Things to Do in San Jose in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in San Jose

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Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for outdoor exploration - daytime temperatures of 18-21°C (64-70°F) make walking tours, cycling, and hiking comfortable without the summer heat exhaustion. You'll actually want to be outside during midday instead of seeking air conditioning.
Lowest tourism numbers of the year - November sits between Halloween crowds and holiday season rush. Major attractions like the Tech Interactive and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum have 40-50% fewer visitors than peak months, meaning shorter lines and better photo opportunities.
Ideal conditions for South Bay wine country - nearby Santa Cruz Mountains wineries are in their post-harvest season with cooler tasting room temps, fall colors on the vines, and winemakers who actually have time to chat. The 30-45 minute drive through Highway 17 offers stunning autumn foliage.
Festival season peaks - Dia de los Muertos celebrations (early November), San Jose Jazz Festival events, and Thanksgiving weekend activities create authentic cultural experiences. The city's 32% Latino population means genuine ofrendas and celebrations, not tourist performances.

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - those 10 rainy days can drop 76 mm (3 inches) with little warning. Unlike tropical destinations with predictable afternoon showers, Bay Area November rain can last all day or arrive at 2pm or 8am. Always carry rain gear and have indoor backup plans.
Early sunsets limit evening outdoor activities - sunset around 5pm means your outdoor time window is compressed. That beautiful Alum Rock Park hike needs to start by 2pm latest, and rooftop dining loses appeal when it's 12°C (54°F) and dark by 6pm.
Thanksgiving week (November 20-30, 2025) creates pricing spikes - hotel rates jump 35-60% during this week, and many local restaurants close or operate on limited hours November 27-28. If visiting this week, book accommodations 8-10 weeks ahead and expect crowds at major attractions as locals have time off.

Best Activities in November

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting Routes

November is post-harvest season in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, just 30-45 minutes west of San Jose. Cooler temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make the winding mountain roads comfortable, and the vineyards display fall colors you won't see in summer. Winemakers have finished crush and have time for proper conversations. The Ridge Monte Bello area and Summit Road corridor offer 20+ tasting rooms within a 16 km (10 mile) radius. Low tourist season means you'll often have intimate tastings instead of crowded bars.

Booking Tip: Most wineries require advance reservations in 2025, even during low season. Book 7-10 days ahead directly through winery websites. Tasting fees typically range from 20-40 USD per person, often waived with purchase. Designate a driver or book transportation services - mountain roads are narrow and winding. Allow 4-5 hours for a proper tour of 3-4 wineries. See current wine tour options in the booking section below.

San Jose Dia de los Muertos Cultural Experiences

Early November (November 1-2, 2025) brings authentic Dia de los Muertos celebrations throughout San Jose's Mexican-American neighborhoods. The Mexican Heritage Plaza hosts elaborate ofrendas, traditional music, and pan de muerto tastings. Unlike commercialized versions elsewhere, these are genuine community celebrations where you'll see families honoring actual loved ones. The cool November weather of 16-19°C (61-66°F) makes outdoor processions and mercado browsing comfortable. East San Jose neighborhoods along King Road and Alum Rock Avenue have the most authentic street celebrations.

Booking Tip: Most Dia de los Muertos events are free community celebrations, though some workshops and special exhibitions at Mexican Heritage Plaza charge 10-25 USD. No advance booking needed for street festivals, but arrive early (before 11am) for the best ofrenda viewing and food selection. Cultural center events may require tickets purchased 1-2 weeks ahead. Check the booking section below for guided cultural tours that provide context and translation.

South Bay Coastal Cycling Routes

November offers the year's best cycling conditions along the Bay Trail and coastal routes. Summer's brutal sun and heat are gone, but winter's heavy rains haven't started in earnest. The 10 rainy days are spread throughout the month, giving you 20+ perfect cycling days with temperatures of 17-20°C (63-68°F). The 32 km (20 mile) Alviso Marina to Palo Alto Baylands route provides flat, paved paths with migratory bird watching - November is peak season for waterfowl returning to the Bay. Afternoon winds are calmer than summer months.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals throughout downtown San Jose and Santana Row typically cost 35-60 USD per day for quality hybrid or road bikes. Book 3-5 days ahead during November for best selection. Early morning rides (starting 8-9am) offer the calmest conditions and best wildlife viewing. Bring layers - it may start at 12°C (54°F) and warm to 20°C (68°F) by midday. The Bay Trail is free to access with multiple entry points. See the booking section for guided cycling tours with local knowledge.

Downtown San Jose Museum District Walking Tours

The Museum District's six major museums are perfect for November's variable weather - you can easily move indoors when rain hits. Cool temperatures of 16-19°C (61-66°F) make the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) walking loop between venues comfortable. November's low crowds mean the Tech Interactive's hands-on exhibits aren't mobbed by school groups (most visit October or spring). The San Jose Museum of Art, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and History Park are within 20 minutes walk of each other. The neighborhood's cafes and restaurants are less crowded for lunch breaks.

Booking Tip: Individual museum admission ranges from 12-30 USD per adult. The San Jose Museum Passport offers discounted multi-museum access and can be purchased online. Book timed entry tickets for the Tech Interactive 5-7 days ahead, even in November, as weekend slots fill up. Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm) offer the quietest experience. Most museums are closed Mondays. Check the booking section for guided historical walking tours that connect the museums with San Jose's Gold Rush and tech boom history.

Alum Rock Park Hiking Trails

November transforms Alum Rock Park, San Jose's oldest municipal park, into a hiking paradise. Summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat is replaced by comfortable 18-21°C (64-70°F) daytime temps perfect for the park's 21 km (13 miles) of trails. The creek runs stronger after early season rains, and the mineral springs are more visible. The park sits at 200-800 m (650-2,600 ft) elevation, providing excellent South Bay views without the summer haze. Trails range from easy 1.6 km (1 mile) loops to challenging 8 km (5 mile) ridge hikes. November's UV index of 8 still requires sun protection but won't cook you like summer's 10+.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free with 5 USD vehicle parking. No reservations needed - November weekdays see minimal crowds. Start hikes by 2pm latest due to 5pm sunset. The Penitencia Creek Trail (moderate, 6.4 km/4 miles round trip) is the best November choice - shaded enough for rainy days but open enough for views. Bring a light rain jacket as weather changes quickly in the foothills. The park's visitor center (open weekends) provides free trail maps. See the booking section for guided nature hikes with naturalist interpretation.

Santana Row and Valley Fair Shopping District Experience

For rainy November days (expect 10 throughout the month), San Jose's premier shopping districts offer European-style covered walkways and indoor malls. Santana Row's 1.6 km (1 mile) outdoor shopping street has heated patios and awnings, while adjacent Valley Fair mall provides 250+ stores under one roof. November is pre-Black Friday, meaning normal pricing but holiday inventory has arrived. The area's 30+ restaurants range from 15 USD casual to 60+ USD fine dining. Cool evening temperatures of 12-14°C (54-57°F) make the outdoor fire pits and heated patios actually pleasant, unlike summer when they're abandoned.

Booking Tip: Shopping is free to browse, with parking typically 2-4 USD for 2 hours (validated with purchase). Avoid Thanksgiving weekend (November 28-30, 2025) when crowds surge for Black Friday. Weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Thursday, 2-5pm) offer the quietest browsing. Restaurant reservations recommended for weekend dinners - book 5-7 days ahead for popular spots. The area is easily accessible via VTA light rail (Santana Row/Winchester station), saving parking hassles. See the booking section for food tour options that explore the district's diverse culinary scene.

November Events & Festivals

November 1-2

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

November 1-2, 2025 brings authentic Day of the Dead celebrations throughout San Jose's Latino neighborhoods. The Mexican Heritage Plaza hosts the largest organized event with traditional ofrendas, mariachi performances, face painting, and pan de muerto workshops. East San Jose neighborhoods along King Road feature community altars and street processions. Unlike commercialized Halloween events, these are genuine cultural celebrations where families honor deceased loved ones. Expect elaborate sugar skull decorations, marigold flowers, and traditional foods. Free to attend with optional paid workshops.

November 27-30

Thanksgiving Weekend Events

November 27-30, 2025 brings special holiday programming across San Jose. The annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K run happens Thanksgiving morning (November 27) in downtown San Jose with 5,000+ participants. Many museums offer extended hours and special exhibitions during the long weekend. Downtown ice skating rink at Circle of Palms opens for the season (late November through January). Note that many local restaurants close November 27-28, so plan dining accordingly. Hotel rates spike 35-60% this week - book early or avoid these dates.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system for 12-21°C (54-70°F) temperature swings - pack a light fleece or sweater for mornings/evenings and breathable cotton shirts for midday. Temperature can vary 9°C (16°F) in a single day.

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - not a heavy winter coat, but something packable for the 10 rainy days. Bay Area November rain is light to moderate, rarely torrential, so a 20 USD packable shell works better than bulky rain gear.

Comfortable walking shoes with some water resistance - you'll walk 8-16 km (5-10 miles) daily exploring neighborhoods, and sidewalks get slippery when wet. Skip the heavy hiking boots unless doing Alum Rock trails.

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cooler temps - UV index of 8 means you'll still burn, especially on wine country drives or Bay Trail cycling where you're exposed for hours. Locals make this mistake constantly.

Reusable water bottle - Bay Area tap water is excellent and San Jose has water fountains throughout downtown. Staying hydrated at 70% humidity is important even in cooler weather.

Light scarf or neck gaiter - evening temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) and the Bay breeze cuts through light jackets. A simple scarf makes outdoor dining actually enjoyable.

Compact umbrella - November rain often arrives suddenly during the day. A small umbrella fits in a daypack and saves you from huddling under awnings or cutting museum visits short.

Sunglasses - even on cloudy days, the UV index of 8 means eye protection is necessary. Polarized lenses help with driving glare on wet roads.

Power bank and charging cables - you'll use your phone constantly for navigation, restaurant lookups, and museum information. Cool November weather drains batteries faster than summer heat.

A light evening outfit - San Jose has excellent restaurants and November's cool evenings make dining out pleasant. Pack one outfit slightly nicer than hiking clothes for evening experiences.

Insider Knowledge

VTA light rail is free in downtown San Jose's 'fare-free zone' covering most tourist areas between Convention Center and Japantown. Locals know this but tourists waste money on day passes. The free zone extends to Santana Row/Winchester station, covering 90% of visitor destinations.

November is when locals actually visit San Francisco - the summer fog is gone, crowds are down, and it's only 80 km (50 miles) north via Caltrain. The morning train gets you to SF by 10am for 10-15 USD round trip, far cheaper than driving and parking. Make San Jose your base and do SF as a day trip.

Wednesday and Saturday mornings bring farmers markets to downtown San Jose (San Pedro Square) with produce 30-40% cheaper than grocery stores. The Asian vendors sell incredible banh mi and fresh spring rolls for 4-6 USD - that's your lunch sorted. Markets run 10am-2pm regardless of weather.

Book accommodations in the Rose Garden or Willow Glen neighborhoods instead of downtown - you'll pay 25-35% less for better quality hotels, and both areas have excellent walkable restaurants. VTA light rail connects you to downtown in 15 minutes. Downtown San Jose empties after 6pm on weekdays, making it less appealing for evening activities.

The Tech Interactive offers 'Community Days' with free admission on first Sundays - but November 2, 2025 coincides with Dia de los Muertos weekend, so expect crowds. Better to pay the 30 USD admission on a quiet Tuesday and actually enjoy the exhibits.

November is when South Bay locals head to the coast - Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay are 45-60 minutes away with water temperatures still swimmable at 14-15°C (57-59°F) for wetsuit users. The summer crowds are completely gone. Rent a wetsuit in Santa Cruz for 25-35 USD and surf or paddleboard in near-empty lineups.