Everything You Need to Know About November!
What’s happening in November? Here at the Almanac, we think of November as the month of food, when the best of cooks can shine, and the best of eaters will surely get their fill ahead of winter. Here’s what November brings—from weather forecasts to folklore!
And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither …
–Robert Frost (1874–1963)
The Month of November
November, the 11th month of the year, has 30 days and marks the beginning of the winter holiday season for most folks, even if the winter solstice doesn’t occur until late December.
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We’ve made this month, named for the ninth (novem) month in the early Roman calendar, into a social time of community suppers, feasts of thanksgiving, and general elections.
November Calendar
- November 1 is Diwali and All Saints’ Day.
- November 2 is Sadie Hawkins Day.
- November 3 at 2 A.M. is the end of Daylight Saving Time. Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night at bedtime! See more about DST.
- November 4 is Will Rogers Day.
- November 5 is Election Day (U.S.). Don’t forget to vote in state and federal elections! Every vote counts. Make an Election Day Cake to celebrate.
- November 11 is Veterans Day (U.S.) and Remembrance Day (Canada).
- If you’re fortunate, you may experience an “Indian Summer” in November, but according to the traditional definition, it can only occur between November 11 and 20! What is an Indian Summer?
- November 19 is Discovery of Puerto Rico Day.
- November 28 is Thanksgiving Day (U.S.). Understand the history and origins of Thanksgiving.
- The day after Thanksgiving, November 29 this year, is known as Black Friday.
“Just for Fun” Dates in November
November is Banana Pudding Lovers Month—who knew? Here are some more wacky celebrations to look forward to:
- Nov. 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day
- Nov. 6: Zero-Tasking Day
- Nov. 9: National Scrapple Day
- Nov. 16: National Button Day
- Nov. 21: World Hello Day
- Nov. 23: Fibonacci Day
November Moon & Astronomy
The Full Beaver Moon
November’s full Moon is traditionally called the Beaver Moon. Why this name? In the colonial era, this was the month to set one’s beaver traps before the swamps froze and beavers retired to their lodges, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.
In 2024, November’s full Moon occurs on Friday, November 15. Read our November Moon page for more information!
November Weather
According to weather folklore, a heavy November snow will last until April.
See our predictions for November and check out our 2024-2025 Winter Forecast!
November Weather Folklore
- If there’s ice in November that will bear a duck, there’ll be nothing after but sludge and muck.
- November take flail; let ships no more sail.
- If trees show buds in November, the winter will last until May.
- There is no better month in the year to cut wood than November.
- Ice in November brings mud in December.
Recipes for the Season
It’s time to start thinking about holiday preparations—for Thanksgiving and beyond!
Consult our collection of Thanksgiving recipes—from the big bird to stuffing to deserving side dishes to desserts!
You may also enjoy these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes; they can be prepared ahead of the big feast day to save you some valuable last-minute cooking time.
If you’re serving turkey, here are tips on how to roast the bird.
Got leftovers? Try this Day-After-Turkey-Dinner Hash!
Learn more about Thanksgiving’s foods with these fun facts pages:
November Gardening
Use small stakes or markers where you’ve planted bulbs or late-starting plants in the perennial garden to avoid disturbing them when you begin spring soil preparation.
Check trees around your house for weak branches that should be removed by you now, rather than by snow and ice later.
If you’re in the midst of raking leaves, see our advice on how to use them in the garden.
See more gardening jobs for the month of November.
Did You Know: Autumn is the best time to prepare your yard properly for healthy spring growth. It’s much easier to handle these tasks now! See our “10 Fall Cleanup Tips for a Better Spring Garden.”
November Birthstone
November’s traditional birthstone is the topaz, usually a yellow to amber color. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz could make a wearer invisible. A symbol of honor and strength, topaz was also believed to bring longevity and wisdom. Learn more about topaz—and November birthstones.
Birth Flowers
November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum. Generally, chrysanthemums represent cheerfulness. A red one conveys, “I love you.” White symbolizes truth or pure love. A yellow one indicates slighted love. Learn more about the birth flower of November.
Everyday Advice
The holiday season is now upon us! Check out our Holiday Cooking and Cleaning Checklist
It’s also the start of cold and flu season. Here are natural cold remedies for your body and mind.
Stay warm with a cozy fire. See the best types of firewood for burning.
November Zodiac
November’s Zodiac Signs are:
- Scorpio: October 23 to November 21
- Sagittarius: November 22 to December 20
What do you love about the month of November? Tell us in the comments below!
Catherine Boeckmann
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I definitely think you should add Dia de los muertos to this calendar list (November 2). It is an important Latino holiday and a lot of non-Latinos are starting to celebrate, especially in California.
Me too..
Wow amazing
I look forward to this site each day; love the information.
I love this site. I love the free newsletter too! Thank you! You are awesome!
what does the color of caterpillars have to do with the winter weather?
any comments on salt? effects on salt during cold weather? moisture? wives tails? ;}
As to the color of caterpillars, you might be interested in the folklore of the woolly worm, whose brown and black bands are said to predict the coming winter’s severity: http://www.almanac.com/content/woolly-bear-caterpillars-and-weather-prediction
As to salt, weather lore says that it increases in weight before a shower. There is also a similar excerpt in an old weather lore book that says: “A farmer’s wife says when her cheese salt is soft, it will rain; when getting dry, fair weather may be expected.”
Hope this helps!
Which days in November, December or January are best for shoulder surgery?
What is the best day where moving to our new house this coming December? Please help me, thank you and more power!
Moving house during a waning moon is said to be good luck.
