Mesa Verde in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #5 of 12 months
November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Mesa Verde National Park: crowds run 15% of the June peak (13,864 average visits), days average 45°F with 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in November
Mesa Verde averages 13,864 recreation visits in November — 15% of what June, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 45°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). It is typically dry (1.8″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CORTEZ 8 SE, CO US (1 mi from park coordinates, 8,035 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Mesa Verde 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 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-November
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Mesa Verde are March and April.
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 Mesa Verde crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 15% of the June peak, averaging 13,864 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Mesa Verde in November?
Average highs of 45°F, lows of 30°F, 1.8″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CORTEZ 8 SE, CO US station).
What should I pack for Mesa Verde 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.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-12