Things to Do in Richmond in November

November Weather in Richmond

21°C (70°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - James River Park System and Maymont Park display vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows throughout November with minimal crowds on weekday mornings
Comfortable outdoor temperatures averaging 14°C (57°F) - perfect for walking the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) Canal Walk or biking the 84 km (52 mile) Virginia Capital Trail without summer heat
Restaurant Week RVA runs late November with 3-course dinners at upscale restaurants for $35-45, featuring seasonal ingredients like Virginia oysters and local craft beer pairings
Holiday shopping season begins with Small Business Saturday in Carytown's 1.6 km (1 mile) stretch offering local boutiques without December crowds

Considerations

Daylight hours shrink to 10 hours by month's end - outdoor activities must be planned for 7am-5pm window, limiting evening photography and river activities
Thanksgiving weekend (November 27-30, 2025) brings heavy traffic on I-95 and I-64 corridors, with hotel rates jumping 40-60% above mid-month prices
Rain occurs 10 days monthly, often as steady drizzle lasting 2-4 hours, requiring indoor backup plans for museum visits and covered market exploration

Best Activities in November

James River Rapids Kayaking and Paddleboarding

November's cooler water temperatures 12-15°C (54-59°F) and lower river levels create ideal Class I-II rapids conditions. Fall foliage reflects in calmer pools between rapids. Morning sessions 9am-noon avoid afternoon wind gusts that typically pick up after 2pm. Water levels are most predictable in November compared to spring flood seasons.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through outfitters near Pumphouse Park. Full-day rentals cost $45-65 including shuttle service. Choose morning slots for best weather conditions and parking availability. All skill levels welcome with proper gear provided.

Historic Richmond Walking Tours

Cool November temperatures make 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. Shorter daylight hours mean most tours run 10am-2pm slots. Fall weather provides excellent conditions for exploring cobblestone streets in Shockoe Bottom and Church Hill's 19th-century architecture without crowds of peak tourist season.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days in advance for weekend tours. Weekday tours typically cost $20-35 per person with group discounts available. Tours cover 3-5 km (2-3 miles) of walking on uneven surfaces. Private group options range $200-350 for up to 15 people.

Virginia Capital Trail Cycling

The 84 km (52 mile) paved trail between Richmond and Williamsburg offers spectacular fall colors in November. Temperatures stay comfortable for long rides 8am-4pm. Trail sections through Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area show peak foliage. Tailwinds typically favor eastbound morning rides.

Booking Tip: Rent hybrid or road bikes for $35-50 per day from shops near the trailhead. Popular 32 km (20 mile) round-trip to Charles City Courthouse takes 3-4 hours with stops. Book bike rentals 3-5 days ahead for weekend availability. Trail maps and water stations located every 8 km (5 miles).

Maymont Park and Mansion Tours

November showcases the 40-hectare (100-acre) estate's designed gardens at peak autumn color. Japanese Garden's maple collection peaks mid-to-late November. Indoor mansion tours provide perfect rainy day alternatives. Wildlife exhibits including black bears and river otters remain active in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Park admission is free, mansion tours cost $8-12 for adults. Tours run Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm in November. Reserve mansion tours online 2-3 days ahead for weekend visits. Parking fills quickly 11am-2pm on sunny weekends - arrive early or after 3pm.

Richmond Food and Brewery Tours

November features seasonal menus highlighting Virginia ingredients - fresh oysters, country ham, and apple-based dishes. Cool weather makes bar-hopping comfortable along Main Street's 1.6 km (1 mile) brewery corridor. Thanksgiving weekend brings special beer releases and limited-edition seasonal brews.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically run $55-75 per person for 3-4 hour experiences covering 6-8 tastings. Book 7-14 days ahead, especially for weekend slots. Tours cover 2-3 km (1.5-2 miles) of walking. Private group tours available for $500-750 for groups of 8-12 people.

Civil War Battlefield Tours

Cooler November weather makes outdoor battlefield walking tours at Richmond National Battlefield Park comfortable. Bare trees provide clearer sight lines to understand battle formations and strategies. Cold Mountain Battlefield offers 3 km (2 mile) trails with interpretive markers best explored in moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided driving tours are free with park maps available at visitor centers. Guided tours cost $15-25 per adult, running weekends only in November. Battlefield sites close at 5pm - plan morning or early afternoon visits. Comfortable walking shoes required for uneven terrain.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Richmond Folk Festival

Free three-day music festival typically held second weekend of November featuring traditional music from Virginia and international artists. Seven outdoor stages along the James River waterfront with food vendors and craft demonstrations. Rain or shine event with covered pavilions.

Late November

Restaurant Week RVA

Annual dining event featuring prix fixe menus at 40+ participating restaurants. Three-course dinners range $35-45 at establishments normally charging $60-80 per person. Reservations required well in advance for popular restaurants.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 7°C (45°F), afternoons reach 21°C (70°F), requiring zip-off options

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Shockoe Slip become slippery when wet

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - 76 mm (3.0 inches) monthly rainfall often comes as steady drizzle

Warm jacket for evening activities - temperatures drop quickly after sunset around 5:15pm

Long pants and closed-toe shoes for outdoor activities - tick season continues through November in wooded areas

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on GPS and photography

Cash for farmers markets and food trucks - many vendors don't accept cards, especially at weekend events

Comfortable walking shoes broken-in before travel - historic district tours cover 3-5 km (2-3 miles) on uneven surfaces

Light scarf or neck warmer - river winds along Canal Walk can create wind chill effect

Small daypack for hiking trails - Belle Isle and James River Park trails require hands-free navigation

Insider Knowledge

Avoid driving downtown during VCU basketball home games - traffic backs up for 2 hours before and after games, use GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit instead

Free parking at Maymont and most parks, but paid street parking downtown costs $1.25/hour - bring quarters as many meters don't accept cards

Local oyster season peaks in November - order Rappahannock or Chesapeake Bay varieties at restaurants for freshest taste at lowest prices

Thanksgiving week brings Virginia Tech and University of Virginia students home - book accommodations before October 15 to avoid sold-out properties

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating walking distances between attractions - downtown historic sites span 3.2 km (2 miles) from Capitol to riverfront

Not checking river conditions before water activities - James River levels can change rapidly with upstream rainfall

Assuming all attractions have the same winter hours - many reduce operating days and close earlier starting November 1