Thanksgiving in Idaho usually brings a mix of crisp air, chilly nights, and sometimes snow, depending on where you are. Most years, you’ll see daytime temperatures in the upper 30s to mid-40s in the valleys, with colder weather and snow showing up more in the mountains. The holiday season is a time when you’ll want a warm coat and maybe some flexibility in your travel plans.
Idaho’s landscapes create a variety of weather experiences. Boise and the Treasure Valley usually see cool but manageable conditions, while northern and eastern Idaho feel more like deep winter. Elevation changes things quickly, so a short drive might turn your day from brisk fall to full-on snowy.
If you’re planning a family gathering, traveling across the state, or just prepping your home and garden, it helps to know what to expect. When you understand typical Thanksgiving patterns and climate trends, you can make smarter choices for comfort, safety, and even holiday fun.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Idaho
Thanksgiving in Idaho brings cold mornings, cool afternoons, and sometimes unsettled weather. Most areas see temperatures near or below freezing, some rain or snow depending on elevation, and shorter daylight hours than early fall.
Average Temperatures in Late November
Late November temperatures in Idaho really depend on where you are. In Boise, average highs reach the upper 40s °F, while lows drop into the low 30s °F.
Idaho Falls sits higher up, so it’s colder, with highs near the low 40s °F and lows in the upper teens to mid-20s °F. Sandpoint in the north averages highs in the low 40s °F and lows around 30 °F.
Most mornings start below freezing, especially in mountain valleys. Afternoons feel a bit warmer in the south, but you’ll still want layers and a good coat. Wind chill makes it feel colder, particularly in eastern Idaho where it gets breezy.
Precipitation Patterns and Chances
Precipitation around Thanksgiving really depends on location. Boise gets about 1.4 inches of rain in November and sees 7–8 days of measurable precipitation. Snow sometimes falls, but it’s lighter in the Treasure Valley than in the mountains.
Idaho Falls records about 0.8 inches of rainfall and 2–4 inches of snow for the month. Northern Idaho, like Sandpoint, is wetter, with over 3 inches of rain on average and more than 12 days of precipitation. Snow falls more often there, with monthly totals near 9 inches.
If you’re traveling through mountain passes, expect snow-covered roads and possible delays. You should prepare for rain at lower elevations and snow in the mountains. Conditions can change fast, especially during the holiday rush.
Daylight Hours and Sunlight Trends
By late November, Idaho’s days are short. In Boise and Idaho Falls, you get about 9.5 hours of daylight per day. The sun rises close to 7:45 a.m. and sets around 5:15 p.m.
Sandpoint in the north gets just over 9 hours of daylight, with sunset before 5:00 p.m. Cloudy skies are common, which cuts down on direct sunlight. Boise only sees clear or partly clear skies less than half the time in November.
Northern Idaho is even cloudier, with Sandpoint averaging clear skies less than a third of the month. Shorter, dimmer days make afternoons feel colder, and evenings show up quickly. If you want to be outside, get going early.
Regional Weather Variations Across Idaho
Idaho’s Thanksgiving weather changes a lot depending on where you are. Elevation, terrain, and latitude all shape temperatures, precipitation, and travel conditions.
Weather in Northern Idaho
Northern Idaho sits closer to Canada and includes cities like Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. This area usually sees colder conditions by late November compared to other parts of the state.
Daytime highs usually range from the upper 30s to mid-40s °F, while nighttime lows often dip below freezing. Moisture from the Pacific brings frequent clouds and a higher chance of rain or snow, depending on elevation.
Lower valleys might get chilly rain, while higher spots see wet snow. Roads can get slick in the mornings after overnight freezes.
Lake Coeur d’Alene and the nearby mountains create local weather quirks. Cold air settles in valleys, making mornings feel colder than the thermometer says. If you’re heading here for Thanksgiving, expect mixed precipitation and changing driving conditions.
Weather in Southern Idaho
Southern Idaho, including Boise, Twin Falls, and Pocatello, stays drier than the north. Around Thanksgiving, daytime highs usually sit in the mid-40s to low 50s °F, while nights often fall into the 20s or low 30s.
Snow isn’t as common at lower elevations, but frosty mornings show up a lot. The Snake River Plain dominates this region, and its lower elevation means you often get milder temperatures.
Strong inversions sometimes trap cold air and fog in valleys, making driving tricky. Precipitation is lighter here, but cold fronts can bring rain or a dusting of snow.
If you’re staying in Boise, you’ll probably get dry, cool days and chilly evenings, which makes getting around easier than in the north or mountains.
Weather in Mountainous Regions
Idaho’s mountain ranges—like the Sawtooths, Bitterroots, and central highlands—see the harshest Thanksgiving weather. Elevation is the big factor here.
At 5,000 to 7,000 feet, daytime highs often stay in the 20s or 30s °F, while nights can plunge into the teens or single digits. Snow falls often and can be heavy.
Storms rolling in from the Pacific drop lots of snow over passes and ski areas. Roads like Lookout Pass and Galena Summit get icy or snow-packed, so you’ll often need chains or winter tires.
Higher ridges get strong winds, which blow snow around and cut visibility. If you’re visiting mountain towns or ski resorts, expect real winter by late November and be ready for tough travel.
Impact of Elevation on Thanksgiving Weather
In Idaho, elevation really shapes your late November weather. Temperatures drop fast as you go up, and mountain areas get a lot more snow than valleys.
Lowland Versus Highland Temperatures
In the Snake River Plain and other valleys, Thanksgiving temperatures are milder. Daytime highs usually hit the upper 30s to mid-40s °F, while nights dip into the 20s.
These spots feel chilly but don’t usually get extreme cold. Higher elevations, like the central mountains or Panhandle, run much colder.
Afternoon highs often stay in the 20s or low 30s °F, and overnight lows can fall into the single digits above 5,000 feet. This means you might only need a light winter coat in Boise, but up in Stanley or McCall, you’ll want heavier gear.
Elevation also makes temperatures drop faster after sunset, especially in mountain valleys where the air is thinner and shade lasts longer.
Example Comparison:
| Location (Elevation) | Typical High °F | Typical Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| Boise (2,700 ft) | 40–45 | 25–30 |
| McCall (5,000 ft) | 28–33 | 10–15 |
| Stanley (6,200 ft) | 22–28 | 0–10 |
Snowfall Likelihood at Different Elevations
Snow chances jump as you move from the valleys into the mountains. In southern Idaho lowlands, Thanksgiving sometimes brings cold rain or light snow that melts fast. You might even get dry conditions if it stays just above freezing.
Mountain regions like the Sawtooths, Bitterroots, and Clearwater Range often have snow on the ground by late November. Above 5,000 feet, measurable snowfall is common, and snow depth can reach several inches.
If you compare Boise to mountain towns, the difference is obvious. Boise might only see a dusting of snow every few years on Thanksgiving, while McCall or Sun Valley often get ski areas ready to open with early-season snow.
If you plan to travel, remember that mountain passes like Lookout Pass or Galena Summit are far more likely to be snowy and icy. Roads there get hazardous even when valleys stay dry.
Elevation not only boosts your odds of snow but also means snow sticks around longer, with high elevations holding snow cover much earlier in the season.
Preparing Your Home for Thanksgiving Weather
Cold air and early snow show up in Idaho by late November, so it’s smart to get your home ready for lower temperatures and possible ice. A few simple steps for heating, insulation, and outdoor upkeep can make your holiday safer and more comfortable.
Heating and Insulation Tips
Check your furnace or heating system before the holidays. Replace filters, test the thermostat, and call for a tune-up if you need one.
A well-maintained system keeps your home warm and helps lower energy costs. Seal up gaps around windows and doors using weatherstripping or caulk. Even little leaks let in cold air and drive up heating bills.
Adding insulation to attics, basements, or crawl spaces helps keep heat inside. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, clean the chimney and stack up dry firewood ahead of time.
Make sure your carbon monoxide detector works, especially if you’re using extra heating sources.
Quick checklist:
- Replace furnace filter
- Seal windows and doors
- Add attic insulation
- Test carbon monoxide detectors
Managing Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can pile up fast in Idaho, especially at higher elevations. Clear gutters before storms so melting snow drains away from your house. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which may damage your roof.
Keep shovels, ice melt, and sand handy near entryways. Put down ice melt early to keep surfaces from icing over. For driveways and walkways, sand improves traction when things get slick.
Make sure outdoor faucets are drained and hoses are stored to avoid frozen pipes. If you’ve got a steep driveway, think about using a snow blower or arrange for plowing before big storms.
Practical steps:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Store shovels and ice melt within reach
- Drain outdoor faucets
- Arrange snow removal if needed
Garden and Outdoor Considerations in November
Cold nights and short days in Idaho bring the first hard frosts and sometimes the first snow. Your garden needs protection from freezing, and soil preparation now helps plants and beds get through winter.
Protecting Plants from Frost
Frost can hit tender plants hard, especially in valleys where temperatures often dip below freezing by late November. Cover plants with breathable fabric like burlap or frost cloth to trap heat without suffocating them.
Don’t use plastic directly on leaves—it can do more harm than good. Potted plants are even more vulnerable since their roots are exposed. Move containers closer to buildings or into garages if you can.
If you can’t move them, wrap pots with straw, bubble wrap, or old blankets for insulation. Mulching works too.
A 2–4 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or bark helps regulate soil temperature and keeps roots safer from freeze-thaw cycles. Focus on perennials and young shrubs since they’re most at risk.
| Frost Protection Method | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frost cloth/burlap | Covering tender plants | Allows airflow |
| Mulch | Root protection | Apply 2–4 inches |
| Container insulation | Potted plants | Wrap or move indoors |
Preparing the Garden for Winter
November rolls around, and it’s time to clean up beds and get the soil ready for the dormant season. Pull out dead annuals, weeds, and plant debris to cut down on pests and disease that might linger through winter.
Cut back perennials to just a few inches above ground. That way, they’ll bounce back healthier when spring shows up.
Toss some compost or well-rotted manure on the beds before the ground freezes. This boosts the soil and gives nutrients a chance to break down before planting season.
Spread a last layer of mulch over the beds. Mulch shields your soil from erosion and those wild temperature swings.
If you’ve got a vegetable garden, think about planting cover crops like winter rye or clover. Cover crops help stop soil from compacting, add organic matter, and keep weeds down during the off-season.
In spots with heavy snowfall, pile on some extra mulch for raised beds. That keeps soil from washing away when the snow melts.
Remember to drain and stash your garden hoses, and shut off outdoor water lines. If you leave water inside, freezing temps can crack hoses and mess up spigots.
Taking care of these chores now can save you time and money once spring finally gets here.
Long-Term Climate Trends for Thanksgiving Week
Idaho’s Thanksgiving week weather usually marks the shift from late fall to early winter. You’ll probably notice cooler temperatures, maybe some early-season snow, and the weather really depends on your elevation and location.
Historical Weather Data
In southern Idaho cities like Boise, average highs usually sit in the upper 30s to mid-40s °F. Head up to higher elevations or northern spots like Coeur d’Alene, and highs drop closer to the mid-30s °F.
Nighttime lows dip below freezing just about everywhere, and valleys can fall into the 20s °F.
Precipitation changes from place to place, but most valleys get around 0.2 to 0.5 inches of moisture this week. In the mountains, you see more—often as snow.
Snow depth in the central mountains can build up fast, but lower valleys might just get a dusting or a bit of rain.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, but a cold front can bring some decent gusts. Humidity rises as temps drop, so there’s often a damp chill in the air, even under clear skies.
So if you’re traveling during the holiday week, expect wet roads, early icy patches, and maybe some snow-covered mountain passes.
Notable Thanksgiving Weather Events
Idaho’s Thanksgiving weather really runs the gamut. Some years, the Snake River Plain basks in dry, sunny weather that makes travel a breeze.
But then there are those years when strong Pacific storms roll in, dumping several inches of snow across southern Idaho.
Up north, Thanksgiving storms have sometimes buried the region under 6–10 inches of snow in just one day. That much snow can turn mountain highways into a real headache.
Records show higher valleys have shivered through temperatures hovering near zero, especially after a fresh snowfall. Bitter cold tends to settle in right after those storms.
Even the less dramatic stuff can throw a wrench in your plans. Light freezing rain has iced up the Treasure Valley, and fog occasionally cuts visibility way down in the lower valleys.
Weather here really does like to flip the script, sometimes even in the same week.
If you’re planning to travel or host something outdoors, it’s smart to be ready for anything from calm, chilly days to sudden winter storms.