Things to Do in Virginia Beach in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Virginia Beach
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find hotel rates 25-40% lower than summer peak, with beachfront properties dropping from typical $300-400/night to $180-250/night range - book 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection
- The ocean temperature holds steady around 16°C (61°F) through November, which is actually warmer than the air temperature on cooler mornings - wetsuit rentals run $25-35/day if you're planning extended water time
- Crowd levels drop significantly after Halloween week - the Boardwalk and beach access points that see 50,000+ daily visitors in July typically host 8,000-12,000 in November, meaning you'll actually find parking at municipal lots
- November brings the most dramatic sunrise conditions of the year due to variable cloud cover and lower sun angle - photographers camp out at First Street Jetty starting around 6:15am when golden hour peaks around 6:45am
Considerations
- Water activities become legitimately challenging - air temperatures in the 11-17°C (52-62°F) range mean you'll need a 3/2mm wetsuit minimum for surfing or paddleboarding, and most kayak rental operations close after the first week of November
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get a 21°C (70°F) day perfect for beach walking followed by a 7°C (45°F) morning with 40 km/h (25 mph) winds off the Atlantic, making it tough to plan outdoor activities more than 2-3 days ahead
- Most seasonal attractions operate on reduced schedules or close entirely - the Virginia Aquarium cuts hours to 9am-5pm (versus 9am-9pm in summer), and about 40% of Boardwalk restaurants close for the season or go to weekend-only service
Best Activities in November
Surfing and Surf Lessons at Virginia Beach Oceanfront
November actually brings some of the year's most consistent surf conditions as Atlantic storm systems generate swells in the 1-2 m (3-6 ft) range. Water temperature at 16°C (61°F) requires a wetsuit, but the lack of summer crowds means you'll have actual space in the lineup. Early morning sessions from 7-9am typically see the cleanest conditions before afternoon winds pick up. The 2nd Street and 17th Street breaks work best in November's northeast swells.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Kayaking
The refuge's protected waters offer calmer paddling than the ocean, and November brings peak waterfowl migration - you'll spot tundra swans, snow geese, and various duck species that aren't here in summer. The marshes and bay waters stay relatively calm even when the ocean is rough. Launch from the boat ramp at Sandbridge and paddle the 3-5 km (2-3 mile) routes through channels. Water temperature drops to 13-15°C (55-59°F), so capsizing becomes more serious - stay close to shore.
First Landing State Park Hiking
The 32 km (20 miles) of trails through maritime forest and cypress swamps become ideal in November when humidity drops from summer's oppressive 85% to a more manageable 70%, and you won't encounter the biting insects that plague these trails May through September. The Cape Henry Trail offers 9.7 km (6 miles) of relatively flat terrain perfect for the variable November weather - if conditions turn, you're never more than 2 km (1.2 miles) from a parking area. Temperatures in the 11-17°C (52-62°F) range make this perfect layering weather.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Cycling
The 45 km (28 mile) paved trail system connecting the Boardwalk to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel becomes genuinely enjoyable in November when you're not competing with 10,000 summer pedestrians. The separate bike lane runs the full 4.8 km (3 mile) Boardwalk length, then continues north and south through residential areas with ocean views. November's cooler temperatures make the 25-30 km (15-19 mile) round trip to Fort Story comfortable rather than exhausting. Morning rides from 8-10am typically see the calmest winds.
Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tours
November marks the tail end of humpback whale southern migration past Virginia Beach, with sightings possible through mid-month. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins remain year-round, and you'll actually see more active feeding behavior in the cooler water. Tours run 2-3 hours departing from Rudee Inlet, covering 15-25 km (9-15 miles) offshore. The variable November weather means about 30-40% of scheduled trips get cancelled for rough seas, so build flexibility into your plans. Bring serious wind protection - it feels 5-8°C (10-15°F) colder on the water.
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier and Surf Fishing
November brings the fall run of striped bass (rockfish) and red drum along the Virginia Beach coastline, with fish moving south through the area. The 305 m (1,000 ft) fishing pier stays open year-round and actually sees better fishing in November than summer when water temperatures drive species offshore. Surf fishing from the beach becomes productive as crowds disappear - you can set up anywhere outside the summer swimming zones. Early morning and evening tides typically produce best, with incoming tides bringing baitfish close to shore.
November Events & Festivals
Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival
Typically held first weekend of November at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, featuring 30-40 Virginia wineries with tastings, food pairings, and live music. The indoor venue makes it weather-proof, and the festival draws about 2,000-3,000 attendees over the weekend. General admission runs $45-55 and includes tasting glass plus 15-20 sample tickets. VIP tickets at $85-95 add premium tastings and early entry. Worth attending if you're interested in Virginia's growing wine industry, though it's more regional-focused than a major destination event.
Thanksgiving Week Beach Cleanup and Turkey Trot
The annual 5K and 10K Turkey Trot happens Thanksgiving morning starting at 8am from the Boardwalk at 24th Street, drawing 3,000-4,000 runners. Registration costs $35-45 and includes a tech shirt. The course runs along the Boardwalk with ocean views, and November temperatures in the 7-12°C (45-54°F) range make for ideal running weather. A volunteer beach cleanup typically happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving from 9am-noon, coordinated by local environmental groups - free to participate and they provide gloves and bags.