Badlands in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 74/100 · #6 of 12 months
November is a quiet month with trade-offs at Badlands National Park: crowds run 8% of the July peak (20,259 average visits). Weather: highs average 49°F and lows 21°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 9.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Badlands in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 21°F, below freezing.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-November.
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Crowds in November
Badlands averages 20,259 recreation visits in November — 8% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 49°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 21°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.7 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station WASTA, SD US (22 mi from park coordinates, 2,328 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Badlands in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 21°F, below freezing
- Headlamp — only 9.7 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
- 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 Badlands 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 Badlands crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 8% of the July peak, averaging 20,259 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Badlands in November?
Average highs of 49°F, lows of 21°F, 0.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, WASTA, SD US station).
What should I pack for Badlands 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 2026-09-24