Capitol Reef in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 71/100 · #5 of 12 months
November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Capitol Reef National Park: crowds run 30% of the May peak (64,075 average visits). Weather: highs average 51°F and lows 30°F, with 0.5″ of precipitation and 10.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Capitol Reef in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 30°F, below freezing.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 10.1 hours of daylight in mid-November.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
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Capitol Reef in November: what the park service says
November is the last month of the Gifford House Store and Museum's season at Capitol Reef: it is open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March 14 until late November. The park and its campgrounds stay open through the winter, and the visitor center is open daily except some major holidays. Roads can close for snow, so listen to the daily road report at 435-425-3791 before you drive in.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in November
Capitol Reef averages 64,075 recreation visits in November — 30% of what May, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 51°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). It is typically dry (0.5″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.1 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US (8 mi from park coordinates, 5,500 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Capitol Reef in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 30°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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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Capitol Reef are February and March.
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 Capitol Reef crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 30% of the May peak, averaging 64,075 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Capitol Reef.
What is the weather like in Capitol Reef in November?
Average highs of 51°F, lows of 30°F, 0.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US station). Compare it with other national parks in November.
What should I pack for Capitol Reef 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? Capitol Reef in December has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-24