Gates of the Arctic in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 42/100 · #11 of 12 months

November is a harsh-season month at Gates of the Arctic National Park: crowds run under 1% of the July peak (NPS records almost no visits). Weather: highs average 8°F and lows -7°F, with 1.1″ of precipitation and 5.2 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Gates of the Arctic in November: what the park service says

November in Gates of the Arctic is deep sub-arctic cold on the south side of the Brooks Range, with winter temperatures generally ranging from 0 to -50°F. Winter visits are possible, and skis and snowmobiles are allowed when there is enough snow, but the park warns conditions can be extreme. Inside the park, the Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station is the only staffed facility.

Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in November

NPS records almost no recreation visits to Gates of the Arctic in November (2021–2025 average), against 3,391 in July, the peak month. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Weather & daylight

Days are cold (highs average 8°F), and nights are frigid (lows average -7°F). It is typically dry (1.1″ of precipitation). Normal snowfall is 19″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 5.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station BETTLES AP, AK US (76 mi from park coordinates, 642 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Gates of the Arctic in November

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

• Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of -7°F
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 19″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
• Headlamp — only 5.2 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 19″ of snow is normal this month
• Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)

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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Gates of the Arctic 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

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