Kings Canyon in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #7 of 12 months

November is a quiet month with trade-offs at Kings Canyon National Park: crowds run 24% of the July peak (28,629 average visits). Weather: highs average 47°F and lows 23°F, with 3.6″ of precipitation and 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Kings Canyon in November: what the park service says

November starts Kings Canyon's chain season in earnest. Sequoia and Kings Canyon share one set of park roads and rules, and the park service says chains or cables are most often required from November through March. In a chain control zone every vehicle must carry them, four-wheel and all-wheel drive included, and the speed limit is 25 mph. The Grant Grove market sells only limited sizes, and once restrictions are on you cannot enter just to buy chains there, so bring a set that fits.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in November

Kings Canyon averages 28,629 recreation visits in November — 24% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 47°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 23°F). Average precipitation is 3.6″ for the month. Normal snowfall is 12″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station LODGEPOLE, CA US (13 mi from park coordinates, 6,735 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Kings Canyon in November

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 23°F, below freezing
• Rain shell + pack cover — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 12″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
• Headlamp — only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 12″ of snow is normal this month

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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Kings Canyon 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