New York in November 2026: Activities and Weather

Visiting New York in November 2026? Discover what to expect weather-wise, plus the top events and activities happening that month—from the Marathon to Thanksgiving and beyond.

New York in November 2026: Activities and Weather

November is a special time in New York. The month is marked above all by Thanksgiving, one of the most important holidays in the United States. While this celebration is not observed in Europe, it holds tremendous significance across the USA and especially in New York. Thanksgiving also kicks off the year-end holiday season. November is therefore a pivotal month, festive and packed with events. Here’s everything you need to see and do in New York in November.

What’s the weather like in New York in November?

  • November marks the arrival of winter, with temperatures averaging between 4°C (39°F) in the morning and 12°C (54°F) at the warmest part of the afternoon. These are average highs and temperatures can fluctuate. Generally, though, temperatures stay above freezing.
  • November is also typically a dry month, with less rain than summer. It’s actually one of the driest months of the year.

What are the 5 main events in New York in November 2026?

1/ The New York Marathon

  • The New York Marathon is by far the most iconic marathon event in the world. The New York Marathon traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of November. The race starts on Staten Island, at the foot of the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge. Runners then head through Brooklyn and Queens before entering Manhattan. The route makes a detour through the Bronx before finishing in Manhattan. The finish line is set in Central Park, in the shadow of Midtown’s skyscrapers.
  • The New York Marathon is also an incredible atmosphere all along the route. Spectators wave signs and many dress up to cheer on the runners. It’s a festive, good-natured celebration.
  • The next New York Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026. If you want to participate, make sure you follow the registration timeline. For more information, see our page on how to run the New York Marathon.

2/ Veteran’s Day

  • Like many countries, the United States commemorates November 11, 1918, the date of the World War I armistice. This federal holiday is called Veteran’s Day in the USA, honoring military veterans.
  • A parade brings together more than 20,000 active-duty military personnel and veterans in New York. It takes place at 12:30 pm along Fifth Avenue, between 26th Street and 45th Street.

3/ Thanksgiving

  • Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday with roots in the early British settlers. Americans gather with family for a meal centered on turkey. The holiday takes on special significance in New York with the staging of a grand parade featuring giant balloons. The Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the biggest events of the year in New York.
  • Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026.

4/ Black Friday

  • Black Friday is a day of unprecedented sales across the United States. This “black Friday” happens every year the day after Thanksgiving. Stores offer their best deals of the year, with discounts that can be extraordinary.
  • Black Friday falls on Friday, November 27, 2026. Sales typically continue through the weekend. The following Monday, called Cyber Monday, features special deals on electronics.

5/ The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting

  • The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands each year as New York’s largest Christmas tree. A tradition dating back to 1929 that continues every year. The massive tree is dressed in thousands of lights and topped with a crystal star. Visit it at night when it shines brilliantly.
  • The lighting ceremony takes place on December 2, 2026. After that, the tree is lit every evening through early January 2027.
Sapin de Noël du Rockefeller Center à New York
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. (Photo Michael Vadon)

What activities can you do in New York in November 2026?

Christmas markets open their doors

Cruises in New York Harbor

  • Before winter sets in, there’s still time to explore New York Bay by boat. Several options and vessels are available. See our section on cruises in New York.

Guided tours

  • November’s weather makes it ideal for exploring New York on a guided tour. Our tour program covers all of New York’s neighborhoods, letting you discover both the major sights and hidden gems.
  • We also offer a guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This tour lets you see the museum’s main treasures, and you can stay as long as you like after the tour ends.
Metropolitan Museum of Art New York
The facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. (Photo Marek R.)

What sports can you watch in New York in November 2026?

Basketball, American football, and ice hockey seasons are in full swing in November. If you’re in New York, don’t miss the chance to experience a game surrounded by enthusiastic New York fans.

NBA in New York

American football in New York

  • The American football season continues at a steady pace. New York’s two NFL teams each play only 2 games in November. Choose which team to support: the New York Giants or the New York Jets. Note that both teams share MetLife Stadium, located in New Jersey.
  • Book your tickets as early as possible if you want to see an American football game. Games are rare, the season is short, yet interest in the sport is enormous across the United States.

Ice hockey in New York

  • The ice hockey season is now in full swing. Hockey is not a minor sport in North America, unlike in some other parts of the world. NHL games, from North America’s professional ice hockey league, draw huge crowds. The spectacle is guaranteed, especially with so many Canadian teams in the league.
  • New York has two NHL teams: the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden and the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Queens. There’s also the New Jersey Devils in New Jersey.
gardien de l'équipe des New York Rangers lors d'un match de NHL
The New York Rangers goaltender tends the net. (Photo Jenn G.)