Kings Canyon in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #7 of 12 months

November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Kings Canyon National Park: crowds run 24% of the July peak (28,629 average visits), days average 47°F with 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in November

Kings Canyon averages 28,629 recreation visits in November — 24% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 47°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 23°F). Average precipitation is 3.6″ for the month. Normal snowfall is 12″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station LODGEPOLE, CA US (13 mi from park coordinates, 6,735 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Kings Canyon in November

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 23°F, below freezing
• Rain shell + pack cover — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 12″ 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 Kings Canyon are April and May.

Common questions

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