Visiting Zion National Park in November 2026
“A steady middle month — well worth visiting with the right expectations.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
November drops Zion into shoulder-season quiet with highs cooling to 11.7C/53F and lows dipping to -0.2C/31F, meaning frost forms on shaded meadows most mornings. Precipitation climbs to 35mm across 4.2 days as winter storm tracks push south, and sunshine falls to 9 hours as the sun barely clears the East Rim before 9am at the canyon floor.
On the ground, crowds thin dramatically after the first week. Thanksgiving week sees a brief spike but midweek trails empty and Angels Landing permits become achievable on the day-before lottery. The shuttle continues through 30 November 2026 but transitions to reduced winter frequency, and rangers post ice warnings for Hidden Canyon and Observation Point routes. Cottonwoods finish dropping leaves by mid-month, leaving bare white branches against red walls. Springdale restaurants trim hours; several close entirely by 25 November.
The 2016-2025 trend shows November precipitation up 15% with more atmospheric river events reaching southern Utah in late month. November 2022 delivered a 40mm three-day storm that dusted the rims with snow. NOAA's 2026 outlook trends near-normal for both metrics, which historically means alternating dry warm weeks with sharp cold fronts every 10 days.
Travelers in 2026 should book the 4-20 November window for the true shoulder sweet spot: mild afternoons, near-freezing dawns, and Springdale rates 40% below October peak. Angels Landing permit odds run 3x better than October, and the Watchman Trail at sunset delivers rim-lit color with almost nobody else on it. Pack for wide temperature swings and expect first ice on shaded chains.
The shuttle system exists because pre-2000 the canyon was a parking lot; now private cars are banned March-November. The gateway town Springdale is a Mormon-founded village where you still can't buy hard liquor at grocery stores. The correct pronunciation is 'ZY-un' not 'ZEE-on' and comes from Isaiah, not the modern political term. Skip the crowded Angels Landing; hike the Watchman or the West Rim Trail from the top down (permit shuttle). Zion Lodge is the only in-park hotel and books 13 months in advance.
What to pack for Zion National Park in November
November brings sub-freezing dawns and mild afternoons, so a proper layering system spanning 15 degrees Celsius makes the day.
- Insulated jacket for sub-freezing starts
- Merino wool base top and bottom
- Softshell hiking pants
- Wool beanie and glove liners
- Microspikes for shaded ice on Angels Landing chains
What to pack for Zion National Park in November
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Where to stay in Zion National Park
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated November trip to Zion National Park
Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Zion National Park?
Flights to Zion National Park in November can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Watchman Trail at sunset, Angels Landing (with permit and microspikes), Kolob Canyons scenic drive, Canyon Overlook, Pa'rus Trail bike ride
November vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Zion National Park. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Zion National Park
While November has its own character in Zion National Park, the data-backed best months to visit Zion National Park are April, May, June, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Zion National ParkOther places with a similar climate right now
Zion National Park in November — FAQ
Q01Is November a good month for Zion National Park?
Is November a good month for Zion National Park?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In November, Zion National Park averages a high of 12°C (53°F) and a low of -0°C (31°F), with 35mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days. Late April through May the cottonwoods along the Virgin River leaf out neon green against red sandstone before summer's 40C shuttle-line crowds.
Q02How warm does Zion National Park get in November?
How warm does Zion National Park get in November?
The average high temperature in Zion National Park during November is 12°C (53°F), with an average low of -0°C (31°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Zion National Park in November?
Does it rain a lot in Zion National Park in November?
Zion National Park averages approximately 4 rainy days in November, with a total monthly rainfall of about 35mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Zion National Park in November?
What clothes should I bring to Zion National Park in November?
For Zion National Park in November, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Neoprene socks and canyoneering shoes for the Narrows — the river runs 45F even in July and hikers get hypothermic in two hours wearing sneakers.
Q05Are there many tourists in Zion National Park in November?
Are there many tourists in Zion National Park in November?
Tourist crowds in Zion National Park during November are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The shuttle system exists because pre-2000 the canyon was a parking lot; now private cars are banned March-November. The gateway town Springdale is a Mormon-founded village where you still can't buy hard liquor at grocery stores. The correct pronunciation is 'ZY-un' not 'ZEE-on' and comes from Isaiah, not the modern political term. Skip the crowded Angels Landing; hike the Watchman or the West Rim Trail from the top down (permit shuttle). Zion Lodge is the only in-park hotel and books 13 months in advance.