Canada, North America
Vancouver in November
Relentless rain, early dark, and ski season not yet reliable. Only the cheapest hotel rates of the year argue for it.
The straight answer
November is a month to think twice about visiting Vancouver. Relentless rain, early dark, and ski season not yet reliable. Only the cheapest hotel rates of the year argue for it.
- Weather
- The wettest month, highs near 48F (9C), short days
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What November is like in Vancouver
November is usually Vancouver's wettest month. Highs sit near 48F (9C), rain can fall for days at a stretch, and it is dark by about 4:30pm. Ski season is not yet reliable, and summer attractions have wound down. The one bright spot is price: hotel rates hit their lowest of the year.
Honestly, this is the month to avoid unless you are on a tight budget and happy to spend most of your time indoors eating well and visiting museums. For a better trip, come in September for dry weather, or wait until January through March if skiing is the goal.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Vancouver this month.
Rock-bottom hotel rates
If price is all that matters, November offers the cheapest downtown rooms of the year.
Christmas Market opens
The Vancouver Christmas Market starts in mid November on the waterfront, with mulled wine and a big tree.
Food and museum days
Dim sum in Richmond, ramen downtown and the Museum of Anthropology make the most of a rainy week.
What to pack for November
- A fully waterproof jacket and rain pants
- Waterproof boots
- A warm sweater
- A good umbrella
Our timing tip
If you must come, go in the second half of the month so you can pair cheap rooms with the Christmas Market.
Book Vancouver for November.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in VancouverOpens a hotel search for Vancouver in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in VancouverWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in VancouverTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Vancouver for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
Vancouver Christmas Market
Mid November to Christmas Eve
A German-style market on the waterfront with mulled wine and a big tree. Timed tickets on busy nights.
Things to do in Vancouver
Stanley Park seawall
Rent a bike and ride the loop counterclockwise, as the one-way path requires. Allow two hours with stops at Prospect Point and Third Beach.
Granville Island Public Market
Food stalls, produce, and local makers. Go by the little False Creek ferries and arrive before 11am on weekends.
Grouse Mountain
Skyride gondola to city views in summer, ski slopes in winter. The Grouse Grind trail is a steep, famous climb that opens in the warm season.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Pricey but well run, with the treetop walkways and cliff walk. The winter Canyon Lights season is a good rainy-month outing.
Whistler day trip or overnight
The Sea to Sky Highway is a highlight on its own. Whistler Blackcomb is one of North America's largest ski resorts, and the summer mountain-bike park is world class.
Vancouver Aquarium
The best rainy-day plan in Stanley Park, strong on Pacific coast marine life.
Beat the crowds
- Ride the seawall and visit Granville Island before 10am in summer; cruise ship days bring waves of day visitors to downtown sights.
- Book summer hotels well ahead: July and August downtown rates are among the highest in Canada, and Alaska cruise departures fill hotels on turnaround days.
- Pick September over July. Weather is nearly as good and the crowds and prices drop right after Labour Day.
- Swap Capilano for Lynn Canyon Park, a free suspension bridge and forest walk on the North Shore that many locals prefer.
Know before you go
- Some mountain hiking trails, including the Grouse Grind, close in winter and typically open in late spring once snow clears. North Shore trails at elevation can hold snow into June.
- Whistler's summer season (mountain biking, Peak 2 Peak gondola sightseeing) and ski season have short gaps in between, usually in spring and fall shoulder weeks. Check the resort calendar.
- Canada Day on July 1 and BC Day, the first Monday in August, close some offices and shops and fill parks and beaches.
- Almost nothing shuts down in the rainy season: museums, restaurants, and markets run year-round, which is why winter is a viable budget trip.
Vancouver in November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Vancouver?
November is a month to think twice about visiting Vancouver. Relentless rain, early dark, and ski season not yet reliable. Only the cheapest hotel rates of the year argue for it.
What is the weather like in Vancouver in November?
The wettest month, highs near 48F (9C), short days.
Is Vancouver crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Vancouver; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Vancouver in November?
Vancouver Christmas Market (mid november to christmas eve).
Keep planning Vancouver.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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