Things to Do in Chico in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
November Weather in Chico
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
59°F (15°C)
High Temp
44°F (7°C)
Low Temp
2.0 inches (51 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Clear, crisp mornings with golden light on the valley floor, good for photography on the Honey Run Covered Bridge loop before the marine layer burns off.
- + Late-harvest olive oil tastings at the private orchards along Dayton Road. Press dates run into early November and the peppery, green-tinged oil is still warm from the mill.
- + Bidwell Park turns copper and rust; Upper Park's North Rim Trail is empty enough that the crunch of leaves underfoot echoes off the basalt cliffs.
- + Downtown's Thursday Night Market stays open through Thanksgiving, live music in City Plaza, wood-smoke from grilled corn, and local craft beer pouring outside the old Capitol building.
Considerations
- − Afternoon river fog rolls up the valley and can drop visibility on Highway 99 to under 400 m (1,312 ft); plan extra drive time if you're heading to Paradise or Oroville.
- − Some Upper Park trails close early for winter fire risk. The gate at Diversion Dam typically locks at 5:30 p.m., cutting short sunset hikes.
- − Hotel rates spike the weekend of the Silver Dollar Speedway finale, book 3, 4 weeks out if you need a room near downtown.
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
Chico gets a sharp, clear light in November. The air turns cold. This signals the valley's shift into winter quiet. It is a month for quiet walks. You will hear fallen leaves rustle along the paths of Upper Bidwell Park. You will see the warm glow of a café window on a dim afternoon. Locals swap river sandals for fleece jackets. Their routines turn toward home as the days shorten. The rhythm here has one last roar at the edge of town. It is a final burst before the quiet season. That roar is the Silver Dollar Speedway Season Finale in early November. Under the white floodlights of the fairgrounds, the night air shakes. High-horsepower engines scream. The crowd gasps. The sweet scent of kettle corn mixes with racing fuel. This is a sensory signature of a Chico tradition. It is a visceral, ear-ringing farewell. Sprint cars become blurs of color on the oval. Their speed is a force you feel in your chest. After this, Chico settles into a contemplative pace. The quiet atmosphere makes November ideal. Claim the trails and oak woodlands for yourself. The summer crowds are gone. The granite outcrops and flowing creeks of Bidwell Park achieve a serene beauty. You can hear gravel crunch underfoot. You can hear a distant hawk call with new clarity. Wear layered clothing. Sip a hot drink after a long walk. Experience the outdoor character of Chico without distraction.
Bariloche: Circuito Chico with optional Cerro Catedral
otherThis tour is a condensed journey. It covers the postcard landscapes around Bariloche. The route navigates alpine lakes, dense forests, and panoramic viewpoints. An optional add-on to Cerro Catedral provides a higher-altitude perspective over the Nahuel Huapi region. You will see the deep blue mirror of Lake Moreno. You will feel cool mountain air rush past on the winding Circuito Chico road.
It efficiently delivers the well-known visual drama of the Patagonian lake district in one structured outing.
Insider tip: Get a window seat on the left side when leaving Bariloche. This gives the most unobstructed lake views on the route's initial stretch.
Bariloche: Circuito Chico, well-known postcards of Bariloche in a single tour
guided_experienceThis guided experience focuses on the most photogenic moments along the Circuito Chico. It covers the Swiss-chalet architecture of the Llao Llao Hotel peninsula. It includes the sweeping overlook at Puerto Pañuelo. The guide provides context on the region's formation. They point out the best angles to capture the impressive contrasts of turquoise water and dark evergreen forest. You will smell clean, pine-scented air. You will hear waves lap the rocky shoreline.
The expert narration turns beautiful vistas into a coherent story about the land and its history.
Insider tip: Bring a polarizing filter for your camera. It cuts glare on the lake surfaces. It deepens the colors of the sky and foliage in your November photographs.
Bariloche: Circuito Chico and Campanario Hill
otherThis combination tour pairs the scenic Circuito Chico drive with an ascent of Campanario Hill. You reach it by a short chairlift ride. The summit has a 360-degree vantage point. It reveals an impressive mosaic of islands, peninsulas, and the snow-dusted peaks of the Andes. Feel the wind strengthen at the exposed summit. Taste the clear, thin air. Identify landmarks like Mount Tronador in the distance.
The Campanario Hill viewpoint is arguably the single most complete panorama in the area. This tour is a two-part highlight reel.
Insider tip: If the chairlift line is long, consider hiking the steep trail. It is well-maintained. The hike typically takes less than thirty minutes. It is a quiet, rewarding alternative.
Where to Stay in Chico in November
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for November travellers.
★★★★★
Luxury
Trump International Hotel & Tower® New York
From $839 / night
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November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early November
Silver Dollar Speedway Season Finale
Dirt-track sprint cars roar under floodlights at the fairgrounds. The grandstand smells of kettle corn and racing fuel. Bring earplugs, the sprint cars hit 140 km/h (87 mph) on the backstretch.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Chico Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Order the 'wet burrito' at Tacos Tonaya on Nord Avenue after 10 p.m., it's the dish off-menu that kitchen staff eat on break.
Park on the roof of the 3rd Street garage and walk the alley behind the Senator. Murals change every few weeks and no tour buses stop here.
The Saturday farmers market moves indoors to the Municipal Building if rain hits, look for the persimmon guy from Paradise who only shows up in November.
Ask at the Sierra Nevada gift shop for the 'experimental' tap list, small-batch beers poured only at the source and never bottled.
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming Upper Park is open late, gates close at dusk in November and rangers ticket cars left inside.
Wearing shorts on brewery tours, the fermentation room is cold and tours last 60, 90 minutes.
Booking hotels the same week as the speedway finale, rooms within 5 km (3.1 miles) of downtown sell out fast.
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