Columbus in November
Good time to visit
November splits between pleasant early fall and the onset of winter gloom. Early in the month is still decent for visiting, but by Thanksgiving you'll remember why people flee Columbus in winter. Time your visit for the first half.
Weather
November starts pleasant but turns increasingly gray and chilly as winter approaches. The first half offers crisp, clear days perfect for outdoor activities. By month's end, you'll need real coats and the daylight hours shrink noticeably.
11°C high2°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$105/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Thanksgiving events
- •Holiday light displays begin
- •OSU vs Michigan game
November Tips
- •Early November is much better than late November for weather
- •The Ohio State-Michigan game weekend brings chaos and high prices
- •Start thinking about indoor activities as daylight shrinks
All Months
Spring and fall own Columbus. April through June brings perfect weather for walking the neighborhoods, and everything's blooming in German Village's gardens. September through October delivers crisp air and football season energy – just book hotels early for home game weekends.
Summer works fine if you don't mind humidity. The city throws festivals constantly: Dublin Irish Festival in August, German Village Oktoberfest in September, and countless neighborhood street fairs. Just pack layers – Ohio weather changes fast.
Winter gets gray and sloppy, but indoor attractions like the Columbus Museum of Art and the North Market keep things interesting. Hotel prices drop to their lowest, and you'll have restaurants to yourself.
Avoid OSU graduation weekend in May and football Saturdays if you want reasonable hotel rates. The city transforms during home games – 100,000+ fans descend, and everything from parking to restaurant waits doubles.
ComFest in late June brings three days of free music and local vendors to Goodale Park. It's chaotic and wonderful, but book accommodations months ahead.
Columbus Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
5/10
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