Halifax in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Halifax

8°C (46°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

142mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with luxury waterfront properties offering exceptional value
Authentic local experience as most tourists avoid November - you'll share pubs, restaurants, and attractions primarily with locals
Perfect for cozy indoor activities - craft brewery tours, museum visits, and warming Maritime comfort food are at their seasonal best
Dramatic coastal scenery enhanced by November storms - lighthouse photography and rugged coastline views are spectacular in moody weather

Considerations

Frequent rain and drizzle with 16 wet days making outdoor sightseeing challenging - many walking tours cancel regularly
Limited daylight with sunset around 4:45 PM by month's end, severely restricting outdoor activity time
Raw, penetrating dampness that feels colder than the actual temperature due to Atlantic humidity and wind

Best Activities in November

Maritime Museum and Historic Waterfront Exploration

November's wet weather makes Halifax's extensive indoor maritime heritage perfect timing. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Historic Properties offer warm, engaging experiences when outdoor activities are limited. Weekday visits are practically private with minimal tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Museum combo passes typically cost CAD $35-50 for multiple attractions. Many historic sites offer guided indoor tours that run regardless of weather. Book Easttimor-day or 1-2 days ahead - no advance planning needed in November shoulder season.

Craft Brewery and Distillery Tours

Halifax's booming craft beer scene is ideal for November's cool, wet weather. Indoor tastings, warm atmospheres, and seasonal winter ales are launching. Local breweries offer cozy refuges from Atlantic weather with authentic Halifax social experiences.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost CAD $25-45 including tastings. Most operate year-round with reduced November schedules. Book 2-3 days ahead as group sizes are smaller in shoulder season. Many offer walk-in tastings without reservations.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse Photography

November storms create dramatic, moody conditions perfect for iconic lighthouse photography. Rough seas and stormy skies provide spectacular backdrops impossible in summer's calm weather. Fewer tourists mean unobstructed shots of Canada's most photographed lighthouse.

Booking Tip: Drive independently rather than tour groups - weather windows change rapidly in November. Rental cars cost CAD $35-55 daily in shoulder season. Allow flexible timing for weather breaks. Guided photo tours typically cost CAD $75-125 with weather guarantees.

Halifax Citadel and Underground Tunnels

The star-shaped fortress offers excellent indoor exploration when weather turns harsh. November's shorter days make the historical reenactments and indoor exhibits more appealing. Underground tunnel tours provide fascinating shelter from Atlantic storms.

Booking Tip: Admission typically costs CAD $12-18 for adults. Indoor exhibits operate year-round regardless of weather. Guided tunnel tours run 3-4 times daily in November with advance booking recommended 1-2 days ahead due to smaller group sizes.

Public Gardens and Victorian Greenhouse

While outdoor gardens are dormant, the Victorian-era greenhouse and conservatory provide tropical warmth and exotic plants during November's raw weather. The contrast between Halifax's gray November and tropical greenery creates a unique escape.

Booking Tip: Free admission to gardens, greenhouse access typically costs CAD $8-12. Open daily with reduced November hours (usually 9 AM - 4 PM). Perfect rainy day backup plan requiring no advance booking. Combine with nearby Spring Garden Road shopping district.

Halifax Donair and Maritime Food Tours

November's cold weather makes Halifax's famous comfort foods - donairs, fish and chips, and Maritime seafood chowders - absolutely perfect. Indoor food tours visit cozy local spots where Haligonians actually eat, avoiding tourist traps.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost CAD $65-95 including tastings. November tours feature seasonal Maritime specialties and warming comfort foods. Book 3-5 days ahead as group sizes are smaller. Many tours operate from heated vehicles between stops.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival

Annual indie music festival featuring Maritime and Canadian artists across downtown venues. Perfect for November weather as most events are indoors at clubs and theaters. Showcases authentic Halifax music scene during quieter tourist season.

November 11

Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Significant military commemoration at Halifax Citadel and downtown cenotaph. Halifax's strong military history makes this particularly meaningful. Ceremonies continue regardless of weather, reflecting Maritime resilience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - November sees 142mm (5.6 inches) of rain across 16 days, often as persistent drizzle

Warm, waterproof walking boots - Halifax's brick sidewalks become slippery when wet, and you'll encounter puddles regularly

Insulating base layers (merino wool or synthetic) - 75% humidity makes the 1-8°C (34-46°F) feel much colder

Compact umbrella that handles wind - Atlantic coastal winds frequently turn cheap umbrellas inside-out

Warm wool sweater or fleece - essential for transitioning between heated indoor spaces and raw outdoor air

Water-resistant day pack - for protecting electronics, maps, and supplies during sudden downpours

Lip balm and moisturizer - Atlantic winds and indoor heating create harsh conditions for exposed skin

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours (sunset by 4:45 PM late November) mean more flashlight and GPS usage

Cash in small bills - many local pubs and cafes prefer cash, and you'll be spending more time in small independent venues

Layers for indoor/outdoor temperature swings - heated Maritime museums and restaurants can be 20°C (36°F) warmer than outside

Insider Knowledge

November hotel rates are 40-60% lower than summer, but book Thursday-Saturday stays at least 2 weeks ahead - locals use staycations during shoulder season

Many restaurants switch to winter menus featuring Maritime comfort foods like seafood chowder and meat pies - ask servers about seasonal specialties not listed on summer menus

Halifax Transit buses run every 15-30 minutes in November (reduced from summer frequency) - download the GoTime app for real-time arrivals rather than relying on posted schedules

Local pubs become community gathering places during November weather - arrive by 7 PM for best atmosphere before crowds thin out on weeknights

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how wet and cold November feels - the Atlantic humidity and wind make 5°C (41°F) feel like freezing, dress warmer than the thermometer suggests

Planning too many outdoor activities - with only 9.5 hours of daylight and 16 rainy days, build your itinerary around indoor attractions with outdoor activities as weather-dependent bonuses

Assuming summer ferry and tour schedules still operate - many seasonal services reduce frequency or suspend operations entirely in November