Yellowstone in November: Things to Do, Weather, and More

There are a number of reasons to consider a trip to Yellowstone in November, but what might some of those be? If you are wondering what all of the pros and cons are to visiting this beautiful National Park during the penultimate month of the year, you’re in the right place. November is a great month for traveling for a number of reasons, but is it the right time of year to visit Yellowstone? 

In this article, we will address everything you need to know should you be planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park during the month of November. We will go over what activities and recreational opportunities there are for you, as well as what the average weather is like. Finally, we will address if there are any lodging opportunities within the park, as well as some insider tips and tricks to make your time more memorable. Let’s get started and talk all about Yellowstone in November now! 

Things to Do in Yellowstone in November

While Yellowstone National Park sees a significant decline in visitors during the month of November, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy during this time of year. For example, Yellowstone offers snowshoe hiking opportunities as well as cross country skiing, should you be willing to brave the cold and snow! 

In addition to hiking opportunities, there are also plenty of different species of wildlife to view in their natural habitats. You can anticipate seeing a number of animals, as the winter weather brings them into the lower valleys, closer to the roadways and human populations. However, speaking of roadways, it is important to note that the majority of roads in Yellowstone National Park closed on November 1st to tourist traffic. 

However, even with this in mind, there are still plenty of things to do in Yellowstone during November. You can explore the visitor center and the museum, as well as the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins. These remain open until the end of the month, which is important to note if you are looking for a place to stay during this chilly time of year! 

Weather in Yellowstone in November

If you thought October was starting to get cold, just wait until you see Yellowstone during the month of November! The average temperature declines greatly in November compared to previous months, as it ranges from 14 degrees to a chilly 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, Yellowstone averages 30 inches of snow during the months of November alone, with less than 10 hours of sunshine per day. However, given the number of snow-based activities for you to do during this time of year, don’t let the cold stop you from having a good time! 

Wildlife in Yellowstone in November

While most bears and birds are hunkering down for the winter, there are still a number of different wildlife species for you to view during this time of year. In fact, November is a great time for wildlife photography, given the fact that many animals come down from the upper elevations and stay the winter in the lower valleys of Yellowstone National Park. 

You can expect to see any of the following animals during your trip:

• Bison
• Deer
• Elk
• Bighorn sheep
• Rabbits
• Foxes
• Weasels
• Wolves

For your own safety, Yellowstone Park Rangers recommend that you stay at least 100 yards away from the nearest large animal, particularly bison, wolves, and bears. Keep in mind that, although they may seem accustomed to humans, these are indeed wild animals in one of the wildest National Parks in America!

Getting to Yellowstone in November 

We’ve already discussed this briefly, but getting to Yellowstone during the month of November may be more difficult than you think. This is because all main entrances and roads into this National Park close on November 1st at midnight, so that the Yellowstone National Park Rangers can prepare the park for the winter season. 

However, you can still enter the park through either the North or Northeastern entrance, and there is a single road open for you to explore Yellowstone. While this may not sound ideal when you consider the fact that the rest of the park is open prior to this point, it is still a great road for you to explore, should you choose to visit Yellowstone during November. 

Lodging in Yellowstone in November 

Besides the Mammoth Hot Springs Inn & Cabins, all lodging within Yellowstone National Park closes sometime prior to the month of November. In fact, even the Mammoth Hot Springs Inn closes at the end of the month. However, there are plenty of other lodging opportunities to be had in nearby towns, particularly ones near the North and Northeastern entrances of Yellowstone. 

Tips and Tricks for Yellowstone in November

November is a lonely time to visit Yellowstone, given the fact that it is transitioning into a winter wonderland. However, this means that very few visitors choose to visit the park during this time of year, which may mean that you have the park all to yourself! Pay close attention to the open roads and the weather, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a great time in Yellowstone National Park during the month of November! 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/SL_Photography