Badlands in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 74/100 · #6 of 12 months
November is a quiet month with trade-offs at Badlands National Park: crowds run 8% of the July peak (20,259 average visits). Weather: highs average 49°F and lows 21°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 9.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Badlands in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 21°F, below freezing.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-November.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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Badlands in November: what the park service says
November at Badlands means winter driving can begin. The park service says roads through the park may close in winter or during extreme weather, and that winter roads can be slick and icy, so check road conditions for your route before leaving. The park never closes, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and entrance fees are collected all year. Rangers at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center can give maps and directions.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in November
Badlands averages 20,259 recreation visits in November — 8% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 49°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 21°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.7 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station WASTA, SD US (22 mi from park coordinates, 2,328 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Badlands in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 21°F, below freezing
- Headlamp — only 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Badlands are April and May.
Also at their best in November
Other parks whose computed November verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Canyonlands in November — 35% of peak crowds, highs 55°F, score 72/100
- Mammoth Cave in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 72/100
- New River Gorge in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 72/100
- Petrified Forest in November — 45% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 72/100
Common questions
Is Badlands crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 8% of the July peak, averaging 20,259 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Badlands.
What is the weather like in Badlands in November?
Average highs of 49°F, lows of 21°F, 0.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, WASTA, SD US station). Compare it with other national parks in November.
What should I pack for Badlands in November?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in December instead? Badlands in December has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-24