attractions reaching 90-120 minutes even with Lightning Lane
- Hurricane season officially extends through November 30, and while a direct hit is unlikely, tropical systems can still bring 2-3 days of heavy rain and park closures. November 2022 saw Subtropical Storm Nicole make landfall nearby
- Evening temperatures drop to 16°C (60°F) or lower, which catches visitors off guard when they've packed for Florida heat. Outdoor dining at places like Disney Springs or the restaurants along Park Avenue in Winter Park gets chilly after sunset
- Some water parks and pool areas reduce hours or close sections in November as demand drops, so if water slides are a priority, check schedules before booking
Best for
Think twice if
November marks Orlando's transition into dry season. The daily summer thunderstorm pattern largely breaks down by early November, though you might still get a brief afternoon shower once a week. Mornings feel genuinely cool by Central Florida standards, often starting around 16°C (60°F) before climbing to a pleasant 25°C (76°F) by midday. Humidity averages 77%, which is noticeably better than the 85%+ of summer but still thick enough that you'll feel it, especially in direct sun. Rainfall drops to around 83mm across roughly 7 rainy days, less than a third of September's 338mm. The occasional cold front pushes through from the north, and when it does, temperatures can briefly dip to 10-12°C (50-54°F) overnight. Worth noting, these fronts tend to clear quickly, leaving behind bright blue skies and dry air that feels almost Mediterranean for a day or two.
Seasonal caution
- Hurricane season runs through November 30. While late-season storms are infrequent, Subtropical Storm Nicole struck the east coast of Florida on November 10, 2022, closing Walt Disney World for a full day. Travel insurance that covers weather disruption is worth considering for November trips.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 | 10 | 52 |
| Feb | 24 | 13 | 60 |
| Mar | 27 | 15 | 73 |
| Apr | 28 | 17 | 91 |
| May | 31 | 21 | 128 |
| Jun | 32 | 23 | 240 |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 225 |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 263 |
| Sep | 30 | 23 | 338 |
| Oct | 28 | 19 | 108 |
| Nov | 25 | 16 | 83 |
| Dec | 23 | 13 | 59 |
Headline events
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Continues from July through late November (final weekend typically around November 22-23)
Over 30 global food and drink marketplaces line EPCOT's World Showcase lagoon, each serving 3-5 small plates and specialty drinks from cuisines spanning Brazil to Japan. The festival typically runs from mid-July through late November, and November is when you'll find the shortest booth lines of the entire run. Celebrity chef demonstrations and special wine tastings fill the weekends.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Select nights from early November through late December
Magic Kingdom's separately ticketed evening event runs select nights from early November through late December. The park closes to day guests at 6 p.m. on party nights, and ticket holders get exclusive access to holiday parades, fireworks over Cinderella Castle, character meet-and-greets in holiday costumes, and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies at stations throughout the park. November nights tend to be less crowded than December dates. Ticket prices vary by date, with earlier November nights generally being the most affordable option.
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
Mid-November through early January
The Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee opens its annual ICE! exhibition in mid-November, featuring 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures kept at -9°C (15°F) inside a massive freezer tent. Each year follows a different holiday theme. You'll shuffle through in provided parkas while the cold bites at your fingers and your breath clouds in front of you. It runs through early January.
Best things to do in November
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival grazing
food_and_drinkWalk the World Showcase lagoon and eat your way through 30+ global food booths. A full loop covers about 2 km. November's smaller crowds mean you can hit 8-10 booths in an afternoon without much queuing. The Brazil booth's cheese bread and the Japan booth's teriyaki chicken tend to draw the longest lines.
November has the shortest booth wait times of the festival's entire 4-month run, since October's local annual passholder crowds have thinned and the Thanksgiving rush hasn't startedBooking tipNo separate ticket needed beyond EPCOT admission. Weekday visits have noticeably shorter booth lines than weekends.
Theme park marathon before Thanksgiving crowds
theme_parksThe first three weeks of November offer 30-40% lighter attendance at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld compared to summer. Ride VelociCoaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure, TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure back-to-back with wait times that feel almost reasonable.
The window between Halloween event crowds and the Thanksgiving surge creates one of Orlando's lowest-attendance periods of the yearBooking tipLightning Lane and Express Pass purchases are still useful for headliner rides, but you'll get more value from standby lines this month than in summer or December.
Airboat ride through the Everglades headwaters
natureCentral Florida's airboat operators run tours through the marshes and cypress swamps within 30-45 minutes of Orlando. November's cooler mornings bring the alligators out to bask on the banks, and the lower water levels from the end of rainy season concentrate wildlife into visible channels. The roar of the fan engine, the spray of swamp water, and the occasional close pass by a 3-meter gator are hard to replicate anywhere else.
Cooler air and receding water levels push alligators onto visible banks, and the biting insects that plague summer tours drop off sharplyBooking tipMorning tours starting before 10 a.m. have the best wildlife sighting rates. Book directly with operators in Kissimmee or St. Cloud rather than through hotel concierges.
Bike the West Orange Trail
outdoorThe 35 km (22-mile) paved trail runs from Killarney Station near downtown Orlando west through Winter Garden and Apopka. November mornings in the 16°C (60°F) range are ideal cycling weather. The trail passes through oak hammocks, citrus groves, and the charming downtown of Winter Garden, where you can stop at the Plant Street Market for coffee.
The summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms that make outdoor cycling miserable from June through September are gone, replaced by dry mornings in the mid-teens CelsiusBooking tipRent bikes at West Orange Bikes & Blades near the Winter Garden trailhead. The trail is free and open dawn to dusk.
Thanksgiving dinner at a Disney resort
food_and_drinkWalt Disney World's resort restaurants run special Thanksgiving buffets and prix fixe menus on the fourth Thursday of November. Liberty Tree Tavern inside Magic Kingdom serves a traditional turkey dinner year-round, but on Thanksgiving Day it takes on a different energy. The restaurants fill early, and the smell of roasted turkey and sage dressing competes with the popcorn carts on Main Street.
Thanksgiving falls in late November, and the themed resort restaurants offer holiday meals that save families from cooking in a vacation rental kitchenBooking tipReservations for Thanksgiving Day dining at Disney properties open 60 days in advance and fill within hours. Set a reminder and book the moment the window opens.
Day trip to Mount Dora
day_tripThe town of Mount Dora sits 45 minutes northwest of Orlando on the shore of Lake Dora. Its downtown stretches along Donnelly Street with antique shops, galleries, and cafes in early-1900s buildings. November brings comfortable walking weather and the town's craft fair season. The lakefront park has views across the water to rolling hills that feel nothing like the Orlando flatlands.
November's cooler temperatures make walking the hilly downtown comfortable, and the town's fall festival and craft fair season peaks this monthBooking tipVisit on a weekend to catch the Renninger's Antique Market on Highway 441. Parking in downtown Mount Dora is free but limited on event weekends.
Kennedy Space Center visit
attractionThe Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex sits about 70 minutes east of Orlando on Merritt Island. November's moderate weather makes the outdoor exhibits and bus tours to the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads far more comfortable than summer's 32°C heat. The Saturn V Center's rocket hall is one of the most staggering rooms in Florida, the scale of the thing impossible to grasp from photos.
The outdoor bus tour to restricted areas and the Rocket Garden walk are far more comfortable in 25°C weather than in summer heat, and November crowds at the Visitor Complex are lighter than school holiday periodsBooking tipCheck the launch schedule before picking a date. If a SpaceX or ULA launch aligns with your visit, viewing from the Visitor Complex bleachers is unforgettable.
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Fresh Florida citrus
November opens Florida's citrus season. Navel oranges, tangerines, and early grapefruits arrive at roadside stands along Highway 27 and at the Winter Garden Farmers Market. The fruit is heavier and juicier than anything shipped to supermarkets up north, with a sweetness that comes from ripening on the tree rather than in a warehouse.
On menus now
Stone crab claws
Florida's stone crab season runs October 15 through May 15. November is when local restaurants along Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road and in Winter Park start featuring them on menus. The claws are served chilled with mustard sauce, the meat firm and briny.
Pumpkin and pecan pies
Bakeries across Orlando lean into Thanksgiving flavors starting in early November. Se7en Bites on Primrose Drive in the Milk District and the Gideon's Bakehouse location at Disney Springs both run seasonal specials through the month.
Street food peaks
Smoked turkey legs
A theme park staple that peaks around Thanksgiving. The smoky, salt-crusted legs at Magic Kingdom's Frontierland and Universal's Springfield sell at a steady clip all November. The smell drifts across entire park sections.
Festival food
EPCOT festival small plates
The Food & Wine Festival booths serve dishes sized between a tasting portion and a full plate. November favorites tend to include the filet mignon from Canada, the lamb chop from Australia, and the cheese fondue from the Alps booth. Lines at popular booths drop noticeably after the first week of November.
Regular events in November
Orlando Philharmonic Holiday Pops
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra opens its holiday concert series in late November at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Magnolia Avenue downtown. The program mixes seasonal standards with film score medleys.
Late November (typically the weekend after Thanksgiving)Light Up UCF
The University of Central Florida campus transforms its Memory Mall into a holiday village with ice skating, carnival rides, and holiday lights starting in late November. It runs nightly through early January and draws both students and families from across the metro area.
Opens late November, runs through early JanuaryWinter Garden Farmers MarketFree
The Saturday morning farmers market in downtown Winter Garden's Pavilion runs year-round, but November is when the fresh citrus, local honey, and fall produce peak. The market occupies the covered pavilion on Plant Street with 50+ vendors.
Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park hosts its annual Festival of Trees in mid-to-late November, with dozens of elaborately decorated trees, gingerbread house displays, and live entertainment. It benefits local charities.
Mid-to-late NovemberRun Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend typically falls in early November, with races winding through EPCOT and along Disney property roads. The post-race party in EPCOT with access to Food & Wine Festival booths draws thousands of runners and spectators.
Early November (typically the first or second weekend)Best places this November
EPCOT World Showcase
theme_parkThe 1.6 km loop around the World Showcase lagoon holds 11 country pavilions. In November, the Food & Wine Festival booths fill the gaps between pavilions with global street food and drink. The Mexico pavilion's indoor boat ride is a cool escape, and the Japan pavilion's Mitsukoshi department store is one of the most browsable shops on Disney property.
Walt Disney WorldPark Avenue, Winter Park
neighborhoodWinter Park's central shopping and dining street runs 10 blocks between Morse Boulevard and Fairbanks Avenue. In November, the oak-canopied sidewalks are comfortable enough for extended browsing. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art on the avenue holds the world's largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass.
Winter ParkLeu Gardens
gardenHarry P. Leu Gardens covers 20 hectares (50 acres) on the shore of Lake Rowena, about 3 km north of downtown Orlando. November is when the rose garden peaks, with 1,000+ bushes in bloom. The butterfly garden and bamboo grove stay lush year-round, and the humidity feels manageable under the live oak canopy.
Audubon ParkDisney Springs
shopping_diningDisney's open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment district along the shore of Village Lake requires no park ticket. November evenings bring holiday decorations and cooler air for the outdoor walkways. The Boathouse restaurant on the waterfront and Morimoto Asia in The Landing draw local foodies alongside tourists.
Walt Disney WorldWekiwa Springs State Park
natureWekiwa Springs sits 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando. The spring maintains a constant 22°C (72°F) year-round, which in November actually feels warmer than the morning air. The 3 km Rock Springs Run paddle trail winds through a cypress-lined creek where you might spot turtles, blue herons, and the occasional river otter.
ApopkaInternational Drive
tourist_districtOrlando's tourist corridor stretches 18 km from the Premium Outlets on the north end to the Orange County Convention Center on the south. The ICON Park Ferris wheel stands 120 meters tall. November's lower hotel occupancy means lighter sidewalk traffic than summer, and restaurant reservation availability improves across the corridor.
International DriveThe Mall at Millenia
shoppingOrlando's upscale mall on Conroy Road draws both locals and visitors. November brings holiday window displays and pre-Black Friday shopping events. The outdoor promenade between buildings is more pleasant in 25°C weather than in summer heat.
South Orlando
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival booths are least crowded on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 5 and 7 p.m. The weekend brunch crowd and Friday night date-night locals create noticeably longer lines.
The Skyliner gondola system connecting EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and several Disney resorts is free to ride and offers aerial views of the property. In November's clear weather, it doubles as a sightseeing experience with no wait.
If a cold front blows through mid-visit, don't cancel outdoor plans. Central Florida cold fronts typically clear in 24-36 hours and leave behind the driest, clearest skies of the month. The day after a front is often the best weather day of a November trip.
Universal's Islands of Adventure tends to have its lightest attendance on the first two Mondays and Tuesdays of November. Check the Universal Orlando app's crowd calendar the night before for next-day estimates.
The Morse Museum in Winter Park offers free admission on Friday evenings from November through April, 4-8 p.m. The Tiffany Chapel interior is worth the trip alone.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only shorts and t-shirts because it's Florida. November evenings at 16°C (60°F) feel cold when you've been in air-conditioned spaces all day, and the open-air rides at Universal create wind chill.
- Booking a Thanksgiving week trip expecting shoulder-season pricing. Thanksgiving week hotel rates and park attendance rival Christmas and spring break. The savings disappear entirely that week.
- Skipping sunscreen because the temperature feels mild. The UV index in Central Florida in November still reaches 5-6 on clear days, enough to burn fair skin in under 45 minutes of direct exposure.
- Assuming all pools and water attractions are fully operational. Several Orlando resorts reduce pool hours or close heated pools for maintenance in November. Call your hotel directly to confirm pool schedules before booking if swimming matters to your trip.
- Driving to the theme parks without checking I-4 traffic patterns. Interstate 4 through Orlando is consistently ranked among the most congested highways in the United States. Use Waze or Google Maps and allow 30-45 extra minutes during morning park opening and evening closing surges.
Practical tips for November
November in Orlando rewards advance planning for Thanksgiving week and spontaneity for the rest of the month. Book dining reservations at Disney table-service restaurants 60 days out, especially for Thanksgiving Day itself. For the first three weeks of November, hotel availability along International Drive and in Kissimmee remains flexible enough to book within a few weeks of travel. Pack layers rather than heavy coats. The temperature swing between a 16°C morning and a 25°C afternoon catches visitors off guard every year. Bring a light jacket that fits in a park bag. Rent a car if you plan to explore beyond the theme parks. Wekiwa Springs, Mount Dora, Winter Park, and the Kennedy Space Center are all within 30-70 minutes of the I-Drive corridor but aren't well served by transit. Check your travel insurance policy for weather disruption coverage, since hurricane season runs through November 30. The odds of a direct impact are low, but Subtropical Storm Nicole in 2022 showed it's not impossible.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Orlando's theme parks?
November is one of the best months for Orlando theme parks, particularly the first three weeks before Thanksgiving. Crowds at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld run 30-40% lighter than summer peaks, and the 25°C (76°F) highs make full-day outdoor plans comfortable. Thanksgiving week is the exception, with attendance spiking to near-capacity levels.
What is the weather like in Orlando in November?
Average highs reach 25°C (76°F) and lows sit around 16°C (60°F). Rainfall drops to about 83mm over roughly 7 rainy days, mostly brief afternoon showers. Humidity averages 77%, noticeably lower than summer's 85%+. The occasional cold front can briefly push overnight lows to 10-12°C (50-54°F), but these typically clear within a day or two.
Is EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival still going in November?
Yes. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival typically runs from mid-July through late November, with the final weekend falling around November 22-23. November tends to have the shortest booth wait times of the entire festival run, since the heavy October local crowds have thinned and December brings the festival's end.
Should I avoid Orlando during Thanksgiving week?
Thanksgiving week brings near-peak crowds, higher hotel rates, and heavy traffic on I-4. Wait times at popular rides can reach 90-120 minutes. If you have flexibility, the first three weeks of November offer a dramatically different experience with lighter attendance and lower prices. If Thanksgiving week is your only option, book well in advance and consider purchasing skip-the-line passes.
Can you still swim in Orlando in November?
Pool swimming is possible but temperature-dependent. Morning air temperatures can dip to 12-14°C (54-57°F), and not all hotel pools are heated. The spring at Wekiwa Springs State Park maintains a constant 22°C (72°F) year-round. Water parks like Volcano Bay at Universal may reduce hours or close certain slides in November, so check schedules before planning a water park day.
Is hurricane season still a concern in November?
Hurricane season officially ends November 30, and the risk drops considerably compared to September and October. That said, Subtropical Storm Nicole made landfall near Vero Beach on November 10, 2022, closing Walt Disney World for a day. The odds of a November storm affecting your trip are low, but travel insurance with weather disruption coverage provides a reasonable safety net.
Things to Do in Orlando in November
Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour
Outdoor experience — 2.5 hours.
via Viator
Free cancellation Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee
Day trip — 11 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation 90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida
Outdoor experience — 1.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs
Outdoor experience — 2 hours.
via Viator
Free cancellation One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando
Outdoor experience — 1 hour, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation 30-Minute Airboat Ride near Orlando
Outdoor experience — 30 minutes, free cancellation.
via ViatorLast verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on June 17, 2026. What is automated review?