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Sacramento - Things to Do in Sacramento in November

Things to Do in Sacramento in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Sacramento

65°C (149°F) High Temp
42°C (108°F) Low Temp
2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Fall foliage peaks mid-November along the American River Parkway - the 32 km (20 mile) bike trail becomes a tunnel of gold and crimson cottonwoods and maples, best viewed 7-10am before crowds arrive
  • Farm-to-fork season hits peak value as harvest wraps up - restaurants like The Kitchen and Ella Dining Room run special tasting menus at 15-20% below summer prices, featuring persimmons, pomegranates, and late-season stone fruit
  • Crowds drop significantly after Halloween through mid-November before Thanksgiving week - Old Sacramento averages 40% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning you can actually enjoy the Railroad Museum and waterfront without fighting tour groups
  • Hotel rates fall to shoulder season pricing until Thanksgiving week - expect to pay 30-40% less than peak summer rates at downtown properties, with midweek stays in the 120-180 dollar range for quality hotels

Considerations

  • Rain becomes genuinely unpredictable in November - those 10 rainy days can cluster together or spread out randomly, and when storms hit they tend to last 2-4 hours rather than quick afternoon showers, which can derail outdoor plans
  • Thanksgiving week (November 24-30 in 2026) flips everything - hotel prices jump 60-80% above normal November rates, restaurants require reservations weeks ahead, and the American River trail gets packed with local families
  • Daylight shrinks to roughly 10 hours by late November - sunset hits around 4:50pm by month's end, which means outdoor activities need morning or early afternoon scheduling, and evening entertainment shifts indoors earlier

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Best Activities in November

American River Parkway Cycling and Walking

November is actually the best month for the American River Parkway trail system - temperatures sit in that perfect 12-18°C (54-64°F) range for extended cycling or walking, the fall colors peak mid-month, and summer crowds disappear. The main Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail runs 32 km (20 miles) from Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake, mostly flat and paved. Mornings tend to be crisp and clear, afternoons can get variable with occasional rain. The section between Watt Avenue and Hazel Avenue offers the densest tree coverage and best color. You will see great blue herons, egrets, and if you are lucky, river otters. Local cyclists consider this the prime season before winter rains make trails muddy.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals downtown typically run 35-50 dollars per day for quality hybrids. Book at least 2-3 days ahead if visiting on weekends. Most rental shops open 9am and require credit card hold. The trail is free and accessible from multiple points - download a trail map PDF before going as cell service gets spotty in middle sections. Budget 3-4 hours for a leisurely half-trail ride with stops, or 90 minutes for a brisk walk of the Old Sacramento to Discovery Park section.

California State Capitol and Museum Tours

The Capitol building becomes significantly more accessible in November as school groups thin out and summer tourism drops. The free guided tours run hourly 9am-4pm and actually provide genuine insight into California political history - the restoration work from the 1970s is fascinating if you care about architecture. November weather makes the 16 hectare (40 acre) Capitol Park surrounding the building perfect for wandering - the World Peace Rose Garden still has late bloomers, and the collection of trees from every California county creates nice fall color. The basement museum displays are better than you would expect, covering everything from the Bear Flag Revolt to modern legislative history. Plan indoor time here for rainy afternoon backup.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for tours - just show up and join the next available group. Security screening takes 5-10 minutes typically. The tour itself runs 45-60 minutes. Arrive before 3pm to ensure you get the last tour. Free parking is challenging downtown - use the 10th Street garage and walk 4 blocks, or take light rail to Capitol Station. The museum and park are accessible anytime during daylight hours without tours.

Delta Waterways Exploration

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta becomes surprisingly appealing in November once the brutal summer heat breaks. Water temperatures drop to comfortable levels, and the network of sloughs and channels offers unique California geography that most visitors never see. Towns like Locke (historic Chinese settlement) and Isleton sit about 40 km (25 miles) south of Sacramento and feel genuinely removed from modern California. November weather makes driving the levee roads pleasant rather than scorching. You can rent kayaks or small boats in various delta towns, or simply drive the scenic routes and stop at farm stands selling late-season produce. The birdwatching peaks during November migration - bring binoculars for sandhill cranes, white pelicans, and dozens of duck species.

Booking Tip: This works best as a self-guided day trip rather than organized tour. Kayak rentals in delta towns typically run 40-60 dollars for half-day. Check water conditions before going - after heavy rain the current strengthens significantly. Budget a full day if you want to explore multiple towns and waterways. Pack lunch as restaurant options are limited and sporadic. Gas up in Sacramento as delta gas stations are sparse and expensive. The drive itself is free and offers dozens of pull-off spots for photos and bird watching.

Crocker Art Museum Extended Visits

November weather makes the Crocker Art Museum essential for rainy day backup, but it deserves attention regardless. This is the oldest public art museum in the western United States, and the collection genuinely surprises people - strong California art holdings, decent European ceramics, and rotating contemporary exhibitions. The building itself combines 1880s Victorian mansion with modern wing additions. November typically sees fewer visitors than summer months, meaning you can actually spend time with pieces without crowds pushing through. The museum cafe works well for lunch breaks. Plan 2-3 hours minimum if you care about art, or 90 minutes for casual browsing.

Booking Tip: Tickets run around 15 dollars for adults, free for kids under 7. Buy online to skip the entry line, though November crowds rarely create waits. The museum opens 10am Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Thursday evenings until 9pm offer quieter viewing. Parking in the attached garage costs 10-12 dollars - street parking within 3 blocks is possible but requires patience. Combine with Old Sacramento visit as they sit about 800 m (half mile) apart.

Local Farm and Orchard Visits

November marks the tail end of harvest season, making farm visits more relaxed than the hectic summer months. Apple Hill (about 72 km or 45 miles east in the foothills) shifts from crazy-crowded September to pleasantly busy November. You will find late-season apples, pears, and persimmons, plus all the apple-based products - cider, pies, jams. The foothill elevation around 600-900 m (2000-3000 feet) means temperatures run 3-5°C cooler than Sacramento valley floor. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Many farms offer you-pick options, tastings, and bakeries. This appeals more to families and food-focused travelers than adventure seekers.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most farms - just drive up and explore. Parking is free at individual farms. Budget 40-60 dollars per person if you plan to buy products, do tastings, and eat lunch at farm cafes. The drive from Sacramento takes 60-75 minutes depending on traffic. Go midweek if possible to avoid weekend crowds. Bring cash as some smaller farms do not take cards. Check individual farm websites as some close or reduce hours after Thanksgiving.

Sacramento Kings NBA Games

The NBA season runs October through April, making November prime time for catching Sacramento Kings games at Golden 1 Center downtown. The arena opened in 2016 and remains one of the nicer NBA venues - good sightlines, solid food options, and it sits right in the downtown core making pre-game dining easy. November games tend to be easier to get tickets for than later season matchups, and weeknight games against non-marquee opponents offer best value. The crowd genuinely supports this team despite decades of mediocrity. Even if you are not a basketball fan, the arena atmosphere and downtown energy on game nights adds something to a Sacramento visit.

Booking Tip: Tickets range wildly from 30 dollars for upper level weeknight games to 200-plus for lower bowl weekend games against popular opponents. Buy through official team site or verified resellers - avoid street scalpers. Games typically start 7pm or 7:30pm. Arrive 30-45 minutes early for security and finding seats. The arena is walkable from most downtown hotels. Light rail stops right at the arena. Parking in nearby garages runs 20-30 dollars - consider rideshare instead.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Farm-to-Fork Festival Extended Programming

While the main Farm-to-Fork Festival happens in September, many participating restaurants and venues continue special programming through November. Various downtown restaurants run harvest dinners, special tasting menus, and chef collaborations featuring late-season produce. The quality tends to be high and crowds lower than the main festival month. Check Sacramento365.com for current November food events - these change yearly but typically include winemaker dinners, cooking classes, and farm tours.

November 1-2

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Sacramento has a significant Latino population, and Dia de los Muertos celebrations on November 1-2 offer genuine cultural experiences rather than tourist productions. The Crocker Art Museum typically hosts altar displays and related programming. Various neighborhood celebrations happen in Oak Park and South Sacramento. These are community events that welcome respectful visitors - expect traditional altars, marigold decorations, pan de muerto, and family-focused activities rather than party atmospheres.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering pieces that work 12-21°C (54-70°F) range - mornings start cool, afternoons warm up, evenings cool down again. A light fleece or sweater plus breathable long-sleeve shirts handle the temperature swings better than heavy jackets.
Actual rain jacket with hood - not just windbreaker. November rain tends to last 2-4 hours when it hits, and you will appreciate waterproof rather than water-resistant. Skip the umbrella for outdoor activities as wind makes them useless.
Comfortable walking shoes with decent tread - the American River Parkway trail gets muddy after rain, and you will walk more than you expect downtown. Running shoes or hiking shoes work better than fashion sneakers.
Sunglasses and SPF 30-plus sunscreen - that UV index of 8 still requires protection, especially on clear days when you are outside for extended periods. The sun angle in November feels deceptively mild but still burns.
Reusable water bottle - Sacramento tap water tastes fine, and you will want water for bike rides and walking. Most restaurants and cafes refill bottles without hassle.
Light backpack or daypack - useful for carrying layers as temperature shifts, plus any farm purchases or museum materials. Much more practical than trying to carry everything by hand.
Cash in small bills - some farm stands, food trucks, and smaller venues remain cash-only. ATMs downtown charge 3-4 dollar fees typically.
Phone charging cable and portable battery - you will use your phone constantly for maps, restaurant lookups, and photos. Hotel rooms have outlets but days out require backup power.
Casual dining clothes - Sacramento dresses down compared to San Francisco. Even nicer restaurants rarely require more than clean jeans and a collared shirt. Save the formal wear for other cities.
Binoculars if you care about birds - November migration makes the river and delta areas excellent for birding, but you need optics to actually see anything beyond silhouettes.

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants get genuinely quiet Tuesday-Wednesday in November except Thanksgiving week - you can walk into places that require weekend reservations. Take advantage of this for trying higher-end farm-to-fork spots without advance planning.
The light rail system connects downtown to most major points including the airport - a 2.50 dollar fare beats 30-40 dollar rideshare costs. Trains run frequently during day hours but thin out after 8pm. Buy tickets from machines at stations before boarding.
Sacramento residents flee to Tahoe or the coast on nice November weekends, which means the city empties out and local attractions become even less crowded. Conversely, rainy weekends bring everyone back and indoor venues like museums get busier.
Thanksgiving week hotel prices jump dramatically - book by early October if you must visit that week, or avoid it entirely and come earlier in the month when rates stay low and availability stays high. The difference can be 100-150 dollars per night for identical rooms.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Sacramento is just a government town with nothing to do - the farm-to-fork food scene, river access, and proximity to Sierra foothills actually make it worth 2-3 days rather than a quick stopover between San Francisco and Tahoe.
Visiting only Old Sacramento and thinking you have seen the city - Old Sac is the tourist zone but represents maybe 5% of what makes Sacramento interesting. Downtown proper, Midtown, and the river parkway deserve equal time.
Not checking weather day-of before committing to outdoor plans - November weather shifts quickly and those 10 rainy days cluster unpredictably. Have indoor backup options ready rather than forcing outdoor activities in steady rain.

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December

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Weather and seasonal patterns for Sacramento

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