Late autumn · Weather & things to do
Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in November
Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail cools off: highs slip to 38°F (4°C), from 47°F in October, with lows of 33°F (1°C) and about 4.5 in (114 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 34/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 33°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 4.5 in (114 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 07 min
- Comfort score
- 34/100 · Tough
What November feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 38°F (4°C).
After dark, temperatures fall to about 33°F (1°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.5 in (114 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 83%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 17 mph (7.4 m/s) at ground level.
Only about 9 h 07 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around November
November is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July & August.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Comfort slips from 48/100 in October to 34/100.
- Our Nova Scotia Coast & Cabot Trail route recommends Jun – Oct, so November falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for November
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 33°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.5 in of rain
- Windproof shellaverage wind 17 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in November
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Rusty Anchor
Roadside restaurant above Pleasant Bay with lobster rolls, chowder and whale views from the deck.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Highland Sitting Room at Keltic Lodge
Lounge in a historic resort on Middle Head peninsula, with ocean views and Nova Scotia drinks.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Chéticamp
Acadian fishing town known for hooked rugs, music and the Les Trois Pignons museum.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Restaurant Le Gabriel
Chéticamp family restaurant with Acadian dishes and seafood, often with live music.
Why now A cozy break on a 38°F day.
Cabot Trail
298 km loop road of switchbacks and sea cliffs; the park section is the dramatic core.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best fall colour.
Nearby in November
- Halifax in November~202 mi · highs 47°F, 5.0 in rain · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Lunenburg & Mahone Bay in November~241 mi · highs 47°F, 4.8 in rain · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~57 m to Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail's ~481 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in November: quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 34/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July & August. Expect highs of 38°F (4°C) and 4.5 in (114 mm) of rain. Our Nova Scotia Coast & Cabot Trail route recommends Jun – Oct, so November is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in November?
Average highs are 38°F (4°C) and average lows 33°F (1°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in November?
Some: about 4.5 in (114 mm) of rain falls across November on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.7 in (1161 mm).
What should I pack for Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in November?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 33°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.5 in of rain), windproof shell (average wind 17 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail
Planning Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in November?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.