Moncton in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Moncton

6°C (43°F) High Temp

-2°C (29°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks - luxury downtown properties available for CAD $89-129 vs CAD $180+ in July
Tidal Bore season reaches peak intensity - November brings 1.2-1.8m (4-6ft) waves, best viewing conditions with bare trees along Petitcodiac River
Local comfort food culture peaks - restaurants serve hearty Maritime specialties like rappie pie and fish chowder, perfect for the weather
Zero tourist crowds at major attractions - Magnetic Hill and Hopewell Rocks essentially private experiences with dramatic moody lighting

Considerations

Daylight shrinks rapidly - only 9.5 hours by month's end, sunset at 4:45 PM limits outdoor exploration time significantly
Weather unpredictability makes planning difficult - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) in 24 hours, rain can turn to freezing rain or snow without warning
Many seasonal attractions close or reduce hours - outdoor adventure operators wind down, some coastal tours suspend operations entirely

Best Activities in November

Tidal Bore Viewing and Petitcodiac River Walks

November delivers the year's most dramatic tidal bores with 1.2-1.8m (4-6ft) waves rushing upstream. Bare trees provide unobstructed viewing from Bore Park, and the raw weather adds atmospheric drama. Best viewing times are 2 hours before and after high tide, with November's cooler temperatures making the riverside walks comfortable rather than sweltering.

Booking Tip: Check tide tables at Moncton.ca for precise times - bores occur twice daily. Viewing is free from multiple riverside locations. Bundle with indoor attractions for weather backup. No advance booking required for viewing spots.

Indoor Cultural Heritage Tours

November's harsh weather makes this perfect for exploring Moncton's indoor cultural sites. The Thomas Williams Heritage House and Moncton Museum offer warm refuge with rich Acadian and railway history. Local guides share stories that connect to the city's evolution, and the intimate indoor settings feel cozy against November's bleakness.

Booking Tip: Museum combo passes offer best value at CAD $25-35 for multiple sites. Most heritage sites maintain full winter hours. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead for personalized experiences. Check current options in booking section below.

Maritime Cuisine and Brewery Tours

November signals peak comfort food season in the Maritimes. Local breweries like Pump House and craft distilleries offer tasting tours that warm you from the inside out. Traditional Acadian restaurants serve hearty specialties like tourtière and fish chowder, perfect for the raw weather. Indoor venues provide shelter while experiencing authentic local flavors.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost CAD $65-95 per person including 4-5 stops. Brewery tours range CAD $15-25. Book weekend tours 7-10 days ahead as locals use these as winter social activities. Many tours include indoor markets and specialty shops.

Magnetic Hill Winter Preparation Activities

While the main Magnetic Hill experience runs year-round, November offers the unique opportunity to experience the optical illusion without crowds and see the supporting attractions prepare for winter. The mysterious gravity-defying sensation feels more dramatic in stark November conditions, and you'll have the phenomenon virtually to yourself.

Booking Tip: Admission typically CAD $8-12 for the car experience. Visit mid-morning when road conditions are most stable. Combine with nearby indoor Magic Mountain water park if weather turns severe. No advance booking required for the hill itself.

Hopewell Rocks Low-Tide Exploration

November's dramatic Bay of Fundy tides create extraordinary low-tide experiences at the famous flower pot rocks. With summer crowds gone, you can explore the ocean floor among these towering formations in solitude. The moody November skies create spectacular photography conditions, and the cool weather makes the 2 km (1.2 mile) walk comfortable.

Booking Tip: Park admission CAD $12-15, consult tide tables carefully for optimal low tide timing. Allow 3-4 hours including travel from Moncton (45 minutes each way). Weather can change rapidly, so check conditions before departing. Some facilities may have reduced hours.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Moncton Night Markets Fall Finale

Local indoor markets extend their seasonal offerings into early November with hot cider, maple treats, and handcrafted goods perfect for early holiday shopping. These markets provide warm community gathering spaces during the transitional weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof insulated boots - November sidewalks alternate between wet leaves, ice patches, and puddles, requiring serious grip and warmth

Layered clothing system - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) in 24 hours demand adaptable layers from t-shirt to winter coat

Compact umbrella AND rain jacket - November brings 10 rainy days with unpredictable intensity and occasional freezing rain

Warm waterproof gloves - essential for outdoor tidal bore viewing and Hopewell Rocks exploration in 2°C (35°F) conditions

Thermal underlayer - Maritime humidity makes -2°C (29°F) feel much colder, thermal base layers provide crucial warmth

Fleece or wool sweater - indoor heating varies widely in heritage buildings and coastal attractions, bring warmth you can add

Warm hat that covers ears - wind chill along the Bay of Fundy can make temperatures feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder

Moisturizing lotion - November's 70% humidity combined with indoor heating creates skin-drying conditions

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster during outdoor tidal bore and Hopewell Rocks photography

Ice cleats or traction aids - late November can bring surprise ice, especially on outdoor viewing platforms and coastal paths

Insider Knowledge

Tidal bore intensity peaks around new and full moons in November - check lunar calendar for the most dramatic 1.8m (6ft) waves rushing upstream

Local restaurants offer prix fixe comfort food menus in November - typically CAD $28-45 for 3 courses, much better value than summer tourist pricing

Downtown Moncton's underground pedway system connects major hotels, shopping, and attractions - crucial knowledge for avoiding November weather

Bay of Fundy fog can roll in rapidly during November's temperature transitions - always check marine weather before heading to coastal attractions like Hopewell Rocks

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly November weather changes - morning sunshine can become afternoon freezing rain, always pack for worst-case conditions

Assuming summer outdoor gear works - November's damp cold penetrates regular rain jackets and sneakers, requiring proper cold-weather gear

Not checking tide schedules before planning coastal visits - November's extreme tides at Hopewell Rocks can strand visitors or eliminate access completely