As the title states, the poem takes place in November. This poem is clearly situated in the Northern Hemisphere given that this month is on the cusp of winter in Dietz's work. The speaker's descriptions of brilliant fall foliage, migrating geese, field mice, barns, squirrels, a river, and cozy urban homes suggests a rural or semi-rural community where humans live in proximity to other parts of the natural world.

According to the speaker's observations, November is a time for winding down, suggesting rest and introspection. Though there is a sense of melancholy in the various endings portrayed (such as the passing of October's autumn foliage), the speaker remains aware of the cyclical nature of the seasons. Acceptance and nostalgia balance out November's bleakness.