Mesa Verde in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #5 of 12 months

November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Mesa Verde National Park: crowds run 15% of the June peak (13,864 average visits), days average 45°F with 10.2 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in November

Mesa Verde averages 13,864 recreation visits in November — 15% of what June, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Weather & daylight

Daytime stays cool (highs average 45°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). It is typically dry (1.8″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CORTEZ 8 SE, CO US (1 mi from park coordinates, 8,035 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Mesa Verde in November

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 30°F, below freezing
• 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

Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Mesa Verde are March and April.

Common questions

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