Wrangell–St. Elias in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Harsh season · VisitWhen score 44/100 · #10 of 12 months
November is a harsh-season month at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: crowds run under 1% of the July peak (60 average visits). Weather: highs average 17°F and lows 2°F, with 1.4″ of precipitation and 7.3 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 Wrangell–St. Elias in November
- Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 2°F.
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaitersSee it on AmazonWhy: 14″ normal snowfall.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 7.3 hours of daylight in mid-November.
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Crowds in November
Wrangell–St. Elias averages 60 recreation visits in November — under 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 17°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 2°F). It is typically dry (1.4″ of precipitation). Normal snowfall is 14″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 7.3 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MCCARTHY 3 SW, AK US (2 mi from park coordinates, 1,250 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Wrangell–St. Elias in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 2°F
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 14″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
- Headlamp — only 7.3 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
- Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 14″ of snow is normal this month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Wrangell–St. Elias are April and May.
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 Wrangell–St. Elias crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: under 1% of the July peak, averaging 60 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Wrangell–St. Elias in November?
Average highs of 17°F, lows of 2°F, 1.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MCCARTHY 3 SW, AK US station).
What should I pack for Wrangell–St. Elias in November?
Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Wrangell–St. Elias in November?
The McCarthy and Nabesna roads are unpaved and best attempted late May–September; most services close 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