When you’re planning Thanksgiving in Maryland, the weather really shapes the whole vibe of the holiday. Most years, you’ll get cool days with highs anywhere from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, and chilly mornings that often dip into the 30s. Rain might show up, but it’s usually light, and snow hardly ever falls outside the western mountains.
You’ll notice the weather shifts a bit depending on where you spend the holiday. Coastal and central Maryland usually stay milder, while the western part can turn colder and might even get some early snow. That variety makes it smart to think about your location if you’ve got travel or outdoor plans.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Maryland
Late November in Maryland usually brings cool days and chilly nights. You’ll see a mix of dry and damp weather. Afternoons feel milder than the mornings, but steady winds and moderate humidity often make it feel colder than the temperature says.
Average Temperatures in Late November
During Thanksgiving week, average daytime highs in central and eastern Maryland reach about 50–55°F (10–13°C). Nights drop to 40–45°F (4–7°C), but western Maryland sometimes slips into the 30s.
Mornings can bring frost, especially inland or up in the hills. If you’re close to the Chesapeake Bay, the water keeps things a bit warmer.
Cool air feels crisp, so you’ll want to dress in layers. A light jacket might do for the day, but you’ll probably need something heavier by evening.
Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall around Thanksgiving is pretty moderate. Late November usually brings about 0.6–0.7 inches (15–18 mm) of rain spread over a few days. Most of it falls as light or steady rain, not heavy downpours.
Snow doesn’t usually show up in most of Maryland this time of year. Western counties near the Appalachians might see early-season snow or a dusting, though.
If you’re traveling, you’re more likely to run into wet roads and occasional fog than snow. Showers tend to pass quickly, and then you get cool, clear skies.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity sits around 65–70% in late November, which can make the air feel damp even when it’s not raining. That moisture, mixed with cooler air, makes mornings feel colder than you’d expect.
Winds tend to be steady and noticeable. Speeds usually range from 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h), with stronger gusts by the water or up in the hills. You’ll feel the chill, so wind-resistant clothes come in handy if you’re outside.
Visibility usually stays good, but fog can roll in overnight and early in the morning. Once the sun comes up, winds usually clear things out pretty fast.
Temperature Trends for Thanksgiving Week
Most years, you’ll wake up to cool mornings and enjoy mild afternoons during Thanksgiving week in Maryland. Temperatures usually stay comfortable for being outside, but evenings can drop quickly and remind you winter’s close.
Historical Highs and Lows
Looking back at climate records, Maryland’s Thanksgiving week usually brings morning lows in the mid-30s°F and afternoon highs in the low to mid-50s°F. The state’s mid-Atlantic spot means you get a mix of coastal warmth and inland chill.
Some years, highs have stretched into the mid-60s°F. Other times, lows have fallen into the 20s°F, and in rare years, even the teens.
Rain can show up but usually doesn’t stick around long. November averages about 3–4 inches statewide, and Thanksgiving week often brings a mix of dry days and a stray shower. Snow is still rare in most of Maryland, though the west might see a little.
Layering your clothes helps you handle the temperature swings. You might start the day bundled up and end up peeling off layers by afternoon.
Recent Thanksgiving Weather Patterns
Lately, Thanksgiving in Maryland’s leaned toward seasonally cool but steady weather. A lot of years bring partly sunny skies and highs in the low to mid-50s°F, which feels just right for travel or outdoor gatherings.
Cold snaps still hit sometimes. In the past decade or so, a few Thanksgivings only hit the 40s°F, with frosty mornings in the upper 20s°F. Those cooler years usually come with brisk winds, which make it feel colder.
Most recent Thanksgivings haven’t seen much rain. Light showers might drift through, but heavy rain or snow is pretty rare. The last time snow really showed up for Thanksgiving in Maryland, it stuck to the far west—central and coastal areas stayed clear.
When you’re planning, you can usually expect nights in the 30s°F and days in the 50s°F, with only a slim chance of nasty weather. That kind of consistency makes Thanksgiving week one of the easier times to predict in late fall.
Rainfall and Snow Possibilities
Maryland gets steady rainfall most of the year, and fall often brings a fair share of wet days. Snow isn’t as common in central and eastern Maryland, but the west sees more as elevation climbs.
Chances of Rain
Rain just comes with the territory in Maryland. The state averages 40 to 45 inches of precipitation per year, which is right around the national average. That includes both light showers and the occasional heavy storm.
In late November, you’ll probably get rain on about 8 to 10 days during the month. Some days just bring drizzle, but others can have steady rain for hours.
Rainfall around Thanksgiving usually spreads out, not just in one season. So, you might run into wet weather whether you’re out for a walk, on the road, or at a local event.
It’s smart to keep a waterproof jacket or umbrella handy. Roads can get slick fast, especially with wet leaves everywhere.
Likelihood of Snowfall
Snow in central Maryland is a bit of a wild card compared to rain. The state averages about 20 inches per season, but that number jumps around depending on where you are. Coastal or lower spots might only see a few inches all winter.
By late November, you probably won’t see much snow for Thanksgiving. Flurries can happen, but real accumulation usually waits until December or January.
Western Maryland, especially Garrett County, gets hit with a lot more snow. Totals there can top 100 inches in a season, while the central region barely gets a taste.
If you’re visiting, expect rain to be more likely than snow this time of year. Still, a sudden cold snap could bring a dusting, but it rarely sticks around.
Regional Weather Differences Across Maryland
Maryland’s weather changes a lot depending on where you are. Elevation, distance from the coast, and the lay of the land all shape how temperatures, rain, and snow play out.
Eastern Shore Conditions
The Eastern Shore sits by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic, so temperatures stay more moderate. Autumn here feels milder than inland. Highs in late November usually land in the upper 40s to low 50s °F, with lows in the upper 30s.
Rain is more common than snow now. The coastal air brings damp, chilly days instead of freezing ones. Winds pick up along the shore, so it often feels colder than the numbers say.
If you’re traveling, you’ll want to prep for varied weather. A light jacket and rain gear usually beat out heavy winter coats. Outdoor plans might mean dealing with wet ground and some morning fog.
Western Maryland Climate
Western Maryland sits up in the Appalachians, so it deals with colder and snowier weather than the rest of the state. By late November, highs drop into the low 40s °F, and lows often hit the upper 20s.
Snow is more likely here than anywhere else in Maryland. Even small weather systems can bring a light coating. Roads in the mountains can get slick fast, so driving takes extra care.
The mountain setting means bigger temperature swings from day to night. Clear nights can feel a lot colder than the valleys. If you’re headed out this way, bring warm layers and be ready for quick changes in the weather.
Central Maryland Weather
Central Maryland, with cities like Baltimore and Annapolis, lands between the coast and the mountains. Highs in late November usually reach the upper 40s, with lows in the mid-30s.
Snow might show up, but it’s not common this early. Rain falls more often, and cloudy days are the norm. The Bay helps keep away the worst of the cold, but when the wind shifts northwest, you’ll feel it.
Travel here is usually steadier than in the mountains, but damp weather can still mess with outdoor plans. A medium jacket and waterproof shoes are good bets for this area.
How Thanksgiving Weather in Maryland Compares to Nearby States
Maryland’s late November weather usually means cool days in the 40s and 50s °F, with nights slipping close to freezing. Things change depending on where you are, but compared to neighboring states, some differences stand out.
Differences With Pennsylvania and Virginia
When you head north to Pennsylvania, you’ll usually find colder Thanksgiving weather. Highs often stick to the low to mid-40s °F, and lows dip into the upper 20s. Snow showers are more likely, especially in central and western parts or higher elevations.
Virginia feels milder. Many places hit the low to mid-50s °F for highs, with lows in the upper 30s. Coastal Virginia can even hold in the upper 50s and 60s.
Maryland falls right in the middle. You get cooler air than Virginia, but less snow risk than Pennsylvania. Western Maryland, though, can feel a lot like Pennsylvania’s chillier side.
Quick Comparison:
| State | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Snow Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 42–46 | 28–32 | Moderate–High |
| Maryland | 48–54 | 32–36 | Low–Moderate |
| Virginia | 52–58 | 36–40 | Low |
Maryland Versus the Mid-Atlantic Region
If you look across the Mid-Atlantic, Maryland’s Thanksgiving weather mixes coastal and inland vibes. Coastal states like Delaware and New Jersey stay a bit warmer, with average highs in the low 50s °F and less risk of frost.
West Virginia, though, gets colder. The mountains there can see highs in the 30s °F and lows in the 20s, with a bigger shot at snow or freezing rain.
Maryland sits in the middle. Eastern Maryland feels like Delaware’s coast, while the west matches West Virginia’s chill. That range within one state is kind of unique.
Humidity matters too. Maryland averages around 70–75% in late November, a bit higher than inland states but close to Delaware and New Jersey. You might notice more dampness here than in drier spots inland.
Tips for Planning Thanksgiving Activities Based on Weather
Late November in Maryland usually brings chilly air, shorter days, and a chance of rain or even a little snow. Planning ahead helps you enjoy gatherings, whether you’re hosting outside or hitting the road across the state.
Outdoor Event Considerations
Outdoor activities in Maryland around Thanksgiving can be pretty nice, but you’ll probably run into cool or even cold weather. Most days, highs hover somewhere in the mid-40s to low-50s °F. Once the sun goes down, temperatures often drop into the 30s.
So, layering up is honestly a must if you want your guests to stay comfortable.
Planning to eat outside? Grab some portable heaters, fire pits, or set up wind barriers. Warm drinks like cider or hot chocolate really hit the spot.
Covering food helps keep it from cooling off too fast in the chilly air.
Rain pops up a lot in late November, so always keep a backup plan in mind. A tent with side panels or even the garage can save the day.
If you’re thinking about games or a walk after dinner, pick activities that don’t need dry ground. Lawns tend to get muddy this time of year.
Quick checklist for outdoor hosting:
- Dress in layers and bring blankets
- Use covered or heated spaces
- Keep food insulated
- Prepare an indoor backup option
Travel and Road Conditions
Holiday travel in Maryland usually means crowded highways and unpredictable weather. Rain pops up most often, and wet roads slow down traffic while making accidents more likely.
You might see a little snow, especially out in western Maryland, but it doesn’t happen all that much.
If you’re driving, allow extra time and check local forecasts before heading out. Major roads like I-95, I-70, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway get pretty congested.
Try leaving early in the morning or waiting until later at night to avoid the worst delays.
Airports like BWI sometimes get backed up by rain or low clouds. Weather can mess with flight schedules, so keep an eye on airline updates.
Travel tips to keep in mind:
- Check weather and traffic reports before departure
- Keep an emergency kit in your car (blanket, flashlight, snacks)
- Plan alternate routes in case of accidents or closures
- Book flights with flexible timing when possible