Petrified Forest in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Best window · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #3 of 12 months
November is one of the best months of the year to visit Petrified Forest National Park: crowds run 45% of the June peak (29,030 average visits), days average 58°F with 10.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in November
Petrified Forest averages 29,030 recreation visits in November — 45% of what June, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 58°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 28°F). It is typically dry (0.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.3 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US (2 mi from park coordinates, 5,760 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Petrified Forest in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 28°F, below freezing
- Headlamp — only 10.3 hours of daylight in mid-November
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every 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
- 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
- Arches in November — 44% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 71/100
Common questions
Is Petrified Forest crowded in November?
Moderately: November runs 45% of the June peak, averaging 29,030 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Petrified Forest in November?
Average highs of 58°F, lows of 28°F, 0.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US station).
What should I pack for Petrified Forest in November?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-12