November brings the end of daylight saving time, Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving. The month's name comes from the Latin novem, meaning nine: it was the ninth month of the early Roman calendar. Its birthstone is topaz or citrine, and its flower is the chrysanthemum. Here is what to know and do this November.
Name Origin and Basic Facts
November has 30 days. Its name comes from the Latin novem, meaning nine, because it was the ninth month of the early Roman calendar. When January and February were added, November became the 11th month but kept its original name. The month is also designated Native American Heritage Month in the United States.
Birthstone and Birth Flower
The November birthstone is topaz or citrine. Both are warm, golden gemstones. The birth flower is the chrysanthemum, often called a mum, which blooms in late autumn and symbolizes cheerfulness.
Key Holidays and Observances
Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polling hours vary by state. Confirm your polling place and hours the week before. If you vote by mail, request your ballot by your state's deadline and return it as soon as you can: postmarks do not always guarantee a count.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Federal offices and many banks close. Check whether your local schools and businesses stay open. Attend a ceremony or simply thank a veteran you know. The date is fixed; it never moves to a Monday.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. That is the latest possible date the fourth Thursday can land. Book flights and reserve rental cars by mid-October. The short window between Thanksgiving and Christmas means airfares spike fast. Start your menu and guest list in early November.
Daylight Saving Time Ends
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026. At 2:00 a.m., clocks fall back to 1:00 a.m. You get an extra hour of sleep. Sunsets arrive noticeably earlier.
How to Adjust
- Before bed on Saturday, October 31, set manual clocks back one hour. Phones and computers adjust on their own.
- Update timers, thermostats, and appliances that do not auto-correct.
- Double-check your Sunday morning schedule. Showing up an hour early is the easy mistake.
Plan outdoor activities for the morning. Darkness arrives by late afternoon for the rest of the month.
Planning Your November Calendar
What to Lock In Early
- Mark Election Day, November 3, and set a reminder to vote or to nudge your household.
- Note Veterans Day, November 11, for closures and ceremonies.
- Thanksgiving, November 26, demands early travel bookings and a firm headcount. Order a fresh or frozen turkey no later than November 14.
Managing the Time Change
The clock change on November 1 disrupts sleep for a few days, especially for young children. Shift bedtime 15 minutes later each night for four nights before the change. Pets do not understand clocks; delay their feeding by 10 minutes a day.
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. Schools, museums, and cultural centers hold events and educational programs. Read a book by a Native author, visit a cultural center, or attend a local celebration. The National Museum of the American Indian publishes a calendar of events each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does November have 30 days?
November kept its 30-day length from the early Roman calendar, where it was the ninth month. The reforms of Julius Caesar and Augustus left it unchanged.
What is the birthstone for November?
Topaz or citrine. Both come in warm yellow to orange colors.
When is Veterans Day in 2026?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The date is fixed; it does not shift to a Monday.
How does the end of daylight saving time affect my schedule?
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, clocks fall back one hour. You gain an hour of sleep. Evenings turn dark earlier. Plan commutes and outdoor tasks for the morning.