Yosemite in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 68/100 · #4 of 12 months
November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Yosemite National Park: crowds run 40% of the August peak (216,341 average visits). Weather: highs average 56°F and lows 33°F, with 4.0″ of precipitation and 10.2 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 Yosemite in November
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 33°F.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 4.0″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-November.
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Crowds in November
Yosemite averages 216,341 recreation visits in November — 40% of what August, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect cool days (highs average 56°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 33°F). This is one of the wetter months (4.0″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 10.2 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US (3 mi from park coordinates, 4,018 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Yosemite in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 33°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 4.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 10.2 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 4.0″ of rain is normal this month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Yosemite 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
Is Yosemite crowded in November?
Moderately: November runs 40% of the August peak, averaging 216,341 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yosemite in November?
Average highs of 56°F, lows of 33°F, 4.0″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).
What should I pack for Yosemite in November?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Yosemite in November?
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close November–late May; Yosemite Valley is open year-round. 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