Great Sand Dunes in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 70/100 · #7 of 12 months

November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park: crowds run 14% of the June peak (12,982 average visits), days average 46°F with 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in November

Great Sand Dunes averages 12,982 recreation visits in November — 14% of what June, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 46°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). It is typically dry (0.5″ of precipitation). Normal snowfall is 6″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GREAT SAND DUNES NP & PRESERVE, CO US (7 mi from park coordinates, 8,183 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Great Sand Dunes in November

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 6″ normal snowfall
• Headlamp — only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-November
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Great Sand Dunes are March and April.

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-07-16