Galveston, TX in November: Warm Days, Gentle Breezes, and Surprisingly Dynamic Weather

November in Galveston, Texas, unfolds as a tapestry of autumn's gentle transition, blending mild temperatures, low humidity, and the quiet anticipation of winter’s coming. Positioned on the Gulf Coast, the island city enjoys a subtropical climate where balmy days hover around 75°F, while cooler nights dip into the mid-50s, offering comfort without seasonal extremes. With average daytime highs of 77°F and lows near 57°F, November provides near-perfect weather for outdoor exploration, waterfront breezes, and still-warm seas—make no mistake: this isn’t just another autumn month on the Texas coast.

The Gulf of Mexico shapes November’s climate like a thermal regulator, buffering the island from sharp temperature swings. Sea surface temperatures hover between 70°F and 74°F, supporting strolls along the beach under golden afternoons or kayaking on calm, turquoise waters. This warmth supports not only daily comfort but also the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems, extending the season for ecotourism and marine recreation.

Despite December’s early onset in the sky, November often feels like late autumn—rarely rainy, yet never bone-dry.

Rainfall in Galveston during November averages just 2.5 inches, a modest amount compared to summer’s longer downpours but consistent enough to sustain lush coastal vegetation and replenish natural habitats. Precipitation tends to arrive in scattered, brief showers—less than an inch per storm—resulting in clear intervals punctuated by soft, sun-drenched breaks.

Morning fog sometimes lingers along the shoreline, a poetic contrast to the midday sun that quickly warms the air. The low frequency and intensity of rainfall make November ideal for planning outdoor events: beach festivals, historical tours, and coastal excursions proceed without disruption from torrential downpours or stalled storms.

Wind patterns reinforce Galveston’s November appeal.

Gentle to moderate sea breezes, often refreshing at 8–12 mph, flow offshore from the Gulf, cooling urban centers and creating perfect conditions for cycling, kayaking, or simply lingering on covered verandas. These persistent, steady winds stem from prevailing subtropical high-pressure systems, lending stability and predictability to the weather. While tropical storms remain unlikely—November marks the effective end of hurricane season—residual atmospheric instability does produce rare, isolated systems that briefly ripple the coastal calm, reminding residents of nature’s subtle power beneath the autumnal serenity.

Solar exposure in November reflects early winter’s diminished but still generous daylight. Around November 11, the sun rises at approximately 6:45 AM and sets at 5:15 PM, yielding 10 hours and 40 minutes of direct sunlight—plenty to stroll the historic Strand District, explore Moody Gardens, or kayak your way through Bolivar Roads without the intensity of deeper summer sun. This extended twilight, sharp but soft, bathes Galveston in a golden glow, enhancing its