Things to Do in San Jose in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in San Jose
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season weather with daytime highs around 18°C (64°F) and crisp mornings at 10°C (50°F) - ideal for outdoor activities without summer's intense heat or winter's occasional freezing nights
- Significantly fewer tourists than October's tech conference season or December holidays, meaning shorter lines at popular spots like the Tech Interactive and better availability at restaurants, though you'll still have plenty of company
- Fall colors peak in nearby parks and the Santa Cruz Mountains through mid-November, creating surprisingly beautiful backdrops for hiking and cycling before the winter rains fully set in
- Hotel rates drop 20-30% compared to peak conference months, and you can often book solid accommodations 1-2 weeks out instead of the usual 4-6 week advance planning required in spring and fall conference seasons
Considerations
- Rain becomes increasingly likely as the month progresses - early November might see 2-3 rainy days while late November can hit 5-6 days, and when it rains here, outdoor plans genuinely need rescheduling since the city isn't built for wet weather
- Daylight ends around 5pm by late November, which cuts into your sightseeing time more than you'd expect - that afternoon hike needs to start by 2pm latest, and evening activities start feeling like nighttime activities
- Air quality can be unpredictable depending on wildfire season remnants and weather patterns - some years November brings crisp, clear air, other years you're dealing with lingering smoke or valley fog that sits for days
Best Activities in November
Santa Cruz Mountains Hiking and Redwood Exploration
November offers ideal hiking conditions in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains, about 30-45 minutes (24-40 km or 15-25 miles) from downtown. The cooler temperatures make the climbs comfortable, and early November catches the tail end of fall colors before winter sets in. Trails are noticeably less crowded than summer months, and the occasional rain actually enhances the redwood forest experience - the trees smell incredible after moisture. Morning hikes work best before afternoon clouds roll in, typically starting by 9-10am to maximize daylight.
San Jose Food and Market Tours
November is actually perfect for food-focused exploration because the weather is comfortable for walking between spots, and you're hitting the season when local restaurants start featuring heartier fall menus alongside year-round Vietnamese, Mexican, and Filipino specialties. The San Pedro Square Market area and Japantown come alive in the evenings without summer's heat, and the cooler temperatures make standing in line at popular spots like banh mi shops genuinely pleasant. Weekend mornings feature farmers markets with late-season produce.
Bay Area Cycling Routes
November delivers some of the year's best cycling conditions - comfortable temperatures, less traffic than summer, and morning air that's usually clear and crisp. The Los Gatos Creek Trail runs 16 km (10 miles) from downtown to Los Gatos through surprisingly scenic areas, while the Guadalupe River Trail offers urban cycling with decent bay views. Mornings between 9am-1pm offer the best conditions before afternoon winds pick up. The occasional rain day actually gives you a legitimate excuse to rest.
Tech Museum and Interactive Science Experiences
When November's rain shows up or air quality drops, San Jose's indoor attractions become genuinely valuable, not just backup plans. The Tech Interactive offers 4-5 hours of hands-on exhibits that adults actually enjoy, and November's moderate crowds mean you're not fighting summer camp groups or holiday tourists. The facility's IMAX theater shows current films on a screen worth experiencing. Other indoor options include the San Jose Museum of Art and various tech company visitor centers that offer surprisingly interesting tours.
Wine Country Day Trips to Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
November marks the post-harvest season in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains wine region, 30-50 km (19-31 miles) away. Tasting rooms are noticeably quieter than summer and early fall, winemakers have more time to talk, and the cooler weather makes the winding mountain drives more pleasant. Many wineries release their current vintage in November, so you're tasting genuinely new wines. The fall colors in the vineyards through mid-November add visual appeal that summer visits lack.
Monterey Bay and Coastal Exploration
The Monterey Bay coastline sits about 70 km (43 miles) south and makes an excellent November day trip. Gray whales begin their southern migration in November, making whale watching actually productive rather than hopeful. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-class and perfect for November's variable weather days. Coastal temperatures run 13-16°C (55-61°F), so you'll want layers, but the dramatic scenery and smaller crowds compared to summer make the cool conditions worthwhile.
November Events & Festivals
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
San Jose's significant Mexican-American community hosts substantial Day of the Dead celebrations in early November, with the main events typically happening November 1-2. The Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose features elaborate altars, traditional foods, mariachi performances, and art installations. Unlike tourist-focused celebrations elsewhere, this feels genuinely community-oriented while remaining welcoming to respectful visitors. The evening processions and face painting create memorable cultural experiences.
Silicon Valley International Auto Show
Usually held mid-November at the San Jose Convention Center, this show features electric vehicles and tech-forward automotive innovations alongside traditional displays - reflecting the region's character more than typical auto shows. If you're interested in where automotive technology is heading, this offers hands-on time with vehicles and tech you won't see at regular dealerships yet. The show typically runs Thursday through Sunday with weekend crowds being noticeably heavier.