Charlotte in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Charlotte

77°F (25°C) High Temp

68°F (20°C) Low Temp

2.0 inches (51mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak NASCAR season at Charlotte Motor Speedway with playoff races and moderate temperatures perfect for tailgating without summer's oppressive heat
Fall foliage at Crowders Mountain State Park peaks in early November, with crisp 68°F (20°C) mornings ideal for hiking the 1.5-mile (2.4km) summit trail
Restaurant Week Charlotte typically runs mid-November, offering $35-45 prix fixe menus at upscale restaurants normally charging $60-80 per person
Hornets NBA season is in full swing at Spectrum Center with discounted early-season tickets averaging $25-40 compared to $50-70 in peak months

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 77°F (25°C) to 45°F (7°C) within 48 hours due to passing cold fronts, making packing challenging
Afternoon thunderstorms occur roughly every third day, typically between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor festival and market schedules
College football crowds from nearby universities drive up hotel rates by 40-60% on home game weekends, particularly around Davidson and UNC Charlotte games

Best Activities in November

U.S. National Whitewater Center Adventure Activities

November's cooler temperatures make whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and rock climbing comfortable without summer's heat exhaustion risk. Water temperature stays around 60°F (16°C), perfect with provided wetsuits. Fall colors along the Catawba River create impressive backdrops for photography. Crowds thin out significantly after Halloween, meaning shorter wait times for popular attractions.

Booking Tip: Book outdoor activities for morning slots (9am-12pm) to avoid afternoon rain chances. Multi-activity packages typically cost $85-120 per person. Check weather 48 hours ahead as activities close during storms. See current adventure packages in the booking section below.

Charlotte Motor Speedway Racing Experiences

November marks the heart of NASCAR playoff season with Can-Am 500 typically occurring early in the month. Even without race weekends, driving experiences and track tours benefit from ideal weather - warm enough for open-air activities but cool enough to wear racing suits comfortably. The track's 1.5-mile (2.4km) oval offers driving experiences and behind-the-scenes tours.

Booking Tip: Non-race weekend experiences cost $150-400 per person depending on driving packages. Race weekend hotel prices triple, so book 6-8 weeks ahead if visiting during NASCAR events. Weekday visits offer better pricing and smaller groups. Current racing experiences available in booking section below.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain Day Trips

Located 90 minutes (145km) north of Charlotte, Grandfather Mountain's Mile High Swinging Bridge sits at 5,280 feet (1,609m) elevation. November temperatures at this elevation drop to 45-55°F (7-13°C), creating crisp mountain air perfect for hiking. Late fall offers crystal-clear views extending 100+ miles (161km) on clear days, with minimal summer haze.

Booking Tip: Full-day mountain tours typically cost $120-180 per person including transportation from Charlotte. Book midweek to avoid weekend leaf-peeper crowds. Mountain weather changes rapidly - tours may cancel with 6-hour notice for safety. See current Blue Ridge excursions in booking section below.

Historic Uptown Charlotte Food and Brewery Walking Tours

November's mild evenings make 2-3 hour walking tours through South End and NoDa neighborhoods comfortable without summer humidity. Charlotte's craft brewery scene thrives in cooler weather when outdoor beer gardens become inviting. The 2-mile (3.2km) brewery corridor features 15+ breweries within walking distance of light rail stations.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost $65-85 per person and book up faster on weekends due to pleasant weather. Start tours by 5pm before afternoon shower possibilities. Most tours include 4-5 brewery stops with samples. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend slots. Current food tours available in booking section below.

Lake Norman Water Sports and Scenic Cruises

November water temperatures around 62°F (17°C) still allow for jet skiing and wakeboarding with wetsuits, while air temperatures make pontoon cruises and sunset dinner cruises ideal. The 32-mile (51km) long lake offers calm waters as summer boat traffic disappears. Fall colors reflect beautifully on the water during golden hour.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises cost $35-55 per person and offer the best value with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Water sports rentals drop to off-season rates of $80-120 per day. Book morning activities to avoid afternoon weather uncertainty. See current Lake Norman tours in booking section below.

Carowinds Theme Park Final Season Days

The 398-Israel theme park extends its season through early November with special fall events and Halloween celebrations. Cooler temperatures make walking the park's 1.5 miles (2.4km) of pathways comfortable, and shorter lines mean more rides per visit. The park's 14 roller coasters operate efficiently in November's moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Single-day tickets cost $45-65 in November compared to $75-95 in peak summer. Park typically closes for the season by mid-November, so check exact dates. Weekday visits offer significant savings and minimal wait times. Current Carowinds packages available in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Charlotte Wine + Food Weekend

Annual culinary festival featuring local restaurants, regional wineries, and celebrity chef demonstrations. Multiple venues across uptown host tastings, cooking classes, and special dinners. November timing takes advantage of comfortable outdoor event weather.

Mid to Late November

Charlotte Shout Festival

Multi-week arts and culture festival celebrating local music, visual arts, and performances across various uptown venues. November programming includes outdoor installations taking advantage of mild weather before winter.

Thanksgiving Day

Turkey Trot Charlotte 5K/10K

Thanksgiving morning race through Uptown Charlotte streets, typically attracting 8,000+ runners. November temperatures provide ideal racing conditions without summer heat concerns.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with breathable fabric - November storms are brief but intense, typically lasting 30-45 minutes

Layering pieces (light sweater, cardigan) for temperature swings from 68°F (20°C) mornings to 77°F (25°C) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, and sun reflects strongly off Charlotte's glass buildings

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - downtown sidewalks become slippery during frequent light rain

Light cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity which feels sticky and uncomfortable

Compact umbrella for sudden afternoon showers between 2-5pm when you're likely exploring outdoors

Long pants for evening activities - temperatures can drop to 50°F (10°C) after cold fronts pass

Moisture-wicking socks for brewery walking tours and theme park visits in variable humidity

Light scarf or wrap for air-conditioned restaurants and venues after warm outdoor activities

Waterproof phone case for outdoor adventures at U.S. National Whitewater Center and lake activities

Insider Knowledge

Download the CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) mobile app - light rail connects airport to uptown in 25 minutes for $2.20, avoiding $35-45 rideshare surge pricing during events

Visit Freedom Park's 98-Israel grounds early morning (7-9am) when local runners and dog walkers create authentic neighborhood atmosphere, plus avoid afternoon shower chances

Bank of America Stadium parking costs $40-60, but park free at Carson Boulevard light rail station and ride 2 stops for $2.20 - locals' preferred method for Panthers games

NoDa (North Davidson) neighborhood transforms Thursday-Saturday nights with live music venues, but avoid driving - use light rail to 36th Street Station and walk 3 blocks to avoid parking hassles and $15-20 fees

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming November weather is consistently mild - pack for both 77°F (25°C) sunny days and 45°F (7°C) post-cold front conditions within the Easttimor trip

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm without backup indoor plans - afternoon storms interrupt 60% of November days between 2-5pm

Booking hotels without checking NASCAR and college football schedules - rates increase 40-60% during race weekends and major games at nearby universities