Black Canyon of the Gunnison in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 66/100 · #5 of 12 months
November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: crowds run 29% of the June peak (13,840 average visits). Weather: highs average 47°F and lows 23°F, with 1.5″ of precipitation and 10.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Planning Black Canyon of the Gunnison? Pack the trail map: Black Canyon of the Gunnison Trails Illustrated map on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases
Bring for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 23°F, below freezing.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 10.1 hours of daylight in mid-November.
Affiliate links: VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices can change; Amazon shows the current one.
Crowds in November
Black Canyon of the Gunnison averages 13,840 recreation visits in November — 29% of what June, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 47°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 23°F). It is typically dry (1.5″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.1 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US (2 mi from park coordinates, 8,151 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison 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
- Headlamp — only 10.1 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Black Canyon of the Gunnison are March and April.
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 Black Canyon of the Gunnison crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 29% of the June peak, averaging 13,840 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Black Canyon of the Gunnison in November?
Average highs of 47°F, lows of 23°F, 1.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US station).
What should I pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison 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