12 Best National Parks to Visit in November (+ Seasonal Info)

November is one of the best months to visit National Parks. There are significantly fewer crowds, the weather is generally more mild, and visiting during shoulder seasons means you can snag better deals on hotels and excursions. It’s one of my favorite times to plan a National Park trip.

In this article:

• The 12 best National Parks to visit in November and why
• Seasonal closures you should know about
• What to do in each park in November

Disclaimer: This article features some affiliate links. I only endorse things I’ve personally used or that come highly recommended by trusted peers. If you purchase anything I mention using my referral links from Amazon, REI or other retailers I may receive a small commission. However, there is never extra cost to you. You can read more here. Thank you for your support.

Best National Parks To Visit In November

1. Zion National Park In November (Utah)

November is a great time to visit Zion National Park if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The hiking trails, including Angels Landing, are much more manageable without the heat, and fall colors can still be visible in November.

Additionally, early November is great for hiking the Narrows with fewer crowds, but before the temperatures drop uncomfortably low.

Plan Your Trip To Zion

➝ Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip + Map
➝ 1-3 Days In Zion National Park Itinerary
➝ Best Things to Do in Zion National Park Besides Hiking

2. Bryce Canyon National Park In November (Utah)

Bryce Canyon in the winter is a completely different experience than visiting in the summer. November offers cooler weather, making it a great time for hiking in Bryce Canyon without the crowds, and you may even catch early snow flurries.

The park’s iconic hoodoos look especially striking against the crisp blue skies of winter, and the milder temperatures make it more comfortable to explore during the day.

Even though they’re close neighbors, there are some big differences between Zion and Bryce Canyon. Bryce sits at higher elevation so expect cooler temperatures year-round.

Additionally, November is also a perfect time to catch the sunrise at Bryce Canyon (bonus – it’s later so you can sleep in a bit). With fewer visitors, sunrise is a much more peaceful experience in winter.

My Bryce Canyon travel guide has helpful information on must-see spots and how to navigate the park, even if you only have one-day in Bryce Canyon.

Plan Your Trip To Bryce Canyon

➝ Bryce Canyon Itinerary + Travel Guide
➝ One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
➝ 15 Bryce Canyon Hikes – Easy To Hard
➝ Zion To Bryce Canyon National Park Road Trip (+ Map)
➝ Bryce Canyon Shuttle: Tips, Map, Stops + Schedule

3. Arches National Park In November (Utah)

November in Arches is perfect to see the park’s famous red rock formations and natural arches, like Delicate Arch, without the intense summer heat (which can be extremely hot).

Arches National Park in winter is perfect for a few reasons, like not having to battle for timed-entry vehicle reservations. Reservation requirements are only in place during the busy summer months.

Without the afternoon heat, hiking in Arches is more enjoyable – not to mention, safer. There is very little shade on any of the park trails, so hot months offer limited daylight hours where longer hikes are possible to complete safely.

Not all that into hiking? After multiple visits, I landed on a great list of things to do in Arches National Park for all interests and abilities.

Plan Your Trip To Arches

➝ Arches National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
➝ How To Spend One Day In Arches National Park (Itinerary + Map)
➝ Salt Lake City To Arches National Park Road Trip Itinerary
➝ Las Vegas To Arches National Park Road Trip Itinerary

4. Grand Canyon National Park In November (Arizona)

Shoulder season at the Grand Canyon is my favorite time to visit. While it stays fairly busy year-round, the crowds aren’t nearly as congested during the winter.

Surprisingly, Grand Canyon National Park can be a bit chilly in November. It sits at higher elevation, so even though it’s located in Arizona the temperatures still consistently dip below freezing at night.

If you’re up for a hike below the rim, the canyon tends to be about 10 degrees warmer once you descend. It’s quite hot below the rim during the summer, so winter is an ideal time to visit if you’re hoping to hike Bright Angel or South Kaibab.

Plan Your Trip To Grand Canyon

➝ 1 – 3 Day Trip To Grand Canyon Itinerary
➝ Las Vegas To Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary
➝ Page To Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary
➝ Moab To Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

5. Everglades National Park In November (Florida)

Visiting Everglades National Park in November is the best month for lots of reasons. First (and most important to me), it marks the start of the dry season which means way fewer mosquitos… but never no mosquitos 😉

Temperatures are also much more pleasant in November, typically ranging from 70-80°F. Humidity levels are also lower in the winter, so it’s *actually* possible to walk around without being sweaty all day.

This shift in weather conditions makes it an ideal time for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing without the intense heat or heavy rains that are common in the summer.

With water levels lower in November, animals like alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species are more concentrated in visible areas such as Shark Valley and Flamingo.

The park’s boardwalk trails, like the Anhinga Trail, and Airboat Tours offer close-up views of these animals, making it easy to experience the diversity of the park’s wildlife.

Plan Your Trip To Everglades

➝ Everglades National Park Itinerary
➝ Camping In The Everglades National Park

6. Biscayne National Park In November (Florida)

Biscayne National Park neighbors Everglades National Park so it’s an easy to add it to your Florida trip itinerary. Just like the Everglades, Biscayne National Park has some great weather in November.

Visiting in November means you’ll beat the December holiday break crowd swell and the worst of the windy season. Wind can be a bummer on a trip to Biscayne because it can cause choppy water for boat tours, sometimes causing them to be canceled.

While Biscayne National Park has free entrance, most of the park is located off shore so you’ll need to charter a boat tour to experience it.

Snorkeling is another very popular activity in Biscayne and there are many shipwrecks and reefs to explore. You can also explore Biscayne Bay on paddle boards or take a jet ski tour of Key Biscayne.

Plan Your Trip To Biscayne

➝ Visiting Biscayne National Park Itinerary & Travel Guide

7. Dry Tortugas National Park In November (Florida)

Dry Tortugas is the third National Park in Florida, and it’s a bit trickier to reach. It’s a great day trip from Key West.

From Key West, you can book a ferry or charter a seaplane to reach Dry Tortugas National Park. If your group is 4 or more people it’s more cost effective to rent a private boat for the day.

By boat, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Dry Tortugas from Key West. By plane, it’s around 45-minutes.

Because Dry Tortugas is so far south, it has incredible weather in November (especially compared to most of the US). Pack your bathing suit and go snorkeling, walk along the beach, or explore the historic fort.

Plan Your Trip To Dry Tortugas

➝ Dry Tortugas National Park Itinerary & Travel Guide

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park In November (Tennessee/North Carolina)

Early November (and late October) is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you want to see peak fall foliage!

The cooler temperatures, typically ranging from 30-60°F, make for comfortable hiking conditions, though you’ll want to layer up for early morning or late afternoon hikes.

With fewer visitors, popular spots like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome (recently renamed Kuwohi) are much more peaceful, allowing you to enjoy the park’s scenic views without the crowds.

November is also a good time for wildlife viewing. As the park gets quieter, it’s easier to spot animals like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears preparing for winter.

November is also a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountain National Parks many waterfalls, which tend to flow more steadily as the rainy season picks up.

Plan Your Trip To Great Smoky Mountains

➝ Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary & Travel Guide
➝ Knoxville To Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary
➝ Backpacking Smoky Mountains Guide

9. Joshua Tree National Park In November (California)

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park in November is an excellent choice, as the temperatures are much more manageable compared to the scorching summer months which can be brutal.

With daytime temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F, it’s a comfortable time for hiking and exploring the park’s iconic landscapes, including the vast fields of Joshua trees and unique rock formations like Skull Rock and Arch Rock.

Popular trails, such as the Hidden Valley and Barker Dam trails, are ideal in November.

If you’re into rock climbing, this is a great month to take advantage of the cooler conditions, as Joshua Tree is known for its world-class climbing spots.

The lower visitor numbers in Joshua Tree in November also make it easier to explore without the crowds at popular viewpoints like Keys View, which provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.

10. Acadia National Park In November (Maine)

Visiting Acadia National Park in November allows you to enjoy the park without the crowds that fill the area in summer and early fall. The temperatures are cooler, typically ranging from 30-50°F, which makes for comfortable conditions while hiking Acadia’s scenic trails.

Though some park facilities may be closed for the season, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the coastal views and forested areas.

One of the main highlights in November is the chance to visit Acadia’s popular spots, like Cadillac Mountain, without the usual traffic. Hiking or driving to the summit provides clear views of the Atlantic Ocean, and you can be among the first to see the sunrise in the United States from this spot.

Additionally, sections of Park Loop Road remain open in November, giving you access to Acadia’s rugged coastline and the chance to visit spots like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.

November also marks the transition into winter in Acadia, so you’ll want to be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.

While some trails may be icy, lower elevation hikes like Jordan Pond Path remain accessible and offer beautiful late-season views. Even though the fall colors in Acadia are mostly gone by November, the park’s dramatic cliffs and granite peaks still make it worth a visit.

11. Yosemite National Park In November (California)

Visiting Yosemite National Park in November has fewer visitors and cooler temperatures, ranging from 30-60°F.

On my recent trip to Yosemite and Sequoia in the winter, some areas like Glacier Point and Tioga Road were closed due to snowfall, but the Yosemite Valley remained accessible and offered iconic views of landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls without the summer crowds or parking nightmares.

Hiking in the valley is still possible in November, with popular trails like Lower Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake offering stunning scenery and easier access.

Even though you won’t be able to see Glacier Point, I still recommend visiting Yosemite National Park during the off season so you can experience Yosemite Valley without the mobs of people.

Plan Your Trip To Yosemite

➝ How Many Days In Yosemite? + Itinerary Recommendations
➝ Yosemite National Park Itinerary + Map

12. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks In November (California)

Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in November is great for less crowded hikes and cooler temperatures, generally ranging from 30-50°F.

I recently visited Sequoia in winter with my mom! It was a great trip and we loved being able to hike without being mobbed by other people.

In Sequoia, the giant sequoias, including the iconic General Sherman Tree, are accessible in November, and fewer visitors also mean more opportunities to enjoy the trails and scenic areas at a slower pace.

Higher elevations in both parks may start seeing early snowfall in November, particularly around Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow, so it’s important to be prepared for potential snow or icy conditions.

The roads leading to these areas are usually open, but checking the latest park updates is essential before heading out.

In Kings Canyon, the Grant Grove area remains accessible in November, allowing you to see the General Grant Tree and other sequoias even as winter approaches.

Plan Your Trip To Sequoia & Kings Canyon

➝ Los Angeles To Sequoia National Park Road Trip
➝ Sequoia National Park Itinerary (1-3 Days + Kings Canyon)

Why Visit National Parks in November?

Most people don’t think of visiting National Parks in November. Typically, the National Parks are the most popular during the summer months. But there are so many reasons to visit these 12 best National Parks in November!

• Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a peaceful experience compared to peak seasons.
• Milder Weather: Perfect for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities.
• Seasonal Beauty: Some parks offer stunning autumn colors or snow-dusted landscapes.
• No Timed-Entry Requirements: Come and go when you want without being restricted to a reservation time.

However, there are some compromises to visiting National Parks in November. For example, some parks have areas which are seasonally closed due to weather, which means you won’t be able to fully explore the park.

That’s ok though! I like to visit the popular National Parks during the off-season, like October or November, and check as much off my list as I can. Then, when I visit them again during the busy summer season I can avoid the popular areas and see the remaining areas of the park.

Final Thoughts On The Best National Parks To Visit In November

I personally think November is one of the best months to visit many of our beautiful National Parks. Crowds in the summer can be unbearable, and most of the southern parks are so hot during the day that it’s difficult to hike longer trails.

While some areas of the parks are closed for winter, it’s nice to have a more relaxed trip to see the highlights (and then circle back in the future to explore the closed areas when they open in the summer months).

My favorite National Park to visit in November is Zion, which is usually packed during the summer. What’s yours?

Planning your next National Park trip? Check out all of my park guides here.

You might also like The Best National Parks To Visit In Winter.