Congaree in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 60/100 · #7 of 12 months

November is peak season — the 5th-busiest month of the year, at Congaree National Park: crowds run 72% of the May peak (20,935 average visits). Weather: highs average 66°F and lows 40°F, with 3.6″ of precipitation and 10.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Congaree in November: what the park service says

In November, Congaree's flooding and its neighbours both matter. The park lies in the Congaree River floodplain, which floods about ten times a year, and with nearly 80% of the park in it, floods can shut backcountry trails and parts of the boardwalk; check the Cedar Creek and Congaree River gauges before you go. Hunting is not allowed in the park, but it happens on adjacent land, so stay inside the park boundary.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in November

Congaree averages 20,935 recreation visits in November — 72% of what May, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 66°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 40°F). Average precipitation is 3.6″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 10.4 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station N 5NE, SC US (17 mi from park coordinates, 322 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Congaree in November

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

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 40°F
• Rain shell + pack cover — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Headlamp — only 10.4 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Congaree are January and February.

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

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