North Cascades in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 57/100 · #8 of 12 months

November is a quiet month with trade-offs at North Cascades National Park: crowds run 1% of the July peak (62 average visits). Weather: highs average 40°F and lows 30°F, with 6.7″ of precipitation and 9.2 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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Crowds in November

North Cascades averages 62 recreation visits in November — 1% of what July, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 40°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 30°F). This is one of the wetter months (6.7″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 10″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 9.2 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station STEHEKIN 4 NW, WA US (12 mi from park coordinates, 1,257 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for North Cascades 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
• Rain shell + pack cover — 6.7″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 10″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
• Headlamp — only 9.2 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 10″ of snow is normal this month

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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for North Cascades 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

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