Things to Do in Billings in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
November Weather in Billings
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
45°F (7°C)
High Temp
26°F (-2°C)
Low Temp
0.6 inches (15 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Sudden temperature drops of 20°F (11°C) in 6 hours are common after November 15
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Hotel rates drop 25-35% from summer peak - you'll find same-week availability at downtown properties that book out in July
- + The Rimrocks turn copper and rust-red with late fall color through mid-month - better photography light than summer's harsh glare
- + Brewery patios stay open with propane heaters - you can hear conversations without summer's motorcycle rally crowds
- + Most attractions shift to winter hours meaning locals have time to chat - museum staff at Western Heritage Center will talk for 20 minutes about Crow Indian artifacts
Considerations
- − November 15-30 can bring sudden temperature drops to -12°C (10°F) - that cute fall jacket won't cut it when wind whips down from the Rimrocks
- − Several restaurants close for 'winter break' - call ahead to confirm your downtown dinner spot is open
- − Daylight shrinks to 9.5 hours - last golden hour photography ends at 4:30 PM, limiting evening exploration
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
Rimrocks Hiking and Photography Tours
November's low angle sun makes the sandstone cliffs glow amber from 2-4 PM daily. The 4 km (2.5 mile) Zimmerman Trail loop stays snow-free most of the month, and you'll have the overlooks to yourself. Morning frost creates steam rising from the Yellowstone River 200 m (656 ft) below - bring a telephoto lens.
Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators. Morning tours start at 8 AM to catch frost patterns, afternoon tours at 1 PM for best light. See current options in booking section below.
Downtown Brewery and Distillery Tours
November moves the party indoors - good for exploring Billings' 8 microbreweries within 6 blocks. The walkable district means you can sample Montana barley wines and huckleberry vodka without driving. Thursday 'cask nights' at Montana Brewing Co draw locals, not tourists.
Booking Tip: Start tours at 3 PM to hit 3-4 spots before 7 PM kitchen closures. Look for operators including transportation if you want to visit the Heights distilleries. Check booking widget for current tour availability.
Moss Mansion Holiday Tours
The 1903 mansion decks out for Christmas starting November 20 - but without December's tour bus crowds. The red sandstone mansion's original lighting (dim Edison bulbs) works better on November's overcast days. You'll see Preston Moss's personal firearm collection that gets rotated out in peak season.
Booking Tip: Reserve same-day tickets at the door work fine before November 25. After Thanksgiving, book 2-3 days ahead for weekend slots. Tours run hourly 10 AM-4 PM.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing
November brings brown trout spawning runs - the river's best fishing of the year. The Yellowstone stays ice-free downstream from Billings, and morning steam rises off 8°C (46°F) water when air hits -1°C (30°F). You'll need insulated waders but get 2 km (1.2 miles) of river mostly to yourself.
Booking Tip: Book guided trips 7-10 days ahead - only 5-6 guides work November since most pack up after October. They provide insulated gear but bring your own base layers. See current fishing tours in booking section.
Western Art Gallery Walks
November's gray light is good for viewing Charles Russell bronzes at Yellowstone Art Museum - no harsh shadows on the sculpture details. Five galleries within 3 blocks stay open late first Friday of each month, serving hot cider and letting you handle original Russell sketches that stay locked up during tourist season.
Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work fine - pick up the downtown art map at YAM front desk. For Russell-specific tours, book 48 hours ahead with museum educators. Gallery hop runs 5-8 PM first Fridays.
Where to Stay in Billings in November
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for November travellers.
November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Mid November
Billings Wine and Food Festival
Local restaurants set up tasting stations in the historic depot - you can sample bison short ribs from 10 different chefs in one evening. Happens second weekend of November when restaurants aren't slammed with holiday parties yet.
Late November
Christmas Stroll Downtown
Stores stay open until 9 PM with horse-drawn wagon rides down Broadway - but the real draw is watching locals discover which new store replaced the one that closed since last year. Santa arrives by fire truck.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Billings Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The parking garage at 2nd Avenue and Broadway is free on weekends - saves $8/day and puts you 2 blocks from everything downtown
Local hack: order 'Indian tacos' at 24-hour diners after midnight - fry bread topped with chili, only appears on unofficial menus
Morning coffee at Rocky Mountain College's library café - best view of the Rimrocks and half the price of downtown shops
Skip the tourist Yellowstone River boat tours - locals fish from the banks at Riverfront Park where you can hear the water
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming November means winter tires - roads stay clear until December. But rental agencies still push expensive upgrades
Booking river view rooms - the Yellowstone is 1.6 km (1 mile) from most hotels, 'view' usually means parking lot with distant glimpse
Trying to day trip to Yellowstone National Park - it's 2.5 hours to the northeast entrance, which often closes by November 15
Book Experiences in Billings
Top-rated things to do in Billings this November
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