Columbus in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Columbus

53°F (12°C) High Temp

33°F (1°C) Low Temp

2.6 inches (66 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak autumn foliage - November delivers Columbus's most spectacular fall colors, with sugar maples and oaks hitting their stride when East Coast leaves have already fallen
Perfect outdoor weather - Crisp 45-55°F (7-13°C) days are ideal for walking the 33-mile (53 km) Scioto Mile without summer's humidity or winter's ice
Pre-holiday pricing - Hotel rates drop 25-35% after October business travel season but before December holiday surge, with downtown rooms averaging $89-120 versus $140+ in peak months
Ohio State football atmosphere - November games create unmatched energy citywide, with 105,000-person crowds transforming the entire metro area into a celebration

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - November temperatures can fluctuate 30°F (17°C) in 24 hours, requiring layered packing for potential 70°F (21°C) afternoons and 25°F (-4°C) mornings
Limited daylight hours - Sunset by 5:30pm restricts outdoor activities, with only 9.5 hours of daylight by month's end
Football crowd chaos - Ohio State game weekends create traffic gridlock within 5 miles (8 km) of campus and book hotels solid, requiring advance planning or alternative dates

Best Activities in November

Metro Parks Fall Hiking Trails

November offers Columbus's best hiking conditions with comfortable 45-50°F (7-10°C) temperatures and peak autumn colors. The 19-park system becomes a photographer's great destination, especially at Highbanks where 75-foot (23 m) bluffs overlook the Olentangy River valley. No summer humidity or winter ice makes this the sweet spot for exploring 230+ miles (370 km) of trails.

Booking Tip: All metro parks are free with parking. Visit weekday mornings for best light and fewer crowds. Download the Metro Parks app for real-time trail conditions and fall foliage reports updated twice weekly during peak season.

German Village Walking Tours

Cool November air makes walking German Village's brick streets comfortable for hours. The historic district's 233 restored buildings look impressive against autumn's backdrop, and you'll avoid summer's tour bus crowds. November's crisp weather lets you appreciate architectural details without sweating through a 2-mile (3.2 km) walking route.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours cost nothing - pick up maps at the German Village Society. Guided tours typically run $15-25 per person and operate year-round. Book through the visitor bureau or see current options in the booking section below for November-specific holiday tours.

Scioto Mile Cycling Adventures

November delivers ideal cycling weather with 50-55°F (10-13°C) temperatures perfect for the 175-mile (282 km) bike trail network. The Scioto Mile's riverside path offers impressive downtown skyline views without summer's 85°F (29°C) heat or winter's ice. Autumn colors reflect in the river creating Instagram-worthy moments every half-mile.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $25-40 per day from multiple downtown locations. CoGo bike share offers $8/30-minute trips. November requires light layers - bring gloves for morning rides when temps dip to 35°F (2°C). Most rental shops close by 6pm due to early sunset.

Short North Arts District Gallery Crawls

November's Gallery Hop (first Saturday monthly) becomes more enjoyable with comfortable walking weather and holiday art previews. The district's 50+ galleries and studios stay open late, and cool air makes bar-hopping between venues pleasant. Local artists debut winter collections, making November prime time for unique holiday shopping.

Booking Tip: Gallery Hop is free from 4-10pm first Saturdays. Many galleries offer 10-20% November discounts for holiday shoppers. Wear comfortable shoes for 1-2 miles (1.6-3.2 km) of walking on brick sidewalks. Start at High Street's north end and work south to maximize time.

Ohio State Campus Walking Tours

November campus visits offer perfect football energy without extreme cold. The 1,665-acre (674 hectare) campus showcases beautiful autumn trees, and you might catch practice sessions or game-day atmosphere. Cooler weather makes the 3-mile (4.8 km) complete walking tour comfortable, covering 150+ years of architecture and traditions.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available daily via the Ohio State app. Official guided tours run $10-15 per person and include stadium access when available. Football Saturdays offer incredible atmosphere but require advance planning - book accommodations 6+ weeks ahead and expect 2-hour traffic delays within 3 miles (4.8 km) of campus.

Franklin Park Conservatory Indoor Gardens

When November's 10 rainy days hit, the conservatory provides 83,000 square feet (7,710 m²) of tropical great destination. The glass structure maintains 75-85°F (24-29°C) year-round, offering welcome warmth during 35°F (2°C) November mornings. Seasonal exhibitions typically debut in November, providing fresh experiences even for repeat visitors.

Booking Tip: General admission runs $18-22 for adults with frequent online discounts. November sees 40% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning better photo opportunities and shorter wait times. Allow 2-3 hours for full exploration. Parking is free but fills quickly during holiday exhibitions in late November.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Columbus International Festival

This multicultural celebration typically occurs mid-November, featuring foods, crafts, and performances from Columbus's 40+ immigrant communities. The Greater Columbus Convention Center hosts 200+ vendors representing authentic cuisines and traditions from around the world.

Late November (varies yearly)

OSU vs Michigan Football Game

The annual rivalry game transforms Columbus into a 500,000-person party when hosted at Ohio Stadium. Even non-sports fans appreciate the pageantry, tailgating culture, and city-wide celebration. Hotel prices triple but the atmosphere is unmatched in American sports.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - Pack t-shirts, sweaters, and a warm jacket for 30°F (17°C) temperature swings within single days

Waterproof jacket or umbrella - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours that last 1-3 hours

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Wet autumn leaves create slippery conditions on brick sidewalks throughout German Village and Short North

Warm gloves and hat - Early morning temperatures drop to 33°F (1°C), essential for sunrise activities or football tailgating

Portable phone charger - Cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively for walking tours

Light scarf - Perfect for 45-55°F (7-13°C) afternoon temperatures and adds style for evening dining

Sunglasses - November sun sits low on horizon, creating glare during midday outdoor activities

Cash for parking meters - Many downtown meters don't accept cards, and rates increase during OSU game weekends

Reusable water bottle - Indoor attractions like the conservatory maintain 80°F (27°C) temperatures requiring hydration

Insider Knowledge

Locals hit outdoor activities between 11am-3pm when November temperatures peak around 50-55°F (10-13°C) - morning frost and evening chill make timing crucial

OSU football Saturdays shut down entire neighborhoods - locals either embrace the chaos or leave town entirely. Book restaurants by Wednesday for game weekend dining

The real fall foliage peak happens November 5-20, not October like tourism websites claim. Sugar maples and oaks keep their colors weeks longer than East Coast trees

November hotel prices drop dramatically Sunday-Thursday but spike 200-300% during football weekends. Savvy locals book Michigan game weekend accommodations in January

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for 50°F (10°C) weather - November mornings start at 33°F (1°C) while afternoons might hit 65°F (18°C), requiring both winter coat and t-shirt

Booking accommodations during OSU home games without realizing it - traffic gridlock extends 5 miles (8 km) from campus and hotel rates triple citywide

Planning extensive outdoor itineraries without sunset backup - November darkness by 5:30pm cuts outdoor activities short, requiring indoor evening alternatives