Mammoth Cave in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #2 of 12 months

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Mammoth Cave National Park: crowds run 33% of the July peak (32,634 average visits). Weather: highs average 61°F and lows 40°F, with 4.1″ of precipitation and 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in November

Mammoth Cave averages 32,634 recreation visits in November — 33% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 61°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 40°F). This is one of the wetter months (4.1″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MAMMOTH CAVE, KY US (4 mi from park coordinates, 760 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Mammoth Cave in November

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

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 40°F
• Rain shell + pack cover — 4.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Headlamp — only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 4.1″ of rain is normal this month

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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
• 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
• Arches in November — 44% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 71/100

Common questions

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