Kings Canyon in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #7 of 12 months
November is a quiet month with trade-offs at Kings Canyon National Park: crowds run 24% of the July peak (28,629 average visits). Weather: highs average 47°F and lows 23°F, with 3.6″ of precipitation and 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Planning Kings Canyon? Pack a guidebook: Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases
Bring for Kings Canyon in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 23°F, below freezing.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaitersSee it on AmazonWhy: 12″ normal snowfall.
Affiliate links: VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices can change; Amazon shows the current one.
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 — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
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 (compare other options)
- Headlamp — only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
- Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 12″ of snow is normal this month
As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.
Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Kings Canyon 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
Is Kings Canyon crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 24% of the July peak, averaging 28,629 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Kings Canyon in November?
Average highs of 47°F, lows of 23°F, 3.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, LODGEPOLE, CA US station).
What should I pack for Kings Canyon in November?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-24