Thanksgiving in North Dakota really reminds you that winter’s just about here. Most years, daytime highs land in the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit, and overnight lows often drop into the teens or 20s.
Some years, snow covers the ground, but other times you get a dry, chilly holiday with bare fields and that sharp, crisp air.
Weather can swing a lot across the state. Eastern North Dakota usually feels colder and more humid, while the west stays a bit drier and temperatures jump around more.
Those differences change everything from travel to how it feels when you step outside after a big meal.
It helps to know what you’re in for, whether you’re driving the plains, heading outdoors, or just bracing for that deep chill after sunset.
These Thanksgiving patterns really show how the holiday fits into North Dakota’s broader climate story.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in North Dakota
Thanksgiving in North Dakota usually means cold temps, short days, and a good chance of wintry weather. The state’s continental climate brings big seasonal changes, so late November just feels like winter’s already here.
Average Temperatures in Late November
By Thanksgiving, winter has pretty much taken over most of North Dakota. Average daytime highs run from 30°F to 36°F (-1°C to 2°C), and lows at night often drop into the teens (around 15°F to 20°F / -9°C to -7°C).
Fargo and other eastern cities usually end up a bit colder than places like Williston in the west. Elevation and local climate zones play a part, but wind chills really make it sting, especially in open spots.
Temperatures can swing wildly from year to year. Some Thanksgivings bring mild afternoons close to freezing, but others drop well below zero.
North Dakota sits right in the path of strong Arctic air, so you never know when things might turn frigid fast.
Precipitation Patterns Around Thanksgiving
Late November doesn’t bring much moisture compared to spring or early summer. On average, North Dakota gets about 0.5 to 0.8 inches of precipitation for the month, and most of that falls as snow.
The east side, with its humid continental climate, usually picks up a bit more precipitation than the drier west. Even then, Thanksgiving week storms usually stay light to moderate.
Clouds stick around a lot, so sunny days are a rare treat. Short daylight hours and overcast skies make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Likelihood of Snowfall During Thanksgiving
Snow’s pretty common by late November, so odds are good for a white Thanksgiving. Monthly snowfall averages 8 to 12 inches depending on where you are, with places like Fargo and Grand Forks usually piling up more than Bismarck or Williston.
How much snow actually stays on the ground at Thanksgiving changes a lot. Some years, just a dusting lingers, but other times several inches stick around from earlier storms.
Fresh snow near the holiday isn’t unusual, but major blizzards don’t happen that often.
Wind really changes how snow affects travel. Even a little snow can drift across highways, making roads slick and cutting visibility.
If you’re planning to drive, it’s smart to prep for winter road conditions no matter what the forecast says.
Regional Variations Across North Dakota
Weather patterns shift a lot from east to west in North Dakota, mostly thanks to geography, elevation, and river systems.
These differences shape what you’ll get around Thanksgiving, whether you’re in the state capital, the Badlands, or somewhere near the Missouri River.
Weather in Bismarck During Thanksgiving
By late November, Bismarck usually feels cold. Highs often reach the low to mid-30s °F, and lows fall into the teens.
Snow cover’s pretty common, but some years you just get a light layer.
Wind can make it feel even colder. Gusts sometimes drop the wind chill into single digits, so outdoor stuff gets brisk.
Because Bismarck sits in the middle of the state, it often sees less snow than the eastern Red River Valley.
If you’re traveling, watch for icy roads in the mornings. The Bismarck airport usually stays open, but snow bands can cause delays.
Thanksgiving Conditions in Medora
Medora, out in the Badlands, stays a bit drier and a touch milder than the east. Around Thanksgiving, highs usually climb into the upper 30s °F, and nighttime lows settle in the teens or low 20s.
Snowfall stays lighter here than in Bismarck, but winds across the open landscape get your attention. Blowing snow can cut visibility even with just a little accumulation.
The rugged terrain makes travel interesting. Roads through Theodore Roosevelt National Park sometimes close for a bit after snowstorms.
If you’re visiting, expect quick changes between blue skies and sudden flurries.
Impact of the Missouri River on Local Climate
The Missouri River runs right through central North Dakota, and it changes the weather nearby. Towns close to the river, like Bismarck and Mandan, often get slightly milder temps than the open plains.
The river valley can trap fog in late fall, especially when cold air settles over warmer water. That can make morning travel tricky.
Moisture from the river bumps up the chance of light snow or drizzle in those communities. It’s not huge, but it can make things feel damper and colder than out west in places like Medora.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Late November air in North Dakota feels pretty dry, even when there’s snow or freezing rain around. Humidity and wind both change how cold it feels and how much you want to be outside.
Relative Humidity Levels in November
North Dakota’s continental climate means humidity jumps around a lot with the seasons. By November, average relative humidity goes up from summer but stays lower than in the heart of winter.
You’ll usually see readings between 65% and 75%, depending on where you are and what time it is.
Mornings often show the highest numbers, sometimes close to 80%. Afternoons drop closer to 60%.
That happens because cold air can’t hold much moisture, and overnight temps are lowest.
Humidity shifts across the state too. The Red River Valley in the east feels a bit damper than the drier plains out west.
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, you might notice Fargo feels a little more humid than Williston.
Even with higher relative humidity, the air still feels dry on your skin and throat. Cold air just can’t hold much water vapor, so indoor heating gets especially drying.
Typical Wind Speeds and Patterns
November brings stronger winds than summer or early fall. On average, wind speeds run from 10 to 15 mph, and gusts can top 25 mph when weather systems roll through.
Open plains and few natural barriers mean winds travel long distances across North Dakota. That exposure makes wind chill a big deal, often making it feel 10 to 20 degrees colder.
Most winds come from the northwest as cold Canadian air sweeps in. Sometimes, southern winds bring a quick thaw or a bit of mixed precipitation.
You’ll usually feel breezier conditions in western and central parts of the state, while the eastern valleys get a little less wind. Still, wind sticks around as a steady feature of late November weather everywhere in North Dakota.
Comparing Thanksgiving to Other Seasons
Thanksgiving weather in North Dakota really sits between the end of fall and the start of deep winter. Temps, snowfall, and daylight hours in late November look pretty different from both the months ahead and the warm stretch behind.
Contrast With Winter Weather
By Thanksgiving, highs usually land in the 20s or 30s °F, and lows hit the teens. That’s cold, but it’s not the brutal freeze you get in January, when highs drop into the single digits and lows can fall below zero.
Snowfall around Thanksgiving stays light. You might get a dusting or a couple of inches. December through February, though, brings heavier, more frequent storms.
Mid-winter systems can dump 6–12 inches at a time, while Thanksgiving just brings minor accumulations.
Wind can pick up in late November, but the strongest, most relentless gusts usually come in mid-winter. Those Arctic blasts can drive wind chills dangerously low, which you don’t really see yet in late November.
| Season | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Typical Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving (late Nov) | 20s–30s | Teens | Light, coating to a few inches |
| Mid-Winter (Jan) | 0–10 | -10 to -20 | Frequent, heavy storms |
Differences From Summer Weather
Thanksgiving in North Dakota feels like another world compared to summer. July brings average highs in the 80s °F, sometimes even 90s, and overnight lows stay in the 50s or 60s.
That’s way warmer than the freezing nights of late November.
Moisture changes too. Summer storms can drop heavy rain and thunderstorms, but Thanksgiving usually brings only a little precipitation.
Even when it snows, totals are modest compared to the soaking summer rains.
Daylight really shrinks by Thanksgiving. You get about 9 hours, while June offers over 15. Shorter days make travel and outdoor plans trickier than during those long, bright summer days.
You notice the difference in daily life too. Summer’s for hiking, fishing, and camping. By Thanksgiving, most activities move indoors, and travel plans often depend on whether snow or icy roads show up.
Climate Context and Historical Trends
North Dakota’s late November weather comes from its continental climate. Long winters, quick summers, and big temperature swings define the state.
Thanksgiving conditions make more sense when you look at long-term climate patterns and what past holidays have brought.
Long-Term Climate Patterns in North Dakota
North Dakota sits up in the northern Great Plains, far from the ocean. That creates a continental climate with big seasonal swings.
Winters run long and cold. Summers are short and warm.
Average January temps range from about 4°F in the northeast to 18°F in the southwest. July averages sit in the mid-60s to low 70s °F.
Those numbers show just how much the state changes between seasons.
Precipitation stays modest compared to other places. The annual average is about 17–20 inches, with more rain in the east and drier conditions out west.
Snow’s common from late fall through spring, and November usually marks the start of snow cover that sticks around.
Because of all this, late November can bring mild days or early winter storms. The timing of cold air from Canada really shapes Thanksgiving weather.
Historical Thanksgiving Weather Records
If you look at old Thanksgiving weather, you’ll see that temps usually fall below freezing statewide. In Fargo, average highs for the holiday reach the upper 20s to low 30s °F, and lows drop into the teens.
Williston and other western cities sometimes end up even colder.
Snow on the ground happens a lot, but it’s not a sure thing. Some years stay dry and bare, while others see measurable snowfall just before or during Thanksgiving.
Statewide climate summaries point out that some years rank among the wettest or driest, which changes whether Thanksgiving feels snowy or dry.
When there’s more precipitation, travel gets tougher with icy roads and blowing snow.
Records really show how much the holiday weather can change. Most years bring cold, but you should be ready for anything from calm, dry days to active winter storms.
Travel and Outdoor Planning Tips
Thanksgiving in North Dakota brings cold air, early snow, and short days. If you prep for these, you’ll stay comfortable while traveling and enjoy your plans without big surprises.
Packing Recommendations for Thanksgiving Travel
Late November in North Dakota? Yeah, you’re looking at temperatures bouncing between the upper teens and mid-30s °F. The wind often makes it feel even colder, so honestly, layering is a must.
Bring a warm base layer. Throw in an insulated jacket, then top it off with a windproof shell.
Don’t even think about skipping gloves, a hat, or a scarf. The wind sweeps across the plains and can chill you to the bone in no time.
Waterproof boots with solid traction will save you from slipping on icy sidewalks or parking lots.
Driving? Toss a small winter safety kit in the car.
Here’s what you’ll want:
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Ice scraper and a small shovel
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Bottled water and snacks
If you’re flying, keep your heavy winter gear in your carry-on. Storms can delay flights, and you might need your coat and gloves before you know it.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
Thanksgiving week usually brings some snow, but once in a while, things stay pretty dry. Even if there’s not much snow, wind chill can really make outdoor time tough.
Try to plan activities so you’re not outside for too long at a stretch. It’s a good idea to schedule breaks indoors, just to warm up a bit.
You might find hiking trails open, but watch out—shaded spots can get icy. Grab some shoes with solid grip, and maybe bring trekking poles if you’re worried about slipping.
You’ll still see some wildlife, but animals tend to lay low when it’s cold out. If you’re hoping to spot anything, keep your outings on the shorter side.
If hunting is your thing, late November lands right in the middle of deer season in North Dakota. Wear layers that keep you warm but don’t get in the way when you need to move.
Double-check local rules and sunrise or sunset times, since daylight doesn’t last long.
Driving between towns can get dicey. Blowing snow sometimes cuts visibility way down, even if it’s not really snowing.
Try to keep your gas tank at least half full, just in case you run into delays or have to take a detour.