Thanksgiving weather 2025 will play a major role in how families travel, gather, and celebrate this beloved holiday on Thursday, November 27, 2025. With millions of Americans preparing for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, this year’s holiday outlook points to a classic late-November pattern: warmer and clearer conditions across the South, and cooler, occasionally snowy or rainy conditions in the North and West.
Whether you’re driving across state lines, flying across the country, or hosting family at home, understanding how Thanksgiving weather 2025 may unfold can help ensure smooth plans and stress-free celebrations.
General Climate Setup for Thanksgiving Week 2025
Weather patterns during late November often depend on the placement of the jet stream, ocean temperatures, and seasonal temperature trends. For 2025, current climate indicators suggest a divided weather pattern across the United States.
The southern states are expected to experience mild, comfortable temperatures, often warm enough for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the northern and interior western regions may face cooler air, with chances of light snow or rain at times — though not necessarily on Thanksgiving Day itself.
Thanksgiving weather in 2025 will therefore look very different depending on where you are in the country. Let’s break it down region-by-region.
Regional Outlooks
Northeast and New England
Residents across the Northeast, including states like New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maine, can expect cool and seasonal Thanksgiving conditions. Daytime temperatures will likely range from the upper 30s to mid-40s, with colder temperatures in northern and mountain areas.
Early in the week, light rain or snow showers may be possible, especially in upstate and inland areas. By Thanksgiving Day, conditions should trend toward drier and clearer, though crisp, chilly air will remain in place.
Best Tip: If hosting outdoors or planning walks after dinner, keep hats, jackets, and blankets handy.
Midwest and Great Lakes
The Midwest and Great Lakes region is set for typical late-fall weather: chilly mornings, partly sunny afternoons, and a slight possibility of early-week flurries.
Expect daytime temperatures from the mid-30s to low-40s. If light snow does occur earlier in the week, it will be brief and light, not a major travel-stopping event. Thanksgiving Day itself should lean dry and calm, though brisk.
Best Tip: Outdoor Thanksgiving football games are still on — just bundle up.
South and Southeast
This region is shaping up to be the weather winner of Thanksgiving 2025. States such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Carolinas will likely experience mild, sunny, and comfortable conditions. Temperatures may reach the mid-60s to mid-70s, depending on location.
The atmosphere will remain relatively stable, making it one of the best years for outdoor gatherings in this region.
Best Tip: Consider hosting Thanksgiving dinner on the patio or adding outdoor games to your plans.
Southwest and Desert States
Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Nevada, and Southern California are expected to see warm, dry, and enjoyable conditions. Afternoon highs may reach the upper 60s to mid-70s, with cooler but pleasant nights.
Travel conditions look highly favorable across this entire region — no major weather complications are expected.
Best Tip: This is one of the best regions for road trips and outdoor holiday activities.
West and Mountain States
This region will experience some of the greatest weather variability in the country. Coastal California may remain mild and partly cloudy, but the Pacific Northwest — including Washington and Oregon — may see rain or drizzle at times.
Mountain areas such as the Rockies, Wasatch Range, and Cascades may see light early-week snowfall, especially at higher elevations. This could affect mountain highways and ski-area travel, but widespread disruptions are not expected.
Best Tip: If traveling through mountains, check road and pass conditions before departure.
Thanksgiving Travel Considerations
Thanksgiving week remains one of the nation’s busiest travel periods, and weather can affect both roads and airports.
Road Travel
- Southern and coastal regions should experience smooth travel, with mostly dry pavement.
- Northern states may see frosty mornings — morning drivers should watch for black ice.
- Mountain passes may require extra travel time, especially early in the week.
Air Travel
- Major hubs in the South and Southeast are expected to see few weather-related delays.
- Airports near mountain ranges (Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle) may experience occasional schedule adjustments due to wind or passing showers.
- Midwest and Northeast airports should operate normally by Thanksgiving Day itself.
Busiest Travel Days
- Wednesday, November 26 – Peak pre-holiday rush.
- Sunday, November 30 – Peak return-travel day.
Booking early morning flights and avoiding evening departures can significantly reduce delay risk.
Climate Trends Supporting This Outlook
The broader seasonal climate pattern leading into late November 2025 suggests:
- Milder temperatures in southern states, consistent with warm-season air lingering longer into fall.
- More variable conditions in the North, where cooler polar air pushes down at times.
- Moisture concentrated along the Northwest coast, where seasonal storm patterns are common.
These trends are typical of late-fall transitions and align with observed seasonal patterns across previous years.
Thanksgiving Week Temperature Snapshot
| Region | Typical Afternoon Highs | Typical Night Lows | General Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 38–46°F | 25–32°F | Chilly, crisp, mostly dry by the holiday |
| Midwest | 34–43°F | 20–30°F | Cold mornings, light snow early week possible |
| South | 62–75°F | 45–55°F | Mild, sunny, best outdoor conditions |
| Southwest | 68–78°F | 48–55°F | Warm, dry, ideal for travel |
| West / Northwest | 45–60°F | 35–45°F | Mixed rain and clouds, mountain snow |
Conclusion
Thanksgiving weather 2025 is shaping up to offer something unique across every region of the United States. While the South and Southwest enjoy warm, welcoming holiday sunshine, the North and parts of the West may embrace the chillier, more traditional November feel. Travel conditions look mostly manageable, with only a few areas needing careful attention early in the week.
Wherever you spend your holiday, may it be warm, joyful, and memorable — and feel free to share in the comments how the weather shaped your plans this Thanksgiving!