Capitol Reef in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 71/100 · #5 of 12 months
November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Capitol Reef National Park: crowds run 30% of the May peak (64,075 average visits). Weather: highs average 51°F and lows 30°F, with 0.5″ of precipitation and 10.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Capitol Reef in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 30°F, below freezing.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 10.1 hours of daylight in mid-November.
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Crowds in November
Capitol Reef averages 64,075 recreation visits in November — 30% of what May, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 51°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). It is typically dry (0.5″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.1 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US (8 mi from park coordinates, 5,500 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Capitol Reef in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 30°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
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Capitol Reef are February and March.
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 Capitol Reef crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 30% of the May peak, averaging 64,075 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Capitol Reef in November?
Average highs of 51°F, lows of 30°F, 0.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US station).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef 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