Things to Do in Baltimore in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Baltimore
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Crisp fall weather makes outdoor exploration genuinely pleasant - temperatures in the 40s-50s°F (4-15°C) mean you can walk the waterfront or explore Fells Point without the summer sweat or winter freeze. The air has that distinct mid-Atlantic autumn quality that's perfect for wandering.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in hard after Halloween - hotel rates typically drop 25-35% compared to summer peak, and you'll find restaurant reservations actually available on weekends. Flight prices from major hubs tend to be reasonable since you're between Thanksgiving rushes.
- The Inner Harbor and major attractions feel noticeably less crowded - you can actually move through the National Aquarium without being sardined against the glass, and Fort McHenry becomes this contemplative experience rather than a tour bus parade.
- Ravens football season is in full swing, which gives the city this electric energy on game days. Even if you're not attending, the pre-game atmosphere around M&T Bank Stadium and the surrounding bars is genuinely fun to experience - very Baltimore.
Considerations
- Daylight gets scarce quickly - by mid-November, sunset hits around 4:50pm, which means your outdoor sightseeing window shrinks considerably. That waterfront walk you planned for late afternoon? You'll be doing it in darkness and dropping temperatures.
- Weather genuinely swings wildly in November - you might get a gorgeous 65°F (18°C) day followed by a 38°F (3°C) drizzle the next morning. Those 10 rainy days aren't predictable, and the variable conditions mean packing becomes an exercise in covering all scenarios.
- Thanksgiving week (November 24-30 in 2026) throws everything off - if your trip overlaps, expect higher prices, crowded restaurants requiring reservations days ahead, and many locals out of town visiting family. The Tuesday-Wednesday before Thanksgiving sees packed airports and stressed travel conditions.
Best Activities in November
Inner Harbor and National Aquarium visits
November's cooler weather makes the indoor-outdoor mix of the Inner Harbor ideal. The National Aquarium is substantially less crowded than summer months - you'll actually get quality time at the jellyfish exhibit without elbows in your ribs. The harbor promenade is pleasant for walking in 45-55°F (7-13°C) temperatures, and you can duck into the Maryland Science Center or Historic Ships when the wind picks up off the water. The low sun angle in November creates surprisingly good photography light in late morning.
Fort McHenry National Monument tours
The fort is genuinely better in November than summer - fewer crowds mean you can explore the star-shaped fortification without navigating tour groups, and the cooler temperatures make the exposed grounds comfortable for the 45-60 minute walking tour. The Chesapeake Bay winds can be brisk, but that's actually atmospheric when you're standing where Francis Scott Key watched the bombardment. Rangers tend to have more time for questions in the off-season.
Fells Point and neighborhood walking exploration
November is actually ideal for exploring Baltimore's historic waterfront neighborhoods on foot. The cobblestone streets of Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Mount Vernon are pleasant in fall temperatures, and the lack of summer humidity means you can comfortably walk 3-5 km (2-3 miles) without wilting. Weekend afternoons bring locals out to the pubs and coffee shops, giving you an authentic neighborhood vibe. The bare trees reveal architectural details you'd miss in leafy summer.
Lexington Market and Cross Street Market food exploration
Baltimore's public markets are indoor-outdoor affairs that work beautifully in November weather - you can warm up inside while sampling crab cakes, pit beef, and Berger cookies, then step outside to browse vendor stalls when you need air. Cross Street Market in Federal Hill has been recently renovated and offers a more curated experience. November means oyster season is ramping up, and you'll find Chesapeake oysters at their peak quality and reasonable prices.
American Visionary Art Museum and museum circuit
November's unpredictable weather makes Baltimore's museum scene particularly valuable - you need quality indoor options for those rainy or cold days. The American Visionary Art Museum is genuinely unique (outsider art in a converted whiskey warehouse), and November's lower crowds mean you can spend time with the installations. The Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum are both free admission and substantial enough for 2-3 hours each. The indoor-outdoor sculpture gardens work in mild November weather.
Ravens game day experience at M&T Bank Stadium
If your November dates align with a home game (typically 2-3 per month), the game day atmosphere is quintessentially Baltimore - passionate but not aggressive, with serious tailgating culture. Even if you're not a football fan, the pre-game scene in the surrounding lots and bars (starting 3-4 hours before kickoff) offers real local flavor. November games mean cooler temperatures but usually not the brutal cold of December-January.
November Events & Festivals
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Baltimore's annual parade runs through downtown on Thanksgiving morning, featuring marching bands, floats, and local performance groups. It's smaller and more community-focused than major city parades, which actually makes it more accessible - you can show up 30-45 minutes before start time and still get decent viewing spots along the route. Locals treat it as a pre-feast tradition.
Miracle on 34th Street holiday lights
The Hampden neighborhood's famous Christmas light display typically switches on in late November, transforming an entire block of rowhouses into an over-the-top holiday spectacle. Residents compete for the most elaborate decorations, and the street becomes a pedestrian-only zone on weekends. It's genuinely impressive and completely free - very Baltimore in its enthusiastic lack of restraint.