Springfield in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Springfield

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn weather - comfortable 18-26°C (64-79°F) range ideal for walking tours and outdoor exploration without summer heat stress
Beautiful fall foliage peaks in early November, transforming Springfield's numerous parks and tree-lined streets into impressive golden corridors perfect for photography
Off-peak season means 40-50% lower accommodation rates compared to summer months, with downtown hotels averaging $89-120 instead of $150-200
Indoor cultural season begins - Springfield Symphony, theater productions, and museum exhibitions launch their premium fall programming with locals returning from summer activities

Considerations

Daylight hours shrink to just 10.5 hours by late November, limiting outdoor sightseeing time and requiring careful itinerary planning around 5:15pm sunset
Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) within 24 hours, making packing decisions challenging
Many outdoor seasonal attractions close after Halloween, including popular corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and some riverside activities that operate May-October

Best Activities in November

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Sites Tours

November's cooler weather makes walking between Lincoln's home, tomb, and law office comfortable without summer heat. Fall lighting creates dramatic photography opportunities at the tomb site. Indoor museum components provide perfect rainy day backup options.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 1-2 weeks ahead - November sees smaller group sizes (8-12 people vs summer's 20-25). Tours typically cost $15-25 per person. Look for combination tickets covering multiple sites. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Illinois State Capitol Building Tours

Indoor architectural tours perfect for November's variable weather. The dome's 361-step climb offers panoramic fall foliage views across Springfield. Smaller November crowds mean more personalized attention from guides and better photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours available daily, but book 3-5 days ahead for dome access which is limited to 12 people per tour. Private group tours cost $8-12 per person. Check current availability in booking section below.

Springfield Brewery and Distillery Circuit

November launches craft beer season with harvest-themed brews and seasonal whiskey releases. Indoor tastings provide perfect respite from cool weather. Local breweries offer warming foods and cozy atmospheres ideal for shorter autumn days.

Booking Tip: Weekend brewery tours book up quickly in November - reserve 10-14 days ahead. Tour packages typically cost $45-75 including tastings and transportation. Look for operators offering heated vehicles. See current options in booking section below.

Route 66 Heritage Trail Driving Tours

November's crisp air and fall colors create ideal conditions for scenic drives along historic Route 66. Cooler temperatures make car touring comfortable, and autumn light enhances photography at roadside attractions and vintage signs.

Booking Tip: Self-guided GPS tours cost $25-40 and work well in November weather. Guided van tours (typically $65-85) offer heated transport and expert commentary. Book 5-7 days ahead as November is popular for drive tours. Check current guided options below.

Oak Ridge Cemetery Historical Walks

Fall atmosphere enhances the historic cemetery experience, with golden oak leaves creating natural pathways to Lincoln's tomb. November's cooler temperatures make the 2.4km (1.5-mile) walking tour comfortable, and smaller crowds allow for contemplative experiences.

Booking Tip: Self-guided maps available free, but guided tours ($12-18 per person) provide historical context. November tours run shorter schedules due to daylight - book afternoon slots 1 week ahead. See guided tour availability in booking section below.

Springfield Art and Culture Indoor Circuit

November marks the beginning of indoor cultural season with new exhibitions at Springfield Art Association and Illinois State Museum. Perfect weather-independent activities when afternoon temperatures drop or rain begins.

Booking Tip: Individual museum entry costs $5-12, but cultural passes ($25-35) cover multiple venues. November features special exhibitions - book timed entry slots 3-5 days ahead for popular shows. Check current exhibition tours in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Springfield Christmas Market Opening Weekend

Late November launch of Springfield's holiday market featuring local artisans, seasonal foods, and warming beverages. Perfect introduction to local craft culture with indoor and heated outdoor sections.

Early to Mid November

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Fall Season

November concerts feature classical performances in the acoustically renowned UIS Performing Arts Center. Local cultural highlight combining world-class music with Springfield's intimate venue atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack lightweight base layers, medium-weight sweater, and warm jacket for 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - November brings 10 rainy days with wet leaves creating slippery sidewalks around downtown historic sites

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers are brief but frequent, and many Lincoln sites involve outdoor walking between buildings

Warm accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) - evening temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) and wind chill around government buildings can feel colder

Light rain jacket or water-resistant layer - better than heavy coats for active sightseeing in variable conditions

Comfortable walking socks - plan for 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily walking on varied surfaces from historic wooden floors to outdoor pathways

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor photography and GPS navigation for Route 66 attractions

Sunglasses despite autumn season - UV index of 4 combined with bright fall foliage reflection requires eye protection

Small daypack for layer management - temperatures change throughout touring day requiring frequent clothing adjustments

Cash for small vendors - many local artisans and food stalls at weekend markets prefer cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Visit Abraham Lincoln sites early morning (9-10am) when autumn light streams through windows creating dramatic interior photography opportunities that locals know about

November is 'locals season' at restaurants - many offer special comfort food menus and extended happy hours starting at 3pm to draw residents during shorter days

Free parking becomes available at many downtown meters after 6pm in November (vs 8pm in summer), saving $8-12 daily for evening restaurant visits

Illinois State Museum offers 'First Friday' free admission events in November with special curator talks that tourists rarely discover but locals attend regularly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - tourists pack for one temperature but November can swing from 26°C (79°F) to 11°C (52°F) in one day

Planning too many outdoor activities late in the day - sunset at 5:15pm catches visitors off-guard, cutting sightseeing short at outdoor Lincoln sites

Skipping restaurant reservations - locals dine out more in November's indoor season, making popular downtown restaurants busier than summer tourists expect