Yellowstone in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 32/100 · #9 of 12 months

November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 3% of the July peak (23,807 average visits), days average 32°F with 9.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Access warning: Most park roads close to regular vehicles early November through mid-April (staggered spring reopening); winter access is by guided oversnow travel. That typically affects November — verify before planning. Current NPS conditions →

Crowds in November

Yellowstone averages 23,807 recreation visits in November — 3% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (November)

23,807 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

0.5% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Days are cold (highs average 32°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 11°F). Average precipitation is 2.1″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates, 7,835 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Yellowstone in November

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

Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 11°F
Packable rain jacket — 2.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 9.6 hours of daylight in mid-November
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)

If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Yellowstone are April and May.

Common questions

Is Yellowstone crowded in November?

No — November is one of the quieter months: 3% of the July peak, averaging 23,807 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Yellowstone in November?

Average highs of 32°F, lows of 11°F, 2.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station).

What should I pack for Yellowstone in November?

Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Yellowstone in November?

Most park roads close to regular vehicles early November through mid-April (staggered spring reopening); winter access is by guided oversnow travel. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-07-16