Things to Do in Indianapolis in November

November Weather in Indianapolis

51.7°C (125°F) High Temp

34.4°C (94°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor activity weather - daytime temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) are ideal for walking the Cultural Trail's 13 km (8.1 miles) without overheating or summer crowds
Peak fall foliage season at Eagle Creek Park and White River State Park - maple and oak trees reach 80% color saturation in early November, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to Indianapolis 500 season (May) and convention peak times, with downtown properties averaging $89-129 versus summer's $150-200 range
Pacers basketball season is in full swing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with 15-16 home games throughout November, creating an authentic local sports atmosphere

Considerations

Daylight hours shrink to just 10 hours by late November (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 5:30pm EST), limiting afternoon outdoor activities and golden hour photography
Weather unpredictability requires layered packing - temperatures can swing 20°F (11°C) between morning and afternoon, with surprise warm spells reaching 21°C (70°F)
Many outdoor attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo's outdoor exhibits have reduced hours or close sections early due to animal care protocols in cooler weather

Best Activities in November

Cultural Trail Urban Cycling and Walking Tours

November's 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures are perfect for exploring Indianapolis's 13 km (8.1 mile) Cultural Trail without summer heat exhaustion. The trail connects downtown to Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and IUPUI campus. Fall colors peak in early November along the White River sections. Bike rentals available at 20+ stations citywide.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes through the city's Pacers Bikeshare system for $8/day or $25/week. Book guided walking tours 5-7 days ahead, typically $15-25 per person for 2-hour experiences. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

With racing season over, November offers exclusive access to normally restricted areas of the iconic 4 km (2.5 mile) oval track. Cooler temperatures make the 90-minute walking tours comfortable, and you'll avoid the massive crowds of race season. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum features rotating exhibits perfect for indoor exploration during the 10 rainy days typical in November.

Booking Tip: Tours run daily except Thanksgiving week, priced $20-35 for standard experiences, $75-150 for premium behind-the-scenes access. Book 3-5 days ahead online for guaranteed spots. VIP garage tours require 1-week advance booking.

Brewery District Food and Drink Tours

Indianapolis's exploding craft beer scene is perfect for November indoor exploration. The Fountain Square and Mass Ave brewery districts offer walkable clusters of 8-12 breweries within 1.6 km (1 mile). November's cool weather makes the short walks between venues comfortable, and many breweries debut winter seasonal beers in early November.

Booking Tip: Self-guided brewery hopping costs $6-9 per beer, $35-45 for flights. Organized food and brewery tours typically run $65-95 per person including tastings and appetizers. Weekend tours book up 10-14 days ahead. See current tour options in the booking section below.

NCAA Hall of Fame and Sports Museum Experiences

November is basketball season launch time in Indiana, making visits to the NCAA Hall of Champions particularly relevant. Interactive exhibits are climate-controlled perfect for rainy days (expect 10 in November). The facility connects to White River State Park for outdoor walking when weather permits.

Booking Tip: General admission runs $8-12 for adults, $6-8 for students. Special exhibits cost an additional $5-8. Allow 2-3 hours for full experience. Purchase tickets online 2-3 days ahead to skip lines during busy weekend periods.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument Observation Deck Visits

November's clear, low-humidity days (70% versus summer's 85%) offer exceptional 360-degree city views from the 87m (285-foot) monument. The indoor elevator ride and enclosed observation area provide shelter during the month's variable weather. Early November timing coincides with peak fall foliage visible across the city.

Booking Tip: Monument access is free, but elevator rides to observation deck cost $2-3. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:30am-5:30pm. Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds. Best photo conditions occur 2-3 hours before sunset during November's shorter daylight hours.

White River State Park and Zoo Cold-Weather Animal Experiences

Many animals are more active in November's cooler temperatures, especially cold-weather species like polar bears and penguins. The 101-hectare (250-acre) park offers indoor/outdoor flexibility during variable November weather. Walking trails through the park showcase peak fall colors in early November.

Booking Tip: Zoo admission typically $15-22 adults, $10-16 children. Park access is free. Cold-weather animal feedings happen 10am-2pm when most active. Indoor exhibits provide backup plans during the 10 expected rainy days. Purchase zoo tickets online for 10% discount.

November Events & Festivals

Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2025)

Thanksgiving Day Circle City Classic

Annual HBCU football game at Lucas Oil Stadium featuring marching band competitions, tailgating, and community celebrations. One of Indianapolis's biggest cultural events with 40,000+ attendees.

Throughout November

Indianapolis Pacers Home Games

NBA season in full swing with 15-16 home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Basketball is religion in Indiana, and November games offer authentic local culture with pre-game festivities starting 2 hours before tip-off.

Late November

Holiday Light Installations Begin

Monument Circle Christmas tree lighting traditionally occurs the Friday after Thanksgiving, marking the start of downtown holiday decorations. Fountain Square and Massachusetts Avenue also begin holiday light displays in late November.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack light sweater, medium jacket, and warm coat for 20°F (11°C) daily temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Waterproof jacket or umbrella - November averages 10 rainy days with light precipitation, though individual showers are typically brief

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - leaves on sidewalks can be slippery, especially around the Cultural Trail and downtown areas

Light gloves and warm hat - early morning temperatures around 34°C (94°F) require warmth for outdoor activities like zoo visits or monument climbing

Casual layered clothing - Indianapolis is decidedly informal compared to coastal cities, jeans and sweaters work for most restaurants and attractions

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours (10 hours) mean more indoor time and increased phone usage for navigation and photos

Cash for parking meters - downtown parking ranges $1-3/hour, many meters don't accept cards despite 2025 upgrades

Light scarf - useful for wind protection during outdoor walking tours and Cultural Trail cycling in 70% humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

Download the IndyGo app before arriving - the Red Line BRT system connects downtown to airport for $1.75, saving $25-35 on rideshares, with heated stations perfect for November weather

Avoid downtown on Colts home game Sundays - traffic increases 300% within 1.6 km (1 mile) of Lucas Oil Stadium from 4 hours before kickoff until 2 hours after

Many locals start Christmas shopping after Halloween - downtown and Fountain Square see increased foot traffic weekends, but weekdays remain quiet for attractions

Restaurant reservations become important starting mid-November as holiday parties book private dining rooms - secure weekend dinner spots 7-10 days ahead

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - 7am temperatures can be 15-20°F (8-11°C) cooler than afternoon highs, catching tourists off-guard for early zoo or monument visits

Planning too many outdoor activities for late afternoon - sunset at 5:30pm EST makes outdoor attraction visits impractical after 4pm

Assuming summer operating hours - many attractions reduce hours in November, with some closing 1-2 hours earlier than peak season schedules