Newark in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Newark

12°C (54°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peak season, with downtown hotels averaging $80-120 versus $180-300 in July
Flight connections through Newark Liberty are most reliable - only 8% delays versus 25% summer average due to fewer thunderstorms
Restaurant reservations readily available at top establishments that book weeks ahead during warmer months
Perfect weather for exploring indoor cultural attractions without summer tourist crowds - Newark Museum and New Jersey Performing Arts Center operate full schedules

Considerations

Daylight ends by 5:00 PM, limiting outdoor sightseeing and making evening activities feel rushed
Branch Brook Park cherry blossoms won't bloom until April, eliminating Newark's most famous natural attraction
Outdoor venues like Red Bull Arena and Riverfront Park concerts are largely dormant until spring

Best Activities in November

Newark Museum Art and Planetarium Tours

November is ideal for indoor cultural exploration when outdoor attractions are dormant. The museum's Tibetan collection and planetarium shows run full schedules without summer tourist buses. Cool weather makes the 0.8km (0.5 mile) walk from Penn Station comfortable.

Booking Tip: General admission runs $12-15 for adults, with planetarium shows adding $8-10. Book planetarium shows 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend slots. Many exhibits rotate seasonally, making November visits unique.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center Shows

November marks peak season for NJPAC performances, with Broadway touring shows, New Jersey Symphony concerts, and jazz performances. Indoor venues are comfortable while outdoor entertainment shuts down for winter.

Booking Tip: Tickets range $35-150 depending on performance and seating. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for popular shows. November often features holiday-themed performances starting mid-month.

Ironbound District Food Walking Routes

Cool November weather is perfect for walking between Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants without summer heat and humidity. Local festivals wind down, meaning authentic dining without tourist crowds. Many establishments offer hearty winter soups and stews.

Booking Tip: Self-guided food tours cost $40-70 per person including 4-5 food stops. Organized food tours available through various operators - book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend slots.

Newark Liberty Airport Observation Deck and Aviation Tours

November's clear, cool air provides excellent visibility for plane spotting and aviation tours. Lower humidity means better photo opportunities, and indoor observation areas are comfortable during frequent light rain.

Booking Tip: Aviation museum tours typically $15-25 per person. Private aviation experiences range $200-500. Weather rarely affects indoor portions, making November bookings reliable.

Branch Brook Park Fall Foliage and Walking Trails

While cherry blossoms are months away, November offers the last autumn colors before winter. The park's 6.4km (4 miles) of trails are comfortable in cool weather, and bare trees reveal architectural views of downtown Newark skyline.

Booking Tip: Free park access with parking available. Guided historical walking tours occasionally available for $10-20 per person. Best foliage typically first two weeks of November.

Newark Downtown Architecture and History Walking Tours

November's cool temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, showcasing art deco buildings and historical sites without summer heat. Many indoor stops provide warmth during brief rain showers.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours typically $25-45 per person for 2-3 hours. Some operators offer indoor alternatives during rain. Book 1-2 weeks ahead, especially for weekend tours.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Newark Black Film Festival

Annual film festival showcasing African American cinema, typically held at various downtown venues. Perfect for November's indoor entertainment season with screenings, discussions, and networking events.

Late November

Holiday Market at Military Park

Seasonal market featuring local vendors, food trucks, and holiday decorations. Usually starts late November and provides outdoor activities despite cool weather, with warming stations and hot beverages.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - Newark's sidewalks can be slippery when wet, and you'll walk 3-5km (2-3 miles) daily between attractions

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F) require adaptability throughout the day

Compact umbrella - light rain occurs 10 days per month, often lasting 1-2 hours at a time

Warm jacket rated for 0°C (32°F) - evening temperatures drop quickly after 5 PM sunset

Comfortable indoor shoes - you'll spend significant time in museums, restaurants, and performance venues

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more navigation and indoor entertainment using devices

Light scarf and gloves - wind off Newark Bay can make 5°C (41°F) feel like -2°C (28°F)

Cash in small bills - many food vendors in Ironbound District prefer cash, especially for purchases under $20

Reusable water bottle - indoor heating can cause dehydration, and you'll want to stay hydrated during walking tours

Insider Knowledge

Newark Penn Station connects to NYC in 20 minutes via NJ Transit, but November schedule changes often reduce frequency - check current timetables before planning day trips

Many downtown parking meters offer free parking after 6 PM and weekends in November, saving $15-25 daily compared to summer enforcement

Restaurant week promotions typically run in early November before holiday season pricing kicks in, offering 30-40% savings at upscale establishments

Hotel loyalty programs offer double points November-December at Newark properties due to lower occupancy - worth joining before booking even short stays

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming outdoor venues like Riverfront Park concerts operate in November - most close after October until April

Booking accommodations near the airport expecting easy transportation downtown - Newark Liberty is 16km (10 miles) from city center with limited public transit options

Planning extensive outdoor sightseeing without indoor backup plans - November rain is frequent and can last several hours