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.
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.
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)
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Yellowstone 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
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 2026-09-12