The Old Farmer’s Almanac (OFA) has released its Thanksgiving 2025 weather outlook, and the country is in for a true patchwork forecast: cold and snowy in the West and Northeast, but mild and sunny across the South and Southeast.
As millions of Americans prepare for the year’s busiest travel week, this early snapshot helps travelers and hosts alike plan their road trips, flights, and holiday gatherings around what Mother Nature has in store.
Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving Weather Prediction 2025: Overview
| Region | Expected Conditions | Highlights | Travel Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| West & Northwest | Cold, wet, and snowy | Heavy rain and mountain snow | Moderate to high |
| Northeast & New England | Cold with light snow flurries | Clearer skies in Mid-Atlantic | Moderate |
| Midwest & Heartland | Mixed cold and dry | Few flurries, mostly stable | Low |
| South & Southeast | Mild, sunny | Warm-up midweek | Minimal |
| High Plains & Rockies | Cold, dry | Occasional snow mix | Moderate |
The Forecast in Detail
The Old Farmer’s Almanac bases its long-range outlooks on solar activity, weather patterns, and historical data. For Thanksgiving week (Nov. 24–30, 2025), it predicts a holiday defined by contrasts — a mix of wintry chills and comfortable autumn warmth depending on where you live.
Winter is coming! Here's the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we're predicting in your area: https://t.co/lNO0cs9jWV pic.twitter.com/UZnUwG9jXy
— The Farmers' Almanac (@FarmersAlmanac) October 19, 2025
West & Northwest: Wet, Cold, and Slippery
- Oregon, Washington, and Northern California may see heavy rain and possible flooding in coastal zones.
- The Intermountain West (Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado) could experience early-season snow or a rain-snow mix, especially on November 26–27, complicating travel through mountain passes.
- Advice: Travelers driving across I-5 or I-90 should plan for delays and carry tire chains or traction gear.
Northeast & New England: Cold Air Returns
- Northern New England (Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire) can expect colder-than-average temperatures with light snow flurries.
- The Mid-Atlantic corridor, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, looks mostly dry and calm — good news for those heading to parades or airports.
- Advice: Bundle up for outdoor events but expect smoother air travel compared to stormy seasons past.
Midwest & Heartland: Mostly Calm, With a Few Flurries
- The Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan) may see brief flurries but no major storm systems.
- The Central Plains and Ohio Valley remain relatively dry and cool.
- Advice: Ideal conditions for family travel, though drivers in northern areas should keep an eye on overnight frost.
South & Southeast: Sunshine Rules the Table
- Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas are forecast to enjoy mild, mostly sunny days with cooler mornings warming by afternoon.
- Thanksgiving Day itself (Nov. 27) could reach highs in the 70s across much of the Southeast.
- Advice: Perfect conditions for backyard gatherings, outdoor feasts, or parades.
High Plains & Rockies: Cold, but Manageable
- The Rocky Mountain region (Wyoming, Montana, Colorado) stays colder than normal but largely dry.
- Some snow showers are possible on mountain peaks, but widespread disruptions are not expected.
- Advice: Travelers should remain cautious of icy roads overnight.
Why This Forecast Matters?
1. Travel Preparedness
With Thanksgiving known as one of the busiest travel periods of the year, this early forecast provides critical insight for flight planning and driving safety. Clear conditions in the East and South suggest fewer disruptions, but Western travelers should prepare for rain or snow delays.
2. Outdoor Gatherings
Families hosting parades, backyard games, or outdoor cooking will need to adapt plans. A chilly Northeast might call for indoor dining, while the Southeast’s sunshine offers ideal conditions for outdoor feasts.
3. Economic Impact
Airlines, travel agencies, and retailers use Thanksgiving forecasts to plan demand surges. Clear skies in the East could boost travel volume, while snow in the West could disrupt regional supply chains temporarily.
Comparison: Thanksgiving Weather by Region
| Region | Temperature Outlook | Precipitation Outlook | Thanksgiving Day Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest | Below Normal | Above Normal | Cold, wet, possible mountain snow |
| California (Coastal) | Normal | Above Normal (rain) | Showers, cooler evenings |
| Rockies / Intermountain | Below Normal | Near Normal | Dry, cold, scattered snow |
| Midwest / Plains | Slightly Below Normal | Near Normal | Cold, few flurries |
| Northeast / New England | Below Normal | Slightly Above Normal | Cold, flurries in north |
| South / Southeast | Above Normal | Below Normal | Mild, sunny, dry |
Historical Context
The Old Farmer’s Almanac, first published in 1792, uses a proprietary formula combining solar cycles, atmospheric data, and historic averages. While it claims 80% accuracy, meteorologists emphasize that long-range forecasts serve as broad regional guides, not precise local predictions.
Still, the Almanac has historically captured general seasonal trends — for example:
- Its 2023 forecast correctly predicted a snowy Thanksgiving for New England.
- Its 2024 forecast highlighted a warmer-than-average South, which matched NOAA’s data.
Fact Check
| Claim | Verdict | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The Old Farmer’s Almanac provides exact city forecasts. | False | It offers regional trends, not detailed daily data. |
| The 2025 Thanksgiving will be snowy everywhere. | False | Snow chances are limited to West and Northeast. |
| The South will see rain and storms. | False | Expected to be mostly dry and sunny. |
| The Almanac is 100% accurate. | False | Historical accuracy averages ~80%. |
| Western travelers should expect difficult road conditions. | True | Snow and rain may complicate mountain travel. |
FAQs
When is Thanksgiving 2025?
Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Will there be snow in the Northeast?
Yes, light flurries are likely in northern New England; southern areas should remain dry.
Is it safe to travel in the West during Thanksgiving week?
Mostly yes, but rain and mountain snow could cause slowdowns on major interstates.
Will the South have good weather for outdoor gatherings?
Yes — expect mild, sunny days across most of the South and Southeast.
How accurate is the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast?
It’s generally about 80% accurate, though local weather can differ from regional projections.
Should travelers rely solely on this forecast?
No. Always check your local 5-day forecast closer to departure for updates.
Summary
Thanksgiving 2025 will be a tale of two Americas: snow boots in the North and West, sunglasses in the South and East.
While millions enjoy mild and travel-friendly conditions in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, others across the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and New England will face wintry chills and slick roads.
For now, the best advice remains timeless — plan early, check local forecasts often, and keep your travel and turkey-day plans flexible.
