Things to Do in Savannah in November

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Stay in Savannah in November

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November might be the most underrated month for Savannah. After five months of summer heat that pushes highs past 28°C (82°F), with humidity that can reach 90%, the city cools into a range that rewards all-day walking. Afternoons reach the low 20s Celsius, upper 60s Fahrenheit. Mornings drop to the low teens, low 50s. The live oaks along Bull Street still hold their full green canopy, Spanish moss sways in drier breezes, and the squares from Johnson at the north end down through Chippewa and Monterey take on a quieter, golden quality under the lower autumn sun.

To be fair, Savannah does not put on a New England foliage show. Most of its signature trees are evergreen. But the ginkgoes in Columbia Square and the crepe myrtles around Chippewa Square do turn golden and red, and Forsyth Park's canopy shifts enough to notice. On cooler mornings you might catch the faint smell of woodsmoke from fireplaces in Ardsley Park, and the lower-angle light throws longer shadows across the grid that James Oglethorpe laid out in the 1730s. The line outside Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room on Jones Street drops from an hour to 20 minutes on weekday mornings. Leopold's Ice Cream on Broughton Street feels less frantic without the summer crowds. The whole city downshifts.

Hotel pricing sits near Savannah's annual average, occasionally dipping for midweek stays. The SCAD Savannah Film Festival typically carries into the first few days of November from its late-October start, and the Starland District's First Friday Art March draws locals to gallery openings on the month's first evening. The Savannah Food and Wine Festival fills mid-November. The stretch between these events and Thanksgiving tends to be the quietest period on the city's tourism calendar. By month's end, holiday visitors arrive and River Street begins its seasonal decorating.

Why visit in November

Comfortable walking temperatures after 5 months of 30°C-plus heat, with crisp mornings and mild afternoons through squares like Chippewa, Monterey, and Madison.
Thinner crowds than October's fall peak or December's holiday surge, especially on weekdays before Thanksgiving.
Peak oyster season along the Georgia coast, with fresh November-harvest pecans feeding the city's praline shops and fall menus.
Lower autumn sun creates warmer, more dramatic light through the live oak canopies and Spanish moss, particularly in the late afternoon.

Worth knowing

Afternoon downpours can interrupt a walking tour with 10-15 minutes of heavy rain, and cloud cover occasionally lingers for 2-3 consecutive days.
Evenings cool enough that outdoor dining becomes uncomfortable without layers, while some restaurants still run air conditioning during the warmer daytime hours.
Several locally owned restaurants and shops in the Starland and Victorian districts close for 3-4 days around Thanksgiving, limiting options outside the Historic District late in the month.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 21° / 11°C 78mm rain · 8 rainy days · 74% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.2h/day · 87% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack Layer a light sweater or flannel over a t-shirt for the morning-to-afternoon temperature swing, carry a compact rain jacket for passing showers, and wear closed-toe shoes for Savannah's brick-and-cobblestone sidewalks that get slick when wet.

November in Savannah feels like a reward after the long, sticky summer. The thick humidity that defines June through September loosens to around 74%. Expect about 78mm of rainfall spread across roughly 8 days, arriving in quick bursts that rarely last more than 30 minutes. Days are mild enough for a single layer by afternoon, but mornings carry a chill that surprises visitors who associate Georgia with year-round heat.

Seasonal caution

Atlantic hurricane season officially runs through November 30. Late-season storms threatening the Georgia coast are rare but not unprecedented. Check NOAA forecasts before traveling, particularly in the first two weeks of the month.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Savannah
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	16	6	79
Feb	19	9	77
Mar	22	12	110
Apr	25	15	69
May	28	19	88
Jun	31	22	132
Jul	32	24	156
Aug	31	24	232
Sep	29	21	126
Oct	25	16	72
Nov	21	11	78
Dec	18	8	83

Holidays and festivals in November

Public holidays

Veterans Day(Veterans Day)11 November 2026
Thanksgiving Day(Thanksgiving Day)26 November 2026

When is Christmas season in 2026?

27 November to 26 December 2026

Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Savannah. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.

Private Historic Christmas Walking Tour in Savannah

2 hr
Free cancellation
Private tour
Easy pace

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Best things to do in November

Walking tour of the Historic District squares

sightseeing

Walk the grid of public squares between River Street and Forsyth Park. The route passes Johnson Square, the oldest, before continuing south through Chippewa, Monterey, and Madison to the park. The full circuit covers roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) through over 20 individually designed green spaces, each framed by live oaks, historic homes, and monuments.

November's temperatures in the low 20s Celsius make all-day walking comfortable for the first time since April, without the drenching summer humidity.

Booking tipSelf-guided tours are free. Guided walking tours tend to sell out on Saturday mornings, so book at least 2 days ahead for weekend slots.

Bonaventure Cemetery walk

sightseeing

A cemetery established in 1846, where live oaks draped in Spanish moss arch over graves dating to the colonial era. The Bird Girl statue from the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil cover was photographed here before moving to the Telfair Museums.

November's lower sun angle creates long shadows through the oak canopy, and cooler temperatures allow extended walking without the summer heat and mosquitoes.

Booking tipFree and open daily 08:00 to 17:00. Guided tours with local historians run on weekends and may need advance booking.

Fort Pulaski National Monument day trip

history

A Civil War-era fortification on Cockspur Island east of downtown. The 1829 fort's brick walls bear visible damage from the 1862 Battle of Fort Pulaski, and surrounding trails wind through salt marsh landscapes.

The fort sits on an exposed island with almost no shade, making summer visits uncomfortable. November's cooler temperatures allow unhurried exploration of the open ramparts and marsh trails.

Booking tipOpen daily 09:00 to 17:00. About 25 minutes east by car. Pairs well with a Tybee Island stop on the same road.

Kayaking the coastal marshes

outdoor

Paddle through salt marshes near Skidaway Island or along the Moon River, surrounded by cordgrass and tidal creeks. November's milder daytime temperatures make for a comfortable outing, and the marshes are home to herons, egrets, and ospreys.

Mosquito populations drop sharply in the cooler weather, and migratory shorebirds pass through the salt marshes, making November one of the better months for marsh paddling.

Booking tipOutfitters operate from Skidaway Island and Thunderbolt. Weekday mornings draw smaller groups. Reserve at least 3 days ahead for Saturday departures.

SCAD Museum of Art visit

culture

The museum, which opened in 2002 within the Savannah College of Art and Design campus, houses contemporary art and design exhibitions that rotate seasonally. The building itself is worth seeing for its architectural integration of a historic railroad structure.

New fall exhibitions typically open by late October, and November's thinner crowds let you spend more time with individual pieces than during the congested spring months.

Booking tipOpen Tuesday through Sunday. Advance booking is rarely needed in November.

Ghost tours of the Historic District

culture

Savannah consistently ranks among the most reportedly haunted cities in the country. Evening walking tours cover sites like the Sorrel-Weed House on Madison Square, the Moon River Brewing Company building on Bay Street, and Colonial Park Cemetery, mixing documented history with local ghost lore. The Sorrel-Weed House also runs its own in-house investigation tours.

Shorter November days mean tours walk through properly dark streets by 18:30. Cooler air and occasional fog from the Savannah River add atmosphere that the sweltering summer months cannot match.

Booking tipFriday and Saturday nights sell out first. Book at least a week ahead for popular operators, especially during the first week when the film festival crowd is still in town.

What to eat in November

On menus now

She-crab soup
A cream-based soup made with local blue crab and a splash of dry sherry, traditional to the Lowcountry. Cooler weather brings it back to menus at restaurants along the riverfront and in the downtown squares.
Collard greens
The first cool nights of November sweeten collard leaves, which most Savannah restaurants serve braised low and slow with smoked pork as a side dish.
Country Captain chicken
A curry-spiced chicken dish unique to Savannah, traced to the city's 19th-century spice trade through its port. It appears on traditional menus and tends to sell better once the cooler months arrive.

Street food peaks

Pralines
Savannah's signature candy, made from sugar, butter, cream, and the fall pecan harvest. River Street and City Market shops sell them warm, and the new-crop nuts in November lend a particular richness.

In markets

Georgia coast oysters
Wild-harvested oysters from the Georgia coast reach their best as water temperatures drop in the cooler months. November sits in the traditional R-month window, and you will find them raw, roasted over fire, or folded into rich stews at restaurants across the Historic District.
Georgia pecans
Georgia produces more pecans than any other U.S. state, and the harvest peaks in October and November. Fresh-shelled nuts appear at markets and roadside stands south of the city along Highway 17.

Regular events in November

SCAD Savannah Film Festival

The Savannah College of Art and Design hosts its annual film festival with screenings at the Lucas Theatre and other SCAD venues across the Historic District. Celebrity appearances, panel discussions, and student film showcases draw cinephiles and industry professionals.

Late October through early November

Veterans Day Parade and ObservancesFree

Savannah marks Veterans Day with a downtown parade and observances at Emmet Park near the riverfront, reflecting the city's military ties to nearby Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield.

November 11

First Friday Art MarchFree

Starland District galleries and studios open their doors on the first Friday evening of each month, with local artists showing recent work and refreshments at most venues.

First Friday of November

Savannah Food and Wine Festival

A multi-day festival celebrating Lowcountry cuisine with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and special dinners at restaurants across the city. Events range from casual outdoor markets to seated wine-pairing dinners.

Mid-November

Best places this November

Forsyth Park
park
Savannah's central green space, established in 1840, stretches across 12 hectares (30 acres) between the Historic and Victorian districts. November brings autumn color to the ginkgoes and crepe myrtles while the live oaks stay green. A walk from the fountain at the north end to the Confederate Memorial at the south end takes about 15 minutes at a slow pace.
Historic District
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
landmark
Savannah's largest church, completed in 1873 on Lafayette Square. The twin spires are visible from several blocks away. Inside, the stained glass catches the lower November sun at a different angle than in summer, with longer light beams reaching deeper into the nave during afternoon visits.
Historic District
Mercer Williams House
museum
The 1868 Italianate mansion on Monterey Square, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. November is one of the quieter months to tour the house, without the spring garden crowds or summer tour bus congestion outside.
Historic District
Wormsloe Historic Site
historic site
A 2.4 km (1.5-mile) avenue of live oaks leads to the tabby ruins of a colonial estate on the Isle of Hope. November's lower sun angle sends shafts of light through the canopy, and the cooler weather suits the walk far better than July or August.
Isle of Hope
Telfair Museums
museum
Savannah's oldest public art museum, founded in 1886, operates across two buildings. The Jepson Center houses contemporary work while the Telfair Academy focuses on 19th-century American and European art. A reliable option when November rain interrupts outdoor plans.
Historic District
Victorian District
neighborhood
The residential neighborhood south of Forsyth Park, lined with restored Victorian-era homes and mature trees. Less tourist foot traffic than the squares to the north, and November's lower light through the canopy makes for strong photography on the quieter side streets.
Victorian District

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Light layering flannel or zip-up sweaterNovember mornings start cool and afternoons warm enough to shed a layer. A shirt you can tie around your waist or stow in a bag works better than a structured jacket for all-day walking. Shop
Compact umbrellaNovember rain in Savannah arrives as quick downpours without much buildup. A compact umbrella fits in a day bag and lets you shelter under a square's gazebo while you wait out the shower. Shop
Closed-toe shoes with textured solesThe Historic District's brick sidewalks, tabby paths, and exposed tree roots create uneven surfaces that get slippery after rain. Flat soles lose grip on wet brick. Shop
Light scarf or neck warmerWind off the Savannah River adds a chill to evening walks along River Street and Factors Walk. Temperatures near the water feel several degrees cooler than in the sheltered squares inland. Shop
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Coastal Georgia's UV index still reaches moderate levels in November, and you will likely spend 4-6 hours outdoors walking the squares. Shop
Warmer evening layer (fleece or light down jacket)By mid-November the sun sets around 17:30 and temperatures drop quickly after dark. A heavier layer prevents cutting short a ghost tour or evening dinner walk. Shop
Sunglasses with polarized lensesThe lower November sun angle puts glare directly at eye level during morning and late-afternoon walks, particularly on the east-west cross streets. Shop

Insider tips

The Saturday farmers' market in Forsyth Park is one of the better markets in the coastal Southeast. November brings Georgia pecans, satsuma oranges, and tupelo honey from the Vidalia area. The morning air is finally cool enough to browse at a comfortable pace, and the crowd is mostly locals.
Congregation Mickve Israel, on Monterey Square, was founded in 1733 and is one of the oldest Jewish congregations in North America. It holds the only Gothic Revival synagogue in the country. Most visitors walk past without knowing what it is.
If the First Friday Art March falls during your visit, the densest stretch of studios sits along Bull Street south of 37th Street in the Starland District. The crowd skews young, mostly SCAD students and local creatives, and several venues serve wine.
Tybee Island is a 30-minute drive east on US-80 and worth visiting in November for the near-empty North Beach. The Tybee Island Light Station, established in 1736, has 178 steps to the top, and the cooler November air makes the climb far more bearable than in summer. The pier at the south end gives a wide view back toward the lighthouse and is open for fishing.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing for summer weather because Savannah is in the Deep South. November mornings are chilly enough to need a proper jacket, and evening ghost tours or waterfront dinners will be cold without layers.
Assuming all restaurants stay open during Thanksgiving week. Popular spots like The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square and The Grey on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard require Thanksgiving reservations weeks in advance, while many locally owned restaurants in the Starland and Victorian districts close for the holiday entirely.
Driving everywhere instead of walking. The Historic District's 22 squares sit on a compact grid designed for pedestrians. Parking is limited and metered until 20:00. November's comfortable weather supports 8 km (5 miles) on foot without trouble.

Practical tips for November

Book Historic District accommodations at least 3 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving week, when family visitors fill the boutique hotels along the squares. Most Savannah museums keep regular hours through November but may close on Thanksgiving Day. Layer clothing for the morning-to-afternoon temperature swing. River Street restaurants fill up on Friday and Saturday evenings, so reserve by Wednesday for weekend dinners. The Savannah Belles Ferry across the river to Hutchinson Island runs on a reduced schedule after daylight saving time ends in early November. Solo travelers should note that Savannah scores 6.2 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index). The Historic District is well-lit and regularly patrolled. Neighborhoods south of Victory Drive and west of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard feel less welcoming after dark.

FAQ

Is November a good time to visit Savannah?

November typically ranks in the top 3 months for visiting Savannah, alongside October and April. The summer heat and humidity have fully passed, and comfortable daytime temperatures make walking the 22 squares from Johnson at the river down through Chippewa and Monterey practical and pleasant. Crowds are thinner than in October or December, and hotel availability is strong outside of Thanksgiving week.

What is the weather like in Savannah in November?

Expect comfortable daytime warmth and cool mornings that call for a light jacket. Rain arrives in short bursts rather than all-day drizzle, with roughly one day in three seeing some rainfall. Humidity is lower than summer but still noticeable for visitors from drier climates. Layers are essential for the roughly 10°C swing between sunrise and mid-afternoon.

Is Savannah crowded in November?

Early and mid-November are among the quieter periods on Savannah's tourism calendar. Restaurants like The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square are easier to book, and the squares less congested than in October or December. Thanksgiving week is the clear exception, when family visitors fill downtown hotels and dinner reservations at places like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room become harder to secure. The Saturday after Thanksgiving tends to be the busiest single day of the month.

Can you swim at Tybee Island in November?

The ocean water drops to about 18°C (64°F) by November, too cold for comfortable swimming. The beach is mostly deserted, which makes it better for walks and shell hunting than during packed summer weekends. The Tybee Island Light Station, established in 1736, and the pier at the south end are the main draws for a half-day trip at this time of year.