Canyonlands in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #2 of 12 months

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Canyonlands National Park: crowds run 35% of the May peak (42,203 average visits). Weather: highs average 55°F and lows 26°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 10.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Canyonlands in November: what the park service says

November is when Canyonlands' visitor centers shift to winter hours. In the park service's current schedule, Island in the Sky is open 8 am to 4 pm through November 29 (closing at 1 pm on Thanksgiving), then 9 am to 4 pm from November 30, and The Needles visitor center stays open until December 6 before closing for the winter. The Willow Flat and Needles campgrounds are first-come, first-served in winter. After snow, paved roads can close while crews plow, and the park recommends traction aids on icy sandstone.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in November

Canyonlands averages 42,203 recreation visits in November — 35% of what May, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Weather & daylight

Daytime stays cool (highs average 55°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 26°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.1 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CANYONLANDS-THE NEEDLES, UT US (0 mi from park coordinates, 4,906 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Canyonlands in November

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 26°F, below freezing
• Headlamp — only 10.1 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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Also at their best in November

Other parks whose computed November verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• 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
• Arches in November — 44% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 71/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-24