Glacier Bay in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 52/100 · #7 of 12 months

November is a harsh-season month at Glacier Bay National Park: crowds run under 1% of the July peak (213 average visits). Weather: highs average 40°F and lows 34°F, with 12.3″ of precipitation and 7.8 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in November

Glacier Bay averages 213 recreation visits in November — under 1% of what July, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Weather & daylight

Expect cold conditions (highs average 40°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 34°F). This is one of the wetter months (12.3″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 16″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 7.8 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ELFIN COVE, AK US (42 mi from park coordinates, 20 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Glacier Bay in November

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

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 34°F
• Rain shell + pack cover — 12.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 16″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
• Headlamp — only 7.8 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 16″ of snow is normal this month
• Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Glacier Bay 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

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