Big Bend in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 67/100 · #4 of 12 months

November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Big Bend National Park: crowds run 63% of the March peak (58,815 average visits). Weather: highs average 78°F and lows 46°F, with 0.5″ of precipitation and 10.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in November

Big Bend averages 58,815 recreation visits in November — 63% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Weather & daylight

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 78°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 46°F). It is typically dry (0.5″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.7 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CASTOLON, TX US (18 mi from park coordinates, 2,169 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Big Bend is scored on its desert floor (Castolon, 2,169 ft), where most of the park and the river sights are; the Chisos Basin (5,300 ft) runs 10–17°F cooler. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Big Bend in November

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

• A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker) — a 32°F swing between the average low of 46°F and high of 78°F
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Big Bend are January and February.

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

See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-24