Fresno in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Fresno

22°C (72°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect harvest season weather - crisp mornings at 7°C (45°F) warm to pleasant 22°C (72°F) afternoons ideal for outdoor activities without summer's brutal heat
Prime agricultural tourism season with pomegranate harvests, persimmon picking, and farm-to-table experiences at peak freshness across the Central Valley
Significantly lower accommodation rates - November sees 30-40% cheaper hotel prices compared to summer peak season before holiday travel begins
Air quality dramatically improves after October's heat dissipates, with AQI typically dropping to 50-80 range making outdoor exploration comfortable

Considerations

Unpredictable Tule fog can roll in suddenly, reducing visibility to 30 m (100 ft) and causing flight delays or cancellations at Fresno Yosemite International
Daylight hours shrink to just 10 hours by late November, limiting outdoor activity time with sunset around 5:15 PM
Many outdoor recreational areas in nearby Sierra Nevada begin closing or reducing hours as snow season approaches

Best Activities in November

Central Valley Agricultural Tours

November is peak harvest season for pomegranates, persimmons, and late citrus varieties. The cool morning temperatures at 7°C (45°F) make farm visits comfortable, while afternoon warmth at 22°C (72°F) is perfect for outdoor tastings. Local farms offer pick-your-own experiences and behind-the-scenes processing tours unavailable other times of year.

Booking Tip: Book directly with farms 1-2 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost $25-45 per person and include tastings. Many offer package deals with local wineries for $60-85. Look for certified organic operations with insurance coverage.

Yosemite National Park Day Trips

November offers the sweet spot before winter closures - Tioga Pass typically closes late November, making this your last chance for high country access. Cool weather eliminates summer crowds while maintaining comfortable hiking temperatures. Waterfalls run low but hiking is pleasant without heat exhaustion risks.

Booking Tip: Check road closure updates weekly through NPS. Self-driving is most flexible, but guided tours run $85-120 per person. Book accommodations in the park at least 6 months ahead - November is surprisingly popular with photographers capturing autumn colors.

Forestiere Underground Gardens Tours

The underground temperature remains constant at 16°C (61°F) year-round, making November visits particularly appealing when surface temperatures fluctuate dramatically. This unique hand-carved subterranean garden complex showcases one man's 40-year obsession and is Fresno's most distinctive attraction.

Booking Tip: Tours run Wednesday through Sunday, $19 adults. November has shortest wait times - often walk-in availability. The 45-minute guided tour is the only way to see the gardens. Bring a light jacket as underground temps are cooler than surface.

Sierra Nevada Foothills Wine Tasting

November is crush season's end, meaning wineries are less busy but still offering fresh pressings for tasting. The cooler temperatures make outdoor tastings at vineyard estates comfortable, and harvest festivals wind down with better pricing and fewer crowds than October.

Booking Tip: Madera Wine Trail and Sierra Vista Scenic Byway offer self-guided options. Tastings typically $15-25 per winery. Book designated driver services ($80-120 for groups up to 6) or choose accommodations within walking distance of multiple wineries.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Winter Preparations

November offers unique behind-the-scenes experiences as animals prepare for winter. The zoo's 'Keeper Talks' program expands in November with special presentations about animal cold-weather adaptations. Cooler temperatures make walking the 39-hectare (96-acre) zoo comfortable all day.

Booking Tip: General admission $15.75 adults, $10.75 children. Special keeper programs add $8-12 per person. November weekdays have minimal crowds. Annual passes ($59 adults) pay for themselves in 4 visits if exploring Central Valley extensively.

Millerton Lake Recreation

November water temperatures around 16°C (61°F) end swimming season but create perfect conditions for fishing and kayaking. Lower water levels from summer usage reveal hidden coves and beaches inaccessible during peak season. Mild air temperatures make all-day lake activities comfortable.

Booking Tip: Day use fee $10 per vehicle. Kayak rentals available at marina for $35-45 per day. November fishing requires licenses ($52.66 annual, $16.05 daily) but offers excellent bass and trout opportunities as fish concentrate in deeper waters.

November Events & Festivals

Early October through early November

Big Fresno Fair

The largest annual event in the Central Valley featuring agricultural competitions, carnival rides, live music, and extensive food vendors. November dates capitalize on perfect weather and post-harvest agricultural displays showcasing the region's farming heritage.

November 1-2

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Fresno's large Latino population creates authentic Day of the Dead celebrations throughout the city. Alta Historic District and Downtown areas host altar displays, traditional food vendors, and cultural performances that rival any found in Mexico.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings at 7°C (45°F) require jackets, afternoons at 22°C (72°F) need only light shirts

Waterproof jacket for occasional rain - November sees 4 rainy days averaging 25mm (1 inch) total

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - early morning fog can create slippery surfaces

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection during midday outdoor activities

Light scarf or neck warmer for early morning farm tours and outdoor markets

Breathable long pants - ideal for temperature fluctuations and agricultural settings

Compact umbrella - brief showers are unpredictable but usually light

Camera with extra batteries - cold morning temperatures drain phone batteries faster

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated important even in cooler weather with 65% humidity

Cash in small bills - many farm stands and local vendors prefer cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Avoid driving in Central Valley during morning fog season (November-February) - visibility can drop to zero in minutes. Local radio stations provide fog updates every 10 minutes during morning commute hours.

Best produce prices happen at closing time (typically 6 PM) at farmers markets - vendors often discount rather than pack up. Saturday downtown market vendors start marking down around 4 PM.

Fresno locals escape to coast when marine layer clears - typically mid-November weekends. This means less traffic at local attractions but coastal destinations get crowded.

Many family farms offer 'u-pick' discounts if you bring your own containers and pick at least 4.5 kg (10 lbs). Call ahead to confirm availability and current pricing.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists arrive with only summer clothes and struggle with 7°C (45°F) temperatures, especially in outdoor agricultural settings

Not checking Yosemite road conditions - Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road can close suddenly in November, stranding visitors or requiring major route changes

Scheduling too many outdoor activities late in day - sunset at 5:15 PM means afternoon activities must start by 2 PM to complete before dark