Glacier in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 40/100 · #9 of 12 months

November is a quiet month with trade-offs at Glacier National Park: crowds run 3% of the July peak (24,006 average visits). Weather: highs average 37°F and lows 25°F, with 2.7″ of precipitation and 9.2 hours of daylight. Headline access is typically closed this month — see the access warning below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Glacier in November

Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 25°F, below freezing.
Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.7″ of precipitation is normal this month.
HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.2 hours of daylight in mid-November.

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Access warning: Going-to-the-Sun Road's alpine section typically opens fully late June–early July and closes in mid-October; lower valleys stay accessible year-round. That typically affects November — verify before planning. Current NPS conditions →

A park ranger standing with arms out in front of snow and ice. — Glacier National Park — photo: NPS (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in November

Glacier averages 24,006 recreation visits in November — 3% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Average visits (November)

24,006 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

under 1% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 37°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 25°F). Average precipitation is 2.7″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station ST. MARY 1 SSW, MT US (17 mi from park coordinates, 4,555 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Glacier in November

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

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 25°F, below freezing
Packable rain jacket — 2.7″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 9.2 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)

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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Glacier are June and September.

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 Glacier crowded in November?

No — November is one of the quieter months: 3% of the July peak, averaging 24,006 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Glacier in November?

Average highs of 37°F, lows of 25°F, 2.7″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, ST. MARY 1 SSW, MT US station).

What should I pack for Glacier in November?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Glacier in November?

Going-to-the-Sun Road's alpine section typically opens fully late June–early July and closes in mid-October; lower valleys stay accessible year-round. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

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