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). Weather: highs average 58°F and lows 28°F, with 0.6″ of precipitation and 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 (compare other options)
• 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

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