If you’re planning a Thanksgiving trip to North Carolina, you’ll want to be ready for weather that shifts depending on where you end up. Most years, you’ll get mild afternoons in the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit, but chilly mornings can still dip into the 30s and 40s.
Snow rarely shows up outside the mountains, but cold snaps and rain showers sometimes crash the holiday.
What stands out about Thanksgiving weather in North Carolina is how much it changes across the state. The mountains often bring frost and the occasional early snow. The Piedmont usually stays cool, but it’s still comfortable.
Along the coast, you’ll find the warmest conditions, with highs sometimes reaching the mid-60s.
Knowing these patterns helps you plan your wardrobe and travel. Whether you’re packing for family in the Piedmont, hiking in the Blue Ridge, or heading to the coast, understanding Thanksgiving weather helps you make the most of your trip.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in North Carolina
When you’re planning Thanksgiving in North Carolina, expect mild daytime highs, chilly nights, and not much chance of snow in most places. Rain can happen, but it’s usually light. Daylight is limited as winter creeps closer.
Average Temperatures for Late November
Late November temperatures in North Carolina swing a bit depending on where you are. In the Piedmont—think Charlotte and Raleigh—highs usually hit the upper 50s or low 60s °F, with lows in the 30s.
Coastal places like Wilmington stay a few degrees warmer. The mountains around Asheville run colder, with lows sometimes dropping into the 20s.
Historical records show that Thanksgiving highs in Charlotte have landed anywhere from the mid-40s to low 70s. The coldest Thanksgiving morning there hit 19°F, but the warmest climbed to 74°F. This wide range means you really should bring layers if you’re traveling.
A quick comparison:
- Mountains (Asheville): Highs 50s, lows 20s-30s
- Piedmont (Charlotte/Raleigh): Highs upper 50s-60s, lows 30s
- Coast (Wilmington): Highs 60s, lows 40s
Precipitation Patterns on Thanksgiving
Rain on Thanksgiving in North Carolina doesn’t happen all that often, but it’s not impossible. Since 2000, Charlotte has only seen measurable rain on the holiday a few times, usually less than a tenth of an inch.
Heavy rain is rare, but the wettest Thanksgiving on record there brought over an inch and a half.
Snowfall almost never shows up on Thanksgiving in most of the state. Even in the mountains, where winter snow is more common, flakes are still unusual this early.
If you’re traveling, you’ll probably face dry roads instead of icy ones.
Most years, you can expect dry conditions, but a light shower might sneak in. An umbrella or light jacket usually does the trick.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Thanksgiving lands not long after the clocks shift to standard time, so daylight really gets squeezed. In North Carolina, the sun rises around 7:00 AM and sets before 5:15 PM.
That leaves just over 10 hours of daylight, which is about as short as it gets all year.
Sunshine is pretty common, with many Thanksgivings bringing clear or partly cloudy skies. When clouds roll in, they usually bring cooler temps and sometimes a little rain.
Up in the mountains, cloud cover can feel heavier, while the coast often gets brighter skies.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, you’ll want to schedule them earlier in the day. The sun sets quickly, and temperatures drop fast after dark, especially away from the coast.
Regional Variations Across North Carolina
Thanksgiving weather in North Carolina really depends on elevation and location. Conditions can change a lot between the coast, the central Piedmont, and the higher mountain areas. That can definitely affect your travel or outdoor plans.
Coastal Plains Weather
Along the Coastal Plains, you usually get milder weather than the rest of the state. Daytime highs hang in the upper 50s to mid-60s °F, and nights cool into the 40s.
Frost is uncommon, and snow is almost unheard of in late November.
Humidity still sticks around, but it’s nothing like summer. Winds off the Atlantic can bring damp, breezy days, especially near Cape Hatteras or Wilmington.
Rain can happen, but storms don’t show up as often as they do earlier in the fall.
If you’re heading to beaches or coastal towns, expect cool but manageable weather. A light jacket usually works during the day, though evenings can feel pretty chilly if it gets windy.
| Typical Late November Range | Coastal Plains |
|---|---|
| High Temperature | 58–65 °F |
| Low Temperature | 40–47 °F |
| Rainfall Chance | Moderate |
| Snowfall | Rare |
Piedmont Weather Patterns
The Piedmont—think Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte—sits a bit higher than the coast. This region deals with cooler days, with highs often in the low to mid-50s °F and lows in the mid-30s to low 40s.
Morning frost shows up more here, especially outside the cities. Rain chances stay moderate, but snow is still rare during Thanksgiving week.
Light flurries can happen if a cold front rolls in, though.
Because of the mix between city and country, temperatures can vary a bit over short distances. Urban centers may stay a little warmer than the farmland at night.
You’ll want a medium-weight coat for evenings and mornings.
| Typical Late November Range | Piedmont |
|---|---|
| High Temperature | 50–55 °F |
| Low Temperature | 34–41 °F |
| Rainfall Chance | Moderate |
| Snowfall | Unlikely |
Mountain Region Conditions
The mountain region—places like Asheville, Boone, and the Blue Ridge Parkway—gets the coldest Thanksgiving weather in North Carolina. Elevation makes a big difference here, with higher ridges running 10–15 degrees colder than the valleys.
Daytime highs usually stick in the mid-40s °F, and nighttime lows dip into the upper 20s or low 30s. Frost is common, and the first snow of the season sometimes arrives in late November.
Roads can get slick if temperatures drop during rain or light snow.
Prepare for sharper temperature swings. A warm coat, gloves, and layers are a good idea if you’re planning to hike or spend time outside.
Scenic views can be clear and crisp, but conditions may change quickly when fronts move through.
| Typical Late November Range | Mountain Region |
|---|---|
| High Temperature | 43–48 °F |
| Low Temperature | 27–33 °F |
| Rainfall Chance | Moderate |
| Snowfall | Possible |
Impact of Elevation on Thanksgiving Weather
In North Carolina, the mountains, foothills, and coastal plain create sharp differences in late November weather. Elevation really shapes both temperature and precipitation, and that can affect your holiday travel or outdoor plans.
Temperature Differences by Elevation
As you travel from the coast up to the mountains, temperatures drop with elevation. On average, air cools about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you climb.
That’s why Asheville, at about 2,100 feet, often records Thanksgiving highs in the 50s, while Charlotte, closer to 750 feet, can be near 60°F.
Higher spots above 4,000 feet, like Boone, usually stay much cooler. Daytime highs might only reach the 40s, and nighttime lows often dip below freezing.
Meanwhile, the coastal plain—including Wilmington—sees milder afternoons in the upper 50s or low 60s.
This spread means you could have a crisp, wintery Thanksgiving in the mountains while family at lower elevations gets a milder autumn day. Planning your clothing and travel is easier if you keep these elevation-driven differences in mind.
Precipitation and Snowfall Variability
Elevation also changes how much rain or snow falls around Thanksgiving. The Blue Ridge Mountains, for example, get more precipitation than the Piedmont or coastal plain because moist air rises, cools, and turns into rain or snow.
Snow is most likely in higher elevations above 3,500 feet. Places like Boone or Mount Mitchell sometimes see early-season snow flurries or light accumulations in late November.
Charlotte and Raleigh rarely see snow this early, and the coast almost never does.
Rainfall patterns also shift. Mountain areas get heavier rain events, while the coastal plain usually has lighter totals.
If you’re driving across the state, you might run into wet or even icy conditions in the mountains while other regions stay dry.
Historical Thanksgiving Weather Extremes
Thanksgiving in North Carolina has brought all kinds of weather—unusually warm afternoons, freezing mornings, and even rare snowfalls. Some years have stayed calm, but others brought heavy rain or gusty winds that made travel or outdoor plans tricky.
Record Highs and Lows
Thanksgiving temperatures in North Carolina have swung from springlike warmth to sharp winter cold. Some years, highs reached the 70s, which is way above the usual late-November average of about 59°F.
The Piedmont Triad has only hit the 70s on Thanksgiving a handful of times since 1928.
Cold extremes have shown up too. In some years, daytime highs didn’t climb above the 30s, so folks bundled up all day.
The coldest Thanksgivings often started with lows in the teens or 20s, especially in the mountains and foothills.
You might wear a light jacket in Charlotte while someone in Boone scrapes ice off the windshield. The contrast just shows how variable late November weather can be across the state.
Notable Rain and Snow Events
Rain happens more often than snow on Thanksgiving in North Carolina, but both have left their mark. Measurable rainfall has shown up in about 20–40% of Thanksgivings in the region, sometimes topping an inch in a single day.
Heavy rain can slow travel and make outdoor gatherings tough.
Snow is much less frequent but still part of the state’s history. The coast and Piedmont rarely see it, but mountain communities have recorded accumulating snow on Thanksgiving a few times.
In rare cases, storms have brought a thin blanket of snow to lower elevations.
Wind has played a role during stronger storm systems, too. Gusts along the coast have reached 50–80 mph in past events, damaging trees and property.
Episodes like that remind us Thanksgiving weather in North Carolina can turn severe now and then.
Travel Considerations for Thanksgiving Week
Traveling in North Carolina during Thanksgiving usually means dealing with mild but changeable weather. Rain is more of a concern than snow, and road congestion can be just as frustrating as whatever’s happening outside.
Typical Travel Weather Patterns
Most years, late November in North Carolina brings cool mornings and mild afternoons. Temperatures usually run from the upper 40s to low 60s in the Piedmont and coastal areas.
The mountains are colder, with highs in the 40s and lows near freezing.
Snow is rare during Thanksgiving week outside the higher elevations. The first measurable snowfall in the state usually waits until December or later.
Still, light flurries can show up in the mountains if a cold front moves through.
Rain is the more likely travel issue. Coastal storms or passing fronts can bring steady showers, which lower visibility and slow traffic.
Wind often picks up along the Outer Banks and higher ridges, making driving harder for high-profile vehicles.
Key points to expect:
- Rain: More frequent than snow
- Snow: Mostly limited to mountain peaks
- Temperatures: Cool but not severe in most regions
Weather-Related Travel Tips
Plan for wet roads instead of icy ones. Rain often causes heavy traffic delays, especially on busy routes like I‑40 and I‑85, so it’s smart to give yourself extra time.
If you’re driving through the mountains, get ready for quick changes. Temperatures can drop fast as you climb, and fog shows up a lot in valleys or along the ridges. Bring warm clothes, and check the road conditions before you head into higher areas.
For air travel, you’ll probably see more weather delays in big connecting airports outside North Carolina than at local airports. Still, rain and low clouds sometimes slow departures in Charlotte, Raleigh, or Greensboro.
Practical steps:
- Check forecasts 5–7 days before you travel
- Pack rain gear and wear layers
- Plan for extra traffic on peak travel days
- Watch mountain road conditions if you’re heading west
Is Thanksgiving a Good Time to Visit North Carolina?
Late November in North Carolina usually brings mild weather across much of the state. Tourist crowds are lighter than during peak fall, and you’ll find a mix of seasonal events.
Expect cooler temperatures than early fall, but you won’t get the bitter cold of winter. Honestly, it’s a comfortable time to get out and explore cities or the outdoors.
Advantages of Visiting in Late November
Thanksgiving lands during the state’s low season, so you’ll often spot lower hotel rates and fewer people at popular places. Unlike the busy leaf-peeping crowds in October, mountain towns and coastal spots feel a lot calmer, which makes travel less hectic.
Daytime highs usually sit in the mid-50s to mid-60s °F in central and coastal areas. The mountains are chillier, often in the 40s. Nights can get down into the 30s, so layers really come in handy.
Snow almost never shows up this early, though sometimes higher elevations get a light dusting.
If you’re looking to skip the summer heat and humidity, late November is a solid trade-off. It’s not the best time to visit North Carolina if you want warm-weather activities, but you get manageable temperatures and better prices.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Thanksgiving week brings a bunch of seasonal activities you can actually enjoy. Lots of towns put on holiday light shows, outdoor markets, and light up Christmas trees for everyone to see.
Bigger cities like Raleigh and Charlotte usually open their ice skating rinks around this time too.
If you’re up for some outdoor recreation, you’ll find hiking trails open in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Sure, it gets chilly up there, but those clear skies? They give you some pretty amazing mountain views, even if the leaves have already dropped by late November.
Out on the coast, you’ll notice the beaches are way quieter, so you can walk and snap photos without dodging crowds. Swimming isn’t really an option now, but honestly, the cooler air makes it easier to explore lighthouses, state parks, or those little waterfront towns.