If you’re considering a visit to Orlando in November, you might be pleasantly surprised. This time of year offers milder weather and a nice break from the summer crowds. Plus, with various events and seasonal activities starting to pop up, you can experience Orlando in a more relaxed setting.
Even if you’re local, there are still plenty of things to appreciate about our city at this time of year. Read on for 5 great things about Orlando in November.
1. Better weather
November in Orlando brings a welcome relief from the scorching summer heat. Highs tend to range from the mid-70s to mid-80s, with lows around 60. As the month goes on, things gradually cool down.
It’s also not as rainy. Orlando averages about 2 inches of rain in November, compared to around 8 inches in July. And even though hurricane season lasts until November 30, the chances of a hurricane hitting Orlando during the month are slim. Since 1851, only three hurricanes have hit Florida in November.
If you’re visiting Orlando in November or if you’re a local who’s tired of the heat, this is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities. The weather is still warm without making you feel like you’re going to drop from heat exhaustion.
2. Lots of local events
One great thing about Orlando in November is the variety of events. Every weekend during the month, you can find lots of things to do.
If you’re not ready for fall to be over yet, you can still attend fall festivals at Southern Hill Farms and Great Scott Farms in November. At these festivals, you can pick pumpkins, wander a corn maze, and enjoy other well-loved fall traditions.
November also brings Veterans Day and the opportunity to honor those in the Armed Forces. The city of Orlando hosts an annual Veterans Day parade. Many suburbs such as Oviedo, Lake Nona, and Celebration host their own special events.
You can also find plenty of non-holiday events throughout the month. Here are some of the annual events that take place around Orlando in November:
- Maitland Rotary Art Festival
- Maker Faire Orlando
- Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo
- Orlando Taco Festival
- Free Play Florida 2024
- Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival
- Fusion Fest
EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival also runs through most of November. The festival gives you the chance to sample dishes from around the world. You can also enjoy special concerts from nationally recognized artists.
Then there are the holiday events, such as the Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art and Jingle Eve in Ivanhoe Village. The Gaylord Palms resort also starts its annual Ice! event in November, featuring hand-carved ice sculptures. This year’s event is themed to the movie Elf.
So whether you’re still enjoying fall, you’re ready to jump into the holidays, or you’re not a holiday person at all, you can easily find local events around Orlando in November.
3. Holidays at the theme parks
After Halloween, the theme parks in Orlando start getting into the Christmas spirit. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld all start their holiday events in November.
Walt Disney World kicks off the holiday season on November 1. The Magic Kingdom switches from Halloween to Christmas decorations literally overnight. And starting in mid-November, the park hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This separately ticketed event often sells out, so get your tickets early.
Disney Hollywood Studios has its own separate event, Jollywood Nights. This after-hours event offers shorter wait times, festive treats, and seasonal entertainment. This event starts in mid-November and also tends to sell out.
EPCOT’S Festival of the Holidays starts in late November. This event is included with park admission. The Candlelight Processional, featuring celebrities telling the Christmas story backed by a choir and orchestra, is a highlight of the event.
Meanwhile, Universal Studios starts their holiday celebrations on November 22. You can catch the Macy’s holiday parade at Universal Studios Florida. Or you can watch The Grinch take over Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure.
The Harry Potter areas at both parks are decked out with Christmas lights and decorations. This season also marks the return of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” a nighttime projection show at Islands of Adventure.
Sea World’s Christmas Celebration starts in mid-November. The park turns into a winter wonderland where visitors can enjoy seasonal treats, special entertainment, and ice skating.
And if you’re planning to hit the theme parks in November, you might experience…
4. Fewer crowds, shorter lines
During Veterans Day weekend and around Thanksgiving, the theme parks can get pretty crowded. However, theme park crowds are generally lighter in November. Many families wait until the kids are out of school to take their vacations, so the parks aren’t as packed.
Granted, it’s not a steep drop in crowds. November is a more popular month to visit Disney than it used to be. But the crowds are lighter than in the summer. This means shorter lines, easier access to rides and shows, and less stress when navigating the parks.
5. Cheaper prices
The first three weeks of November are the off-season for Orlando tourism. Flights and attractions are cheaper. Hotel rates plummet, offering some of the best deals of the year.
Additionally, the theme parks typically lower their ticket prices or run promotions during this time. This can lead to considerable savings. Again, just avoid the week of Thanksgiving.
Conclusion: 5 Great Things About Orlando in November
Orlando in November offers comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and numerous events to enjoy. You have a few weeks to breathe and simply enjoy the season before the holiday chaos begins. Whether you want to hang out at the theme parks, check out a community festival, or simply enjoy the sunny weather, November is one of the best months of the year in Orlando.