Grand Canyon in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Grand Canyon

18°C (64°F) High Temp

-1°C (30°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear visibility - November offers some of the year's best views with low humidity and minimal haze, perfect for photography and the iconic rim-to-rim vistas
Ideal hiking temperatures - Cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) afternoons make strenuous trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab comfortable, avoiding summer's dangerous heat
Minimal crowds at viewpoints - Post-October tourist season means parking spots at popular viewpoints like Hopi Point and Desert View are readily available
Perfect camping weather - Nighttime temperatures of -1 to 4°C (30-39°F) create excellent sleeping conditions without summer's scorching heat or winter's extreme cold

Considerations

North Rim closure - The North Rim officially closes around October 15th and remains closed through November, eliminating half of the canyon's main viewpoints and hiking options
Unpredictable weather swings - Temperatures can drop 20°C (36°F) between morning and afternoon, requiring layered clothing and constant adjustment
Limited daylight hours - With only 10 hours of daylight, you'll have less time for extensive hiking and must plan activities around 7:15am sunrise and 5:30pm sunset

Best Activities in November

South Rim Viewpoint Photography Tours

November's crisp, dry air creates exceptional visibility extending 150+ km (93+ miles) across the canyon. The low-angle autumn sun between 10am-3pm provides warm, golden lighting that enhances the canyon's red rock formations. Crowds are 60% smaller than peak season, allowing unobstructed shots at iconic spots like Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise or sunset photography experiences 5-7 days ahead. Expect to pay $75-125 per person for guided photography tours. Look for operators who provide warm beverages and know the best vantage points for November's lighting conditions.

Desert View Drive Scenic Tours

The 40 km (25-mile) Desert View Drive becomes a premium experience in November with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for stopping at all viewpoints. The drive takes 3-4 hours with stops, and November's weather means you can actually enjoy lingering at each overlook without summer's intense heat or winter's biting winds.

Booking Tip: Self-drive is ideal, but guided tours run $85-150 per person and include insider geological knowledge. Book tours that start after 9am when morning frost clears. Many operators offer hot lunch included in November packages.

Bright Angel Trail Day Hiking

November transforms the this destination from a dangerous summer death trap into a hiker's great destination. Afternoon temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) at the rim make the 1.5 Mile Resthouse hike (3 km/1.9 miles roundtrip) comfortable for most fitness levels. The trail offers dramatic temperature zones as you descend 370 m (1,200 ft).

Booking Tip: Guided day hikes cost $120-200 per person and include gear recommendations crucial for November's temperature swings. Book 10-14 days ahead as November is prime hiking season. Look for operators providing microspikes for potential icy trail sections.

Helicopter Canyon Tours

November offers the year's most stable flying conditions with minimal thermal updrafts and crystal-clear visibility. The cool, dense air provides smoother flights and better photo opportunities. Helicopter tours can access viewpoints impossible to reach with the North Rim closed, making them especially valuable in November.

Booking Tip: Book helicopter tours 7-10 days ahead, expect $200-400 per person for 25-45 minute flights. Morning flights (8am-11am) offer the smoothest conditions and best lighting. Look for operators offering heated cabins for November's chilly temperatures.

Mule Ride Adventures

Canyon mule rides operate year-round, but November provides ideal conditions with cool temperatures that keep both riders and animals comfortable. The 2-hour rim rides cover 4.8 km (3 miles) of trails with stops at viewpoints that are often crowded in peak season but peaceful in November.

Booking Tip: Mule rides book 2-3 weeks ahead for November due to limited daily capacity and popular weather conditions. Expect $150-200 per person for rim rides. Weight limit is 91 kg (200 lbs), and operators provide saddle blankets for November's cool temperatures.

Star Gazing and Night Photography

November's long nights (14+ hours of darkness), low humidity, and clear skies create exceptional stargazing conditions. The International Dark Sky designation becomes most apparent in November when atmospheric conditions are optimal. Temperatures drop to -1°C (30°F), requiring proper gear but delivering unparalleled celestial views.

Booking Tip: Astronomy tours run $65-95 per person and typically start at 7pm with heated viewing areas. Book through operators providing telescopes and warm refreshments. Many combine sunset viewing with stargazing for a complete evening experience.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Thanksgiving Week Programming

The Grand Canyon National Park offers special ranger programs during Thanksgiving week, including cultural demonstrations about Native American heritage and geology talks. The visitor center extends hours and provides indoor activities perfect for November's variable weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Start with moisture-wicking base layer, add fleece mid-layer, top with windproof jacket for 20°C (36°F) temperature swings

Insulated hiking boots with good tread - Trails can have frost or ice in early morning, and you'll need ankle support for rocky terrain

Warm hat and lightweight gloves - Essential for sunrise viewing when temperatures hit -1°C (30°F) but easily removable as day warms

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 intensifies at 2,134 m (7,000 ft) elevation, and snow reflection increases exposure

Headlamp with extra batteries - With sunset at 5:30pm, you'll need reliable lighting for evening activities and potential early morning starts

Insulated water bottles - Prevents water from freezing during early morning activities, stays refreshing during afternoon hikes

Compact rain jacket - November averages 3 rainy days, often brief afternoon showers that clear quickly

Polarized sunglasses - Essential for reducing glare off canyon walls and any snow patches, improves photography

Hand warmers and foot warmers - Small investment for comfortable sunrise viewing and extended outdoor time

Daypack with hip belt - For carrying layers as you add/remove clothing throughout the day's temperature changes

Insider Knowledge

Arrive at viewpoints 30 minutes before sunrise (6:45am) - November mornings often have temperature inversions that create dramatic fog layers in the canyon, best viewed just as sun crests the rim

Check trail conditions at 5am each morning - November weather can create icy patches on north-facing trail sections that clear by 10am, but morning updates prevent dangerous surprises

Book accommodations inside the park 6 months ahead for November - El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge fill up because November is considered prime season by locals who know about the perfect weather

Use the free shuttle system strategically - November's shorter days mean you need efficient transportation between viewpoints, and shuttles run every 10-15 minutes to maximize your sightseeing time

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - Many visitors see 'desert' and pack shorts and t-shirts, then suffer through freezing mornings and need to buy expensive gear at park stores

Attempting North Rim access - The North Rim closes October 15th, but tourists still drive the 5-hour detour from this destination only to find gates locked and no services available

Underestimating altitude effects - At 2,134 m (7,000 ft), the thinner air makes November's cool temperatures feel even colder, and physical exertion becomes more difficult for lowland visitors