Mount Rainier in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 50/100 · #9 of 12 months

November is a harsh-season month at Mount Rainier National Park: crowds run 7% of the July peak (28,388 average visits). Weather: highs average 37°F and lows 26°F, with 18.2″ of precipitation and 9.4 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Mount Rainier in November

Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 26°F, below freezing.
Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 18.2″ of precipitation is normal this month.
HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.4 hours of daylight in mid-November.

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Partial access: Sunrise and Stevens Canyon roads are typically open only July–September; the road to Paradise is plowed and open year-round (carry chains in winter). Current NPS conditions →

A fan-shaped waterfall cascades over lava cliffs with a rainbow in its mist. — Mount Rainier National Park — photo: NPS Photo / E. Brouwer (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in November

Mount Rainier averages 28,388 recreation visits in November — 7% of what July, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Average visits (November)

28,388 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

1.7% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Expect cold conditions (highs average 37°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 26°F). This is one of the wetter months (18.2″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 9.4 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US (4 mi from park coordinates, 5,427 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Mount Rainier in November

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

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 26°F, below freezing
Rain shell + pack cover — 18.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 9.4 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 18.2″ of rain is normal this month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Mount Rainier are May and June.

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 Mount Rainier crowded in November?

No — November is one of the quieter months: 7% of the July peak, averaging 28,388 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Mount Rainier in November?

Average highs of 37°F, lows of 26°F, 18.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, RAINIER PARADISE RS, WA US station).

What should I pack for Mount Rainier in November?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Mount Rainier in November?

Sunrise and Stevens Canyon roads are typically open only July–September; the road to Paradise is plowed and open year-round (carry chains in winter). Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

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