Yellowstone Weather in November: What to Expect

While many people don’t think of November as a wonderful time to travel because of the weather, this may not be true for Yellowstone weather in November. If you are interested in visiting this beautiful National Park during this time of year, we have everything you need to know in this article. 

You are in the right place for learning everything you need to know about visiting Yellowstone National Park during the month of November. We will address what the average temperature is like during this time of year, as well as some of the pros and cons of visiting Yellowstone in November. Let’s get started and talk all about this fantastic National Park now! 

What is the Weather Like in Yellowstone in November?

The weather in Yellowstone in November turns significantly colder compared to previous months, with a high of 33 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The average snowfall greatly increases as well, with 30 inches of snow anticipated and only 2 inches of rain on average.

Given the significant change in temperature and weather compared to months like October and September, Yellowstone National Park sees significantly fewer visitors during the month of November. However, this does not mean that it is a bad place to visit during this time of year. There are still nearly ten hours of daylight per day to take advantage of, so let’s go over all of the pros of visiting Yellowstone during this time of year now! 

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in November

There’s nothing like visiting Yellowstone in November, because very few people choose to do this. If you try to avoid crowds when at all possible, but still want to enjoy this beautiful National Park, November may be the perfect time of year for you to visit. So long as you bring extra layers and plan on staying in a local hotel rather than camping, you are likely to have a solitary and meditative time in this beautiful place! 

With fewer people comes more active wildlife. The wildlife viewing in November is fantastic for a number of reasons, as bears prepare to hibernate and many more reclusive animals come out of the woods. Whether they are seeking warmth in the lower valleys or simply enjoy having the park all to themselves, wildlife viewing is definitely something to consider when planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park! 

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in November

You may have already guessed this, but one of the main cons of visiting Yellowstone in November has to be the weather. It is more temperamental compared to previous months, but there isn’t enough snow yet to merit Yellowstone’s infamous snow tours and guided bus opportunities. 

November is a lonely month, with a single road open in the park. While it is arguably the most beautiful and interesting section of road in the entire park, you may find that Yellowstone is significantly lacking compared to its splendor and opportunity throughout the rest of the year. Closures are extreme and numerous during this month, as this National Park prepares for the upcoming winter. 

What to Do in Yellowstone in November

With all of the pros and cons in mind, let’s talk about what all there is to do in Yellowstone during the month of November, regardless of how much snow is on the ground outside!

Wildlife Viewing 

Did you know that you can view most of the wildlife found throughout Yellowstone National Park from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle? While only one primary road remains open in Yellowstone during the month of November, it is enough for you to see a number of different animal species, especially ones that hide themselves away during the busier months of the year. 

For example, bison and elk are typically seen in the lower valleys, feeding and resting. You may also have the opportunity to see elusive wolves or bears, along with foxes and weasels. It is a photographer’s dream to see any of these creatures in their natural habitats, and November is the perfect time to snap some pictures without worrying about other tourists getting in the way. 

Some of the other animals you can expect to see during this time of year are: 

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

This also means that you should pay special attention when hiking or traversing the park, as you may stumble upon wildlife that you were not expecting to see. Always maintain a safe distance from larger wildlife, such as wolves and bears as well as bison and elk! 

Hikes and Snowshoeing

Depending on just how much snow is on the ground, you may need something a bit more sturdy than your hiking boots to enjoy some of the fantastic hikes found in Yellowstone National Park. However, you can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis through multiple vendors found in Yellowstone, should there be more snow accumulation than you expected! While you can’t hike all 900 miles given the time of year, there are still a number of gorgeous hikes available to you in November. 

Visitor’s Center and Museum

Is the weather too intense for you to do your planned hike or outdoor excursion? The Visitor Center found in Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic place to kill some time, especially if you are just waiting for the rain or snow to stop. In addition, The Visitor Center has a wonderful Museum in the basement, full of great information about this beautiful National Park! 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Frank Fichtmueller/Shutterstock.com