Thanksgiving in Arkansas usually feels cool and crisp. Mornings often start in the 30s, and afternoons climb into the 50s.
You’ll get mild to chilly conditions. Colder air shows up more often in the north, while the south hangs onto a bit more warmth. Snow almost never happens, but light rain or cloudy skies can still shape your holiday travel or outdoor plans.
The weather can really shift depending on where you’re spending the holiday. In Little Rock, temperatures usually stay moderate.
Fayetteville or Bentonville, on the other hand, tend to run colder. The River Valley hangs onto a bit more warmth, but you might wake up to frost on the ground in the morning.
Knowing these patterns helps you get ready for travel and gatherings. If you’re driving across Arkansas or setting up a backyard football game, knowing the typical Thanksgiving weather gives you a better idea of what to expect.
Typical Thanksgiving Temperatures in Arkansas
Thanksgiving in Arkansas brings cool days and chilly nights. The exact conditions depend on where you are in the state.
Some places get mild afternoons, but higher elevations often feel colder, especially after sunset.
Statewide Average Highs and Lows
Across Arkansas, the average high temperature around Thanksgiving usually falls in the mid-50s °F. Afternoon readings often range from 53°F to 58°F, depending on the year.
Some years, you’ll see highs in the 60s. Colder years might not even make it out of the 40s.
The average low temperature usually lands near the mid-30s °F. Overnight readings often dip between 31°F and 37°F.
Frost is common in rural areas, especially in valleys and open farmland.
November in Arkansas can swing quickly. A cold front can drop temperatures fast, but sunny weather can make afternoons feel warmer than you’d expect.
Temperature Variations by Region
Your Thanksgiving weather really depends on where you are in Arkansas. In northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville, highs average in the mid-50s °F.
Lows there often fall near 30°F. Cold snaps can bring morning readings in the 20s.
In the Arkansas River Valley, like Fort Smith, the climate is a little milder. Highs average near 57°F, with lows around 36°F.
This region avoids the sharpest cold most years, but you can still get freezing mornings.
Central and southern Arkansas, including Little Rock and Texarkana, stay a bit warmer. Afternoon highs usually reach the upper 50s to low 60s.
Lows often settle in the mid to upper 30s. Coastal moisture rarely makes it this far inland, so the air usually feels crisp and dry.
Historical Thanksgiving Day Records
Arkansas Thanksgivings have produced a pretty wide range of temperatures over the years. In Fayetteville, the warmest high hit 78°F in 1965.
The coldest high was only 27°F in 1993. That same year, snow fell in parts of northwest Arkansas.
In Fort Smith, records show highs as warm as 81°F and as cold as 32°F. Lows have dipped to 13°F on the coldest years.
Tulsa, just west of Arkansas, shows similar swings, with highs from the low 30s up to the mid-80s. These records really show how Thanksgiving can feel like early winter one year and late fall the next.
Extreme cold doesn’t happen often statewide, but sharp drops can show up when Arctic air pushes south. Warm Thanksgivings, though rare, are memorable when the afternoon climbs into the 70s.
Weather Patterns in Little Rock During Thanksgiving
In late November, you can expect cool to mild days and chilly nights in Little Rock. There’s a fair chance of rain, too.
Snow almost never shows up during this period. But sudden cold fronts can bring sharp temperature drops and the occasional storm.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Thanksgiving week, average daytime highs in Little Rock usually reach the mid-50s to low-60s °F. Some years, you might see upper 60s, but anything above 70°F is pretty rare.
At night, average lows fall into the upper 30s and low 40s °F. If a cold front moves through, you might see lows dip closer to freezing.
Packing layers helps, since mornings and evenings always feel much colder than the afternoons.
Temperature swings can really stand out. A day might start near 40°F, peak at 60°F, then cool off fast after sunset.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect brisk mornings and bring a jacket for the evening.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rain is fairly common in Little Rock during late November. The city usually records about 3 to 4 inches of rainfall for the month.
Showers are possible around Thanksgiving. You’ll see light to moderate rain more often than heavy downpours.
Thunderstorms aren’t as frequent as in spring, but they can still happen when warm, moist air meets a strong cold front.
Snow is very rare in November. Most years go by without measurable snowfall, though the odd flurry can happen.
If you’re traveling, keep in mind that wet roads and short daylight hours can make driving tricky.
Notable Thanksgiving Weather Events
Most Thanksgivings in Little Rock are mild, but a few have stood out for unusual conditions. Strong cold fronts have sometimes dropped temperatures into the 20s °F overnight, leaving frosty mornings.
Rainy holidays aren’t uncommon, and some years have brought steady showers all day. These often come from slow-moving storm systems crossing the region.
Snow on Thanksgiving is extremely rare. Historical records show Little Rock has had measurable snow in late November, but it’s definitely the exception.
People remember those events because they disrupt travel and holiday plans.
Precipitation and Rainfall Trends
Arkansas in late November usually brings cooler temperatures with moderate rainfall. Storms aren’t as common as in spring or early summer, but you still need to plan for wet conditions around the holiday.
Average November Rainfall
November in Arkansas is usually one of the drier fall months, but rain still shows up. On average, the state sees about 2.5–3 inches (65–75 mm) of rainfall during the month.
This rain usually falls over 4 to 5 days, so most days stay dry.
Some years bring heavier totals. Records show more than 3 inches of rain in a single day in past Novembers.
Snow is rare but possible in the northern and higher-elevation parts of the state.
Humidity stays fairly high, around 80%, which can make damp days feel cooler than the thermometer says. Winds average 15–20 km/h, adding to the chill when rain comes through.
If you’ve got outdoor plans, you’ll probably want a light jacket and rain gear. You can expect a few dry days in a row, but short wet spells aren’t unusual.
Probability of Rain on Thanksgiving
The odds of rain on Thanksgiving in Arkansas vary by year, but long-term data gives some clues. With just about 4 rainy days in the entire month, the daily chance of measurable rain sits around 12–15%.
In central areas like Little Rock, Thanksgiving often passes with dry skies. Still, light showers can happen, especially in the afternoon or evening.
The northwest, including Fayetteville, tends to be a bit wetter and cooler. Southern regions stay drier.
Heavy storms are pretty uncommon this late in the season, but brief showers can pop up. If you’re hosting gatherings outdoors, it’s smart to have a covered option or flexible plans.
Indoors, you’ll most likely enjoy mild weather without major interruptions.
Wind, Humidity, and Sunshine Levels
Late November in Arkansas brings cooler air, less daylight, and shifting weather patterns. You’ll want to be ready for breezy afternoons, moderate humidity, and shorter periods of sunshine compared to earlier in the fall.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds in Arkansas during late November usually stay light to moderate. In Little Rock, average speeds range from 7 to 11 mph.
That’s enough to notice, but not enough to mess up your plans. Gusts can get stronger during passing cold fronts, especially in open areas.
Mornings often feel calmer, while afternoons bring a bit more breeze. This pattern shows up a lot in Arkansas’ humid subtropical climate.
When colder air pushes south from the Plains, winds can briefly jump over 15 mph. These stronger bursts hit most often in open farmland or the higher terrain of the Ozarks.
For most travelers and locals, the wind isn’t a big issue. Still, it can make temperatures feel cooler, especially when highs only reach the upper 40s or low 50s.
A light jacket or windbreaker usually does the trick outdoors.
Humidity Levels in Late November
Humidity in Arkansas drops compared to the muggy summer. Average relative humidity in late November often falls between 60% and 70%.
Most people find this level comfortable, and it’s much better than those sticky summer readings above 80%.
Morning hours tend to feel more damp, with readings peaking near sunrise. By afternoon, drier air brings the humidity down, especially when skies are clear and breezes pick up.
If you’re visiting Little Rock or other central areas, you can expect a mild, crisp feel in the air. In the north, humidity can feel even lower because of cooler temperatures and less moisture.
These conditions make outdoor activities pretty pleasant, though you might notice dry skin or chapped lips if a cold front just passed. Carrying water and moisturizer helps.
Typical Hours of Sunshine
By late November, daylight is limited, and sunshine hours get shorter. In Arkansas, you usually get 5 to 6 hours of direct sun per day on average.
Clouds increase when cold fronts come through, which can make things feel dim for a day or two.
In Little Rock, sunrise comes later in the morning, and sunset arrives before 5:15 p.m. This shorter window of daylight can affect travel or outdoor plans.
Clear days often feel brighter thanks to the lower sun angle, which makes the sky look crisp. On cloudy days, the light feels dimmer and temperatures stay cooler.
If you’re planning outdoor events or sightseeing, try to schedule them earlier in the day to catch the sun. Evening activities will need warmer clothes since it cools off quickly after sunset.
Regional Weather Differences Across Arkansas
Weather around Thanksgiving changes a lot depending on where you are in Arkansas. Elevation, geography, and how close you are to the Gulf all play a role in late November.
Northwest Arkansas Conditions
In the Ozark Mountains and nearby areas, you can expect cooler and less predictable weather. Afternoon highs often stay in the low to mid-50s °F.
Nights dip into the 30s °F. Frost is common, and you might see light snow or freezing rain, though rain happens more often.
Cold fronts usually hit this part of the state first. You may see cloudy skies and showers a day earlier than other regions.
The terrain adds to the mix, with valleys staying colder overnight than the ridges nearby.
Travelers should watch for wet roads and the occasional slick spot. If you’re driving through Fayetteville or Bentonville, remember that conditions can shift quickly during late November storms.
A jacket and umbrella are usually a good idea.
Central and Southern Arkansas Variations
Central Arkansas, including Little Rock, usually has milder Thanksgiving weather. Daytime highs often reach the upper 50s to low 60s °F.
Nights drop into the 40s °F. Rain is more likely than snow, and storms can move through with heavy showers and brief thunder.
Southern Arkansas trends even warmer. Highs can climb into the mid-60s °F, and frost is less common.
Rainfall is still possible, but icy conditions rarely happen. The closer you are to the Louisiana border, the more humid and mild the air tends to feel.
If you’re planning outdoor gatherings, you’ll usually find more comfortable conditions in Little Rock or Texarkana compared to the northwest.
Still, keep rain gear close since November fronts often bring widespread showers across the state.
Preparing for Thanksgiving Weather in Arkansas
Late November in Arkansas usually brings cool days, chilly mornings, and a decent chance for rain or wind, depending on whatever front happens to roll through. You’ll want to plan ahead for both driving and outdoor comfort, since the weather can flip on you pretty fast in different parts of the state.
Travel Considerations and Safety Tips
If you’re driving across Arkansas, expect early morning temperatures in the 30s and afternoons that can warm up to the 50s. Sure, rain isn’t a given, but light showers or damp roads sometimes pop up with passing cold fronts.
Fog likes to settle in valleys, especially in the Ozarks or anywhere near rivers. That’s something to watch for if you’re up before sunrise.
Leave yourself some extra time on the road. Wet leaves on rural roads can get slick, and bridges might surprise you with a layer of frost overnight.
If you’re flying, check for possible delays at Little Rock National Airport, since weather and holiday crowds tend to collide.
Tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Toss a small ice scraper in your car for those early starts.
- Watch for deer on highways, especially around dusk.
- Flip on your headlights in rain or fog, even during the day.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Daytime highs in Arkansas around Thanksgiving usually hang out in the low to mid-50s. Mornings, though, can get close to freezing.
I’d suggest packing layers so you can swap things out as the temperature changes. A light jacket might be fine in the afternoon, but you’ll probably want a heavier coat once the sun goes down.
Definitely bring comfortable walking shoes that can handle a bit of dampness, especially if you’re thinking about hiking or checking out the parks. I always throw in gloves and a hat too, because those northern breezes can bite, even if the thermometer doesn’t look too bad.
A small umbrella or rain jacket comes in handy for those sneaky showers. If you’re staying with family, maybe toss in an extra set of warm clothes for outdoor gatherings or a football game.
Here’s a quick packing list:
- Warm coat and lighter jacket
- Layered shirts and sweaters
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Waterproof shoes or boots
- Travel umbrella
With this mix, you’ll stay comfortable through chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. No need to overpack.