Sequoia in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 62/100 · #8 of 12 months
November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Sequoia National Park: crowds run 31% of the July peak (60,188 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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Bring for Sequoia in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 23°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaitersSee it on AmazonWhy: 12″ normal snowfall.
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Sequoia in November: what the park service says
November is when Sequoia's chain season gets serious: the park service says chain requirements can come at any time from fall through spring but are most common November through March. Every vehicle in a chain control zone, four-wheel and all-wheel drive included, must carry chains or cables, and the speed limit drops to 25 mph while controls are on. Buy chains that fit your tires before the trip, because once restrictions are in effect you cannot drive in just to buy them at the Grant Grove market.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in November
Sequoia averages 60,188 recreation visits in November — 31% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.
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 (4 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia are May and June.
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 Sequoia crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 31% of the July peak, averaging 60,188 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Sequoia.
What is the weather like in Sequoia in November?
Average highs of 47°F, lows of 23°F, 3.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, LODGEPOLE, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in November.
What should I pack for Sequoia in November?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in December instead? Sequoia in December has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-24