Congaree in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 60/100 · #7 of 12 months

November is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Congaree National Park: crowds run 72% of the May peak (20,935 average visits). Weather: highs average 66°F and lows 40°F, with 3.6″ of precipitation and 10.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in November

Congaree averages 20,935 recreation visits in November — 72% of what May, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 66°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 40°F). Average precipitation is 3.6″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 10.4 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station N 5NE, SC US (17 mi from park coordinates, 322 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Congaree in November

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

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 40°F
• Rain shell + pack cover — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Headlamp — only 10.4 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 3.6″ of rain is normal this month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Congaree 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