Yellowstone in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 32/100 · #9 of 12 months

November is a quiet month with trade-offs at Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 3% of the July peak (23,807 average visits). Weather: highs average 32°F and lows 11°F, with 2.1″ of precipitation and 9.6 hours of daylight. Headline access is typically closed this month — see the access warning below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Yellowstone in November

Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 11°F.
Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.1″ of precipitation is normal this month.
HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.6 hours of daylight in mid-November.

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Access warning: Most park roads close to regular vehicles at the start of November and reopen in stages: the West Entrance–Madison–Old Faithful–Norris–Canyon roads in mid-April (April 17 in 2026), the East and South entrances in early May, and Dunraven Pass in late May. The North Entrance–Northeast Entrance road is open all year; elsewhere winter access is by guided oversnow travel. That typically affects November — verify before planning. Current NPS conditions →

The sun sets behind the sharp point of a snow-covered mountain; pink clouds are reflected in a pond — Yellowstone National Park — photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in November

Yellowstone averages 23,807 recreation visits in November — 3% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Average visits (November)

23,807 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

under 1% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Days are cold (highs average 32°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 11°F). Average precipitation is 2.1″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.6 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates, 7,835 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.

What to pack for Yellowstone in November

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

Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 11°F
Packable rain jacket — 2.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
Headlamp — only 9.6 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)

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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Yellowstone 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

Is Yellowstone crowded in November?

No — November is one of the quieter months: 3% of the July peak, averaging 23,807 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Yellowstone in November?

Average highs of 32°F, lows of 11°F, 2.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station).

What should I pack for Yellowstone in November?

Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Yellowstone in November?

Most park roads close to regular vehicles at the start of November and reopen in stages: the West Entrance–Madison–Old Faithful–Norris–Canyon roads in mid-April (April 17 in 2026), the East and South entrances in early May, and Dunraven Pass in late May. The North Entrance–Northeast Entrance road is open all year; elsewhere winter access is by guided oversnow travel. 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