Yellowstone National Park in November: What To Expect For An amazing Trip

November in Yellowstone National Park in November is the beginning of winter. Most park roads, lodges, campgrounds, and services close for the season, temperatures drop quickly, and snow becomes increasingly likely throughout the month.

However, that does not mean Yellowstone is completely inaccessible. The road between the North Entrance in Gardiner and the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City is open year-round, weather permitting. This gives you access to Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and some of the park’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.

November is best for travelers who are comfortable with cold weather, flexible plans, and a quieter national park experience. It is not the best month for seeing every major Yellowstone attraction, but it can be an amazing time to enjoy snowy landscapes, wildlife, and the park’s peaceful northern range.

‼️ If you are still deciding when to visit, check out my complete guide to the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in November

November is a true shoulder-season month in Yellowstone National Park in November. The regular vehicle season ends in early November, and the park does not fully reopen for winter oversnow travel until mid-December.

This creates a period when access is very limited. Most of the park, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, is inaccessible by private vehicle once the interior roads close.

The northern part of Yellowstone National Park in November remains open, though, and can be an incredible destination if you focus your trip around Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, wildlife watching, and early winter scenery.

What’s the Weather in Yellowstone in November?

November weather in Yellowstone National Park in November is cold and unpredictable. The park sits at a high elevation, so winter conditions can arrive early and intensify quickly.

Expect cold mornings, freezing nights, and a growing chance of snow throughout the month.

• Daytime highs: Often in the 30s°F to low 40s°F
• Nighttime lows: Frequently in the teens or 20s°F
• Snow: Possible at any time, especially in higher areas
• Rain and ice: More common at lower elevations during milder weather
• Wind: Can make temperatures feel significantly colder, especially in open valleys

Conditions vary across the park. Mammoth Hot Springs is lower and can be milder than areas such as Lamar Valley, Tower-Roosevelt, or Yellowstone Lake. Even so, a sunny morning can turn into snowy, icy conditions later in the day.

‼️ Tip: Always pack for winter, even if the forecast looks mild. Bring warm layers, a waterproof outer shell, insulated boots, gloves, a warm hat, and traction devices for icy paths.

Sunrise and Sunset in Yellowstone in November

Days are much shorter in Yellowstone National Park in November, which affects both sightseeing and wildlife viewing.

At the beginning of the month, daylight lasts roughly 10 hours. By late November, there are closer to nine hours of daylight.

Sunrise is generally around 7:30–8:00 a.m., while sunset is often between 4:45 and 5:30 p.m., depending on the date and daylight saving time.

Plan to start early, especially if you are driving between Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lamar Valley. Bring a headlamp, keep a full tank of gas, and do not rely on the final hour of daylight for a long drive back to your accommodation.

What Accommodations Are Open in Yellowstone in November?

Most lodging inside Yellowstone National Park in November is closed or shuts down early in the month. Exact closing dates vary each year, so always check the official Yellowstone lodging calendar before finalizing your trip.

Lodging

Most Yellowstone lodges, including the Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Grant Village, Roosevelt Lodge, and Lake Lodge, are closed during much of November.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel also typically closes for a break between its fall and winter seasons. Winter lodging there generally resumes closer to the start of the oversnow season in December.

Your best lodging options in November are usually outside the park, particularly in:

• Gardiner, Montana, near the North Entrance
• Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, near the Northeast Entrance
• Livingston, Montana, for a wider range of services and restaurants

Gardiner is the most practical base for most November visitors because it provides the easiest access to Mammoth Hot Springs and the year-round northern road.

➡️ Read my guide to the best hotels in Gardiner.

Campgrounds

Camping options are very limited in Yellowstone National Park in November.

Mammoth Campground is generally open year-round and is usually the only campground available inside Yellowstone during this period. It is located near Mammoth Hot Springs, close to the North Entrance.

Facilities can be limited, and winter weather can make camping challenging. Expect freezing temperatures overnight and be prepared for snow, ice, and cold winds.

Most other campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park in November close for the season by early in the month, including campgrounds at Canyon, Madison, Bridge Bay, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall.

➡️ See my complete guide to Yellowstone campgrounds for campground details and planning information.

What Services Are Open in Yellowstone in November?

Yellowstone National Park in November sits right between the main fall and winter operating seasons, so many visitor services are unavailable.

Visitor Centers

The Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs is generally open year-round, though hours may be reduced in November. It is the best place to get current road information, weather updates, maps, and safety advice.

Most other visitor centers, including those at Old Faithful, Canyon, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge, and West Thumb, close for the season when interior roads close.

Stores and Restaurants

Services inside Yellowstone National Park in November are very limited. The Mammoth area may have limited food, supplies, and restroom facilities available, but operating hours and services can vary.

Do not depend on finding fuel, groceries, or restaurants inside the park beyond Mammoth. Stock up in Gardiner before entering the park, especially if you plan to drive toward Lamar Valley.

Roads and Park Access in Yellowstone in November

Road access is the most important thing to understand before planning a November trip.

Most park roads close to regular vehicle traffic in early November. The exact date changes slightly from year to year, but closures usually occur around the first week of the month.

Once the interior roads close, you cannot drive to:

• Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Lake
• West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Hayden Valley
• Madison Junction
• Canyon Village
• West Yellowstone, through the park

The year-round road generally remains open between:

• The North Entrance at Gardiner
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Tower Junction
• Lamar Valley
• The Northeast Entrance near Cooke City and Silver Gate

This road can still close temporarily because of snow, ice, accidents, or dangerous driving conditions.

‼️ Tip: Check Yellowstone’s official road status every morning before leaving. Do not assume that a road open the previous day will remain open after an overnight storm.

Winter tire requirements, chain requirements, and hazardous driving conditions may apply. A four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle with appropriate winter tires is strongly recommended.

Wildlife & Nature in Yellowstone in November

Wildlife viewing is one of the best reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park in November.

As snow begins covering the landscape, animals can be easier to spot against the white ground. The northern range, especially Lamar Valley, remains one of the park’s best areas for seeing wildlife.

You may see:

• Bison in Lamar Valley and near Mammoth Hot Springs
• Elk around Mammoth and the northern range
• Pronghorn near the North Entrance
• Wolves in Lamar Valley
• Coyotes hunting in open meadows
• Bighorn sheep near Gardiner and along the northern road
• Bald eagles and other birds near rivers and open water

Bears may still be active early in the month, especially during milder conditions, but they become much less likely as winter progresses and they head into dens.

Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times for wildlife viewing. However, temperatures can be bitterly cold at those times, so dress warmly and bring binoculars or a spotting scope.

➡️ See my guide to the best spotting scopes for wildlife viewing.

Remember Yellowstone’s wildlife regulations:

• Stay at least 25 yards from bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and other large animals.
• Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
• Never approach animals for a photo.
• Never stop your vehicle in the road or create a wildlife traffic jam.

Bison are especially unpredictable in winter. They may use packed roads and walk directly beside vehicles, so give them plenty of room and be patient.

Fall Colors in Yellowstone in November

Most peak fall foliage is over by November in Yellowstone. The park’s aspens and cottonwoods generally reach their best color earlier in autumn.

However, you may still find lingering yellow cottonwoods in lower-elevation areas early in the month, particularly near Mammoth Hot Springs, Gardiner, and the northern range.

November is more about the transition to winter than classic fall color. Golden grass, frosted sagebrush, bare trees, low-angle sunlight, steam rising from thermal areas, and fresh snow can create beautiful photography conditions.

Seasonal Events and Ranger Programs in November

November is a quiet month for organized activities in Yellowstone. Most regular ranger-led programs end when the fall season closes, and winter programs do not usually begin until oversnow travel starts in December.

The Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs is the best place to ask about any available walks, talks, or special programs during your visit. Program schedules can change, so do not build your itinerary around a specific activity unless it is confirmed for your dates.

Veterans Day may bring special programming or free admission days in some years, but check the official National Park Service calendar for current details.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?

November is a good time to visit Yellowstone if you are looking for solitude, wildlife viewing, snowy scenery, and a quieter experience.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Yellowstone National Park in November is very different from visiting during the main season. The park is quieter, the interior is largely inaccessible by car, and winter weather can change your plans quickly.

But if you base yourself near Gardiner, focus on Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, and prepare for cold conditions, November can be an incredible time to experience Yellowstone’s wildlife and early winter scenery. Keep your plans flexible, check road conditions daily, and enjoy the quieter side of one of America’s most iconic national parks.

Travel Insurance for Yellowstone National Park

No matter what when you go to Olympic National Park in October, you should definitely get travel insurance.  This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc. 

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Have a great trip to Yellowstone no matter when you go! 

More Planning Resources for Yellowstone National Park

➡️ If you’re also planning to visit the Grand Tetons, read my Guide to Grand Teton National Park and get a detailed Grand Teton itinerary.

Do you have any thoughts on the best time to travel to Yellowstone?  I’d love to hear them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

If you’re planning to visit Yellowstone National Park in November, Pin It to your Yellowstone National Parks board! 

About the Author 

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents.  He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.

He has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.

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