November is a prologue to chilly winters in significant parts of the world. The temperatures begin to drop gradually. However, some places witness snowfall. Yes, you read it right. Some places start to experience snowfall in November, which opens up exciting opportunities for travel enthusiasts or people planning to vacation around the same time.
At this moment, we have attempted to enlist all the places in the USA that transform into winter wonderland when it snows. The snow in these areas allows you to undertake thrilling and calming activities that range from outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing to exploring the culture and heritage of these places.
So, without further ado, here is the list of carefully sorted places in the USA where you can see snow in November.
1. Places to See Snow in November in the USA
1.1 Fairbanks, Alaska
Winter in Fairbanks lasts for five months. Although it is dark, gloomy, and cold outside, there are a plethora of exciting activities that you can do. Fairbanks and Alaska, in general, are known to be one of the best places to see the northern lights. So, seeking aurora is something you must do while you are in Fairbanks.
Because limited tourists visit Fairbanks during winter, all the famous activities can be done hassle-free. Since the sun never really rises above the horizon in Alaska, the view is the most beautiful you have witnessed in a while. Fairbanks is not only about the beauty of nature but also a city with a delicious culinary landscape.
Visit the northernmost Starbucks and have hot coffee in Fairbanks’ chilly weather. Undertake the Aurora Ice Museum tour, which is created with about 1000 tons of ice and snow. For sports enthusiasts, Fairbanks has to offer a diverse range of ice sports like skiing, sledding, and snow machine tours.
After a long, tiring day, soak in Chena hot spring, which has a 106-degree temperature and is said to have healing properties. Visit the northern lights that are lit up with candy cane light poles. An amazing fact about this place is that Santa’s house is also here. Another reason why you should visit this place is because
For winter travel, Fairbanks offers the perfect blend of sports, food, and, to top it all off, a scenic winter landscape.
1.2 Denver, Colorado
Denver experiences gorgeous weather in November, with temperatures ranging between 14 degrees Celsius and 3 degrees Celsius. Denver offers a plethora of winter activities, from skating to snowboarding. Denver has been brimming with excitement and culture throughout the years, and November works as a cherry on the cake.
You can easily visit famous tourist attractions like the Denver Art Museum and Rocky Mountain National Park in November. Denver sees a much smaller tourist crowd than during peak tourist season.
You cannot afford to miss several cultural events in November. Attend the parade of lights, a free event with Christmas and winter festivities. Visit or visit the Brew Festival to taste quality beer.
Since Denver’s culinary landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate, you should try out local eateries. Witness exotic wildlife at the Denver Aquarium. Experience the shine of the blossom of light, which is the signature event of Denver Botanic Gardens.
Denver perfectly blends a vibrant neighbourhood, music, art museum exhibitions, theatre performances, and cultural vibes. He was ranging from architectural tours to window shops. Denver has to be one of your must-visit places this winter.
1.3 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Although the temperature drops, the liveliness in Minneapolis is at its peak; you can do anything, from strolling along the gorgeous snowy paths to visiting the frozen lakes and rivers.
Experience warmth in winter by feeding and petting llamas at several great Llama farms in Minneapolis. If you happen to visit Minneapolis in winter (which you definitely should), you should try ice fishing with your friends and family. But do not forget to get your fishing license first.
Minneapolis offers several winter activities that are sure to leave you high-spirited. You could try cross-country skiing, with about 2000 miles of trails dedicated to exploration in Minneapolis. You can also try downhill skiing in 18 downhill ski areas in Minneapolis and areas near the city.
If there is snow but not enough for skiing, you can go fat biking, for which Minneapolis has outstanding options. You can also enjoy hurling snowballs at each other. For people who seek the thrill, try snow tubing, which will give you a sudden rush of adrenaline.
Apart from all the outdoor winter sports activities, you can do other exciting things as well. To experience marvellous structures, visit ice castles made from ice in Long Lake Regional Park in Minnesota.
1.4 Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has unique attractions, each offering incredible recreation opportunities. The city’s marvellous architecture and vibrant culture are why it is always brimming with life.
Several places offer perfect locations for winter sports in Salt Lake City. Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway is a popular place for snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Similarly, Heritage Park is ideal for cross-country skiing and sledding. Soldier Hollow is perfect for family-friendly snow tubing if you visit Salt Lake City with your family.
It would be best if you did not miss out on visiting Temple Square Lights, which exudes Christmas holiday vibes and is one of the most visited attractions in Salt Lake City. Visit Great Salt Lake for beautiful scenic views across the shoreline. Apart from outdoor activities, indoor activities include art exhibitions and museums.
Non-skillers have restaurants and museums at their disposal. Significant events like the Sundance Film Festival are held in Salt Lake City around the same time, and it is a must-visit if you do not want to miss out on the most innovative storytelling in cinema.
Salt Lake City will allure you with its charm, whether on a religious tour or a vacation.

1.5 Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York, is renowned worldwide for its fantastic architecture and vibrant culture. This city offers several outdoor and indoor activities, from indoor walking tours to cozy pubs. The outdoor activities are diverse. Visit Letchworth State Park, a hiker’s paradise with epic buffalo waterfalls.
Often referred to as the “comfort food capital of America,” you will be impressed by the food and drinks it offers to your taste palate. Be it spaghetti parm at Chef’s or Friday fish fry at local shops across the region.
Chestnut Ridge Country offers a free sledding hill and is New York’s most giant ice ring. Experience the sublimity of Niagara Falls State Park’s beauty as mist freezes on the tree’s top in November.
The Buffalo Hofbrauhaus holiday market exudes festive vibes and offers anything and everything. It will set your holiday mood for the rest of your vacation in Buffalo.
1.6 Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is famous for its architectural beauty, which ranges from marvellous 19th-century buildings to scenic public squares. In winter, there are a considerable number of peaks that are perfect for various winter outdoor activities.
Onondaga Park has trails around the lake famous for cross-country skiing and sledging. Green Lakes State Park is renowned for outdoor activities like snowshoeing, and Clinton Square is famous for ice skating. Hit the slopes for all your snowboarding needs.
The exciting fact about slopes in Syracuse is that they match every preference with the availability of different levels. Syracuse is not only about sports activities but also about several museums, galleries, and workshops.
Whether it is museums for all ages and interests or gallery talks, Syracuse has something for everyone. Do not forget to immerse yourself in the culinary landscape of Syracuse. We recommend Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, arguably the city’s most famous restaurant.
1.7 Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the ideal destination for your following winter memories while it snows. Burlington and its outskirts are known for lopes and terrain, offering its guests diverse winter activity options.
Undertake a sleigh ride down through the countryside or the Shelburne farms. Affordable trails in a park-like Red Rocks are available for winter hiking. The Bolton Valley offers impeccable terrain for skiers and snowboarders. A serene sleigh ride through Burlington’s scenic countryside is like travelling back in time, exposing you to charming and snowy Vermont.
Burlington is much more than thrilling winter sports activities. Whether you visit breweries, distilleries, or the Flynn Center for Performing Arts, Burlington never ceases to satisfy your senses.
To escape the chilly winter, visit a spa Centre like the Spa in Essex and relax. Burlington is home to several fantastic restaurants and eateries. The church Street marketplace is where Burlington’s whole action and life is.
Last but not least, Burlington is also home to one of the best maple syrup in the world, and Sugartree Maple Farm is the best place to get it.
1.8 Bangor, Maine
Bangor, the third-largest city in Maine, has lively and charming small-town vibes. It offers plenty of outdoor and indoor activities, from museums to theatres, iconic landmarks, and places rich in cultural heritage.
Admire the Victorian-style hometown of Stephen King, situated in Whitney Park’s historic district. Birthplace of the familiar woodsman, Bangor is home to the Paul Bunyan statue, which has been the main street sight since its construction.
An interesting fact about Bangor? Bangor is one of the first garden cemeteries in America, a scenic area of Mount Hope Cemetery. The Bangor City Forest is a total of picturesque woodlands and offers a 9-mile trail that can be used for walking, running, hiking, and biking. The Bangor Farmers’ Market will offer excellent local, delicious, and fresh food.
1.9 Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman, Montana, becomes a captivating travel destination in November when it is covered with snow. It becomes a winter wonderland, offering visitors unforgettable memories.
Bozeman offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in nearby Bridger Bowl or Big Sky Resort for outdoor enthusiasts who seek thrills. The trails also provide exciting snowmobiling and serene cross-country skiing adventures.
The downtown area of Bozeman exudes charm even when covered with snow. Cozy cafes, galleries, and art galleries testify to this fact. Indulge in a hot cup of coffee at a café or a hearty meal at one of Bozeman’s acclaimed restaurants. Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit for people seeking escape in nature.
The snow compliments the already beautiful landscape and wildlife of this park. Bozeman’s museums and galleries speak much about the region’s rich culture and heritage.
Bozeman in November offers a tranquil escape. It seamlessly blends the beauty of nature with the warmth of community, resulting in memories for a lifetime.
1.10 Spokane, Washington
Plan to celebrate your vacation in Spokane, as no matter what the season is, Spokane has something or something else to offer. Indulge your senses in the vibrant wine scene of the Cork district in Spokane. You can do a lot of activities.
Undertake a walking tour of the scenic riverfront park. Hit the fluffy ski slopes at Mt Spokane, perfect for skiing, sledding, tubing, and snowboarding. You cannot afford to miss to attend the numeric tree lighting ceremony in Riverfront Park- see the tree brighten up for the first time in the season.
Make unforgettable memories inside the beautiful and cozy igloos at Davenport Grand. Experience the fun of ice skating in the riverfront park. Also, the Numerica Skate Ribbon is the best place to go for ice skating. Do not forget to attend the winter market at the pavilion, which houses food trucks offering local eateries, small businesses, and farmers who put up fresh produce stalls.
Spokane is a perfectly balanced plate of culture and sports, and its pleasant climate should be on your list of must-visit places.
1.11 Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff in Arizona is a winter wonderland and the perfect town for winter recreation. It offers thrill seekers who desire skiing and snowboarding, a terrain with an altitude of 11,500 meters. If you want to undertake a slow-paced activity, give snowshoeing a trial, as nothing beats the winter scenery of a snowshoe walk around Mount Humphreys.
The Arizona Nordic village, about 12 miles northwest of Flagstaff, offers all the snow activities without crowds. Flagstaff is generally less crowded around November, but Arizona brings all the snow activities under one umbrella and provides a hassle-free space to experience the thrill.
Visit beautiful parks like Buffalo Park, which becomes a winter wonderland around the same time. Get cozy by eating, drinking, and skating in Flagstaff’s chilly yet pleasant weather.
To experience the delightful local eateries, we recommend lateness for the train and white dove.

2. Tips That Would Make It All Easy
Undertaking a journey to the USA in November while it is snowing seems all good until you encounter some difficulty that can spoil your experience. So, it would be best if you kept in mind some essential tips before you travel to the USA in November.
Here are a few tips that we would personally recommend to you since we don’t want your vacation to be spoiled. So, for a “without-difficulties” vacation, you can follow these tips and make memories without any restrictions or disturbances. Here you go!

2.1 Check the Weather Forecast Beforehand
Stay updated on the weather conditions of the place you are travelling to. This will help you prepare for potential threats like hailstorms, which can prove hazardous if not addressed.
2.2 Pack Appropriate Clothing
Carry warm layers of clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, and a heavy coat to stay comfortable and cozy while you enjoy various things.
2.3 Drive Cautiously
If you plan to rent a car or drive in conditions while it is snowing, you need to remember that roads become slippery in winter due to snowfall. So, drive cautiously at a safe distance and use snow tyres or chains if necessary.
2.4 Plan Beforehand for Delays
Heavy snowfall sometimes leads to delays in flights and road blockages. So, allow extra time for travel and have alternative plans in place in cases of delays.
2.5 Be Prepared for Emergencies
Carry an emergency kit with winter essentials like water, a blanket, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a fully charged phone with emergency contacts programmed in.
2.6 Know How to Handle Snow
If you’re not accustomed to driving/walking in the snow, consider familiarizing yourself with essential snow safety tips like shovelling snow and navigating snowy roads.
2.7 Stay Informed
Follow and monitor local news channels and official websites for updates on road blockage and weather conditions. Remember to follow safety advisories or guidelines provided by authorities.
2.8 Book Accommodation in Advance
Although the flow of tourists to the places mentioned above is low during November, just to be safe, book your accommodation in advance to avoid hassle at the last minute.
2.9 Consider Having Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covers unforeseen circumstances like delays, cancellations, and other emergencies. So, consider having travel insurance before your journey to any place.
2.10 Stay Flexible
Consider having flexible/backup plans ready in case of emergency or unfavourable weather conditions. Keep indoor activities or alternate destinations prepared in case of inclement weather.
3. Conclusion
The USA places above perfectly blend thrilling activities, scenic landscapes, delightful cuisine, rich culture, and charming heritage. Whether it is the scenic Yellowstone National Park or the ski resorts of Denver, these places have something to offer to everyone who seeks thrill and desire to escape in a winter wonderland experience.
It does not matter if you are a ski enthusiast, a snowshoeing enthusiast, or someone who prefers appreciating the beauty of snow-covered landscapes. November in these places gives you an ideal opportunity to experience the thrill and make memories for life. So bundle up, pack your bags, and do a favour to take yourself on an enchanting journey to witness the magic of snow in the best places in the United States of America.
Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by AnoushkaRoy