Wind Cave in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 73/100 · #5 of 12 months

November is a quiet month with trade-offs at Wind Cave National Park: crowds run 12% of the July peak (14,480 average visits). Weather: highs average 48°F and lows 23°F, with 0.7″ of precipitation and 9.7 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in November

Wind Cave averages 14,480 recreation visits in November — 12% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 48°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 23°F). It is typically dry (0.7″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.7 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station WIND CAVE, SD US (0 mi from park coordinates, 4,155 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Wind Cave in November

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 23°F, below freezing
• Headlamp — only 9.7 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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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Wind Cave are March and April.

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