Baltimore - Things to Do in Baltimore in November

Things to Do in Baltimore in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Baltimore

18°C (64°F) High Temp
7°C (45°F) Low Temp
89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect fall foliage season - Patterson Park and Federal Hill offer stunning autumn colors without summer crowds
  • Ideal outdoor walking weather with crisp 18°C (64°F) highs perfect for Inner Harbor exploration and neighborhood tours
  • Peak blue crab season finale - locals know November is the last chance for premium hard-shell crabs before winter
  • Hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks, with waterfront properties offering excellent value before holiday pricing kicks in

Considerations

  • Daylight hours shrink rapidly - sunset by 5:15 PM means outdoor activities must start early
  • Weather unpredictability with temperature swings of 11°C (20°F) between warm and cold fronts requiring multiple clothing layers
  • Some water-based activities like harbor kayaking become uncomfortable due to wind chill and choppy conditions

Best Activities in November

Fort McHenry Historical Walking Tours

November's crisp weather is perfect for exploring this star-shaped fort without summer's oppressive humidity. The 15°C (59°F) average temperature makes the 1.6 km (1 mile) waterfront walk comfortable, and fall lighting creates dramatic photography opportunities of the flag ceremony at sunset.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through National Park Service programs, typically $15-25 per person. Many tours include indoor museum time to warm up. See current scheduled tours in the booking section below.

American Visionary Art Museum Indoor Experiences

Baltimore's quirkiest museum becomes essential in November when rain drives visitors indoors 10 days of the month. The heated galleries showcase outsider art perfect for Instagram, and November features special exhibitions timed for the shoulder season.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online for $16-20, avoid weekend afternoons when local families visit during cooler weather. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience including the sculpture barn.

Inner Harbor Food Market Tours

November brings comfort food season to Baltimore's markets - perfect timing for hot crab soup, warm oyster stew, and steaming crab cakes. Lexington Market vendors offer seasonal specialties, and the covered areas provide shelter from November's frequent light rain.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours run $45-65 per person, book 5-7 days ahead as group sizes are smaller in cooler weather. Tours typically last 3 hours with indoor and covered stops. Check current food tour options below.

Federal Hill Park Sunrise Photography Sessions

November offers the year's clearest views of the Inner Harbor skyline - crisp air reduces haze and autumn light creates golden hour conditions. The 0.8 km (0.5 mile) climb is comfortable in cool temperatures, and fewer tourists mean unobstructed photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops run $75-120 for 2-hour sessions. Book early morning slots (7-9 AM) for best light conditions. Private sessions available through local photography groups.

Fell's Point Cobblestone District Tours

Cool November weather makes walking the historic cobblestone streets comfortable - summer heat makes these tours exhausting. Ghost tours thrive in the crisp autumn air, and November's early sunset at 5:15 PM creates perfect atmospheric conditions for evening historical walks.

Booking Tip: Ghost and historical tours cost $20-35 per person, book weekend tours 10-14 days ahead as they're popular with locals in pleasant fall weather. Tours last 90 minutes with pub stops for warmth.

National Aquarium Deep Ocean Experiences

November is ideal for Baltimore's crown jewel attraction - no summer crowds, comfortable indoor climate, and special shark feeding programs scheduled for shoulder season. The 2-3 hour visit provides perfect shelter from unpredictable November weather.

Booking Tip: Advance tickets save $5-8 and guarantee entry during busy weekend periods. General admission $35-45, allow extra time for the 4D theater. Book timed entry slots online to avoid waiting in November's variable weather conditions.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Fell's Point Fun Festival (if weather permits)

Historic cobblestone streets come alive with local artisans, live music, and traditional Chesapeake Bay food vendors. The crisp November air makes browsing outdoor booths comfortable.

Mid to Late November

Light City Baltimore Preparation Events

November features pre-event installations and artist workshops as Baltimore prepares for its signature light festival. Behind-the-scenes tours offer unique access to the creative process.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - cobblestone streets in Fell's Point become slippery when wet from November's 89 mm (3.5 inches) of rain
Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 7°C (45°F) mornings to 18°C (64°F) afternoons require adaptable outfits
Compact umbrella - light rain occurs 10 days per month, usually brief afternoon showers lasting 15-30 minutes
Medium-weight jacket or fleece - essential for harbor breezes that make temperatures feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder than actual
Smartphone weather app - November weather changes quickly with frontal systems moving through every 3-4 days
Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phones for navigation and photography
Warm hat and gloves - early morning and evening activities near the water require extra warmth protection
Breathable base layers - indoor attractions are heated to 22-24°C (72-75°F), creating temperature contrast with outdoor conditions
Small backpack or crossbody bag - hands-free carrying essential for navigating wet cobblestones safely
SPF 30 sunscreen - UV index of 3 still requires protection during midday outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Harbor East restaurants offer 'November Neighbors' discounts (20-30% off) to attract locals during the shoulder season - ask servers about current promotions
Free downtown circulator bus runs every 10-15 minutes and provides warm transport between attractions when November weather turns nasty
Camden Yards offers behind-the-scenes stadium tours in November for $12-15 - much cheaper than summer game day experiences and includes heated indoor areas
Local blue crab houses slash prices in late November as the season ends - quality remains high but costs drop 40% from summer peaks

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind chill near the harbor - waterfront temperatures feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than inland areas due to constant breeze
Planning full outdoor days without indoor backup options when November's 10 rainy days can appear with little warning
Wearing cotton clothing that stays wet and cold - synthetic or wool materials dry faster during November's variable conditions

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