Crowd snapshot.
November averages about 28,000 recreation visits over 2021 to 2025, about 7% of July and about a fifth of October's 134,000, the steepest drop between any two months. The 2025 count was 30,232. NPS notes that the Paradise parking lot can still fill quickly on sunny winter days, and that rangers may then meter cars at the Longmire gate. For indoor stops, the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise is usually open only on weekends and holidays from mid-October through April, while the Longmire Museum is usually open daily all year.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| November recreation visits (5-yr mean) | 28,388 |
| Share of July's peak | 7% |
| Crowd band | lowest |
| Park's busiest month (5-yr mean) | July |
| Park's quietest month (5-yr mean) | February |
Weather snapshot.
Longmire's normals give November an average high of 42.5°F, a low of 29.3°F, 12.96 inches of precipitation, the most of any month, and 18.6 inches of snow. Snow arrives in late October, NPS says, so plan on snow and ice at Paradise and on the road above Longmire. The Longmire gate can open late, close early, or stay closed all day because of weather, avalanche danger, or road conditions.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Average high (°F) | 42.5 |
| Average low (°F) | 29.3 |
| Precipitation (inches) | 12.96 |
| Snowfall (inches) | 18.6 |
| Weather band | cold |
| Station | Longmire Rainier NPS, WA at 2,762 ft |
Access snapshot.
Winter access starts. Every vehicle must carry tire chains from November 1 to May 1, per the NPS tire chain FAQ. The road from Longmire to Paradise closes nightly from November 1 through winter and reopens in the morning depending on snow removal and conditions, per the NPS directions page. In winter only the Nisqually Entrance is open to reach Longmire and Paradise, per the NPS winter travel page, and SR 123 and SR 410 are closed, so visitors coming from the east use US 12 and SR 7. Ohanapecosh on SR 123 is generally open until early November, and Mowich Lake closes around mid-October. Paradise Inn is closed, and the National Park Inn stays open, per the NPS lodging page. Check the NPS current conditions page before you drive.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| November access score (0-100) | 50 |
| Year-round route | Nisqually Entrance to Longmire (open all winter except in extreme weather; Longmire to Paradise closes nightly in winter; Sunrise, Stevens Canyon and Mowich Lake are summer roads; the Carbon River Road inside the park is foot and bike only) |
| Verify current road and permit status | Official NPS Mount Rainier conditions page |
Seasonal events.
The concessioner's snowshoe rentals at the Longmire General Store usually begin in late November, depending on snow. Once the snow is deep enough, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing start from the Paradise parking lot, with no reservation needed beyond the entrance fee. Ranger snowshoe walks typically don't start until late December. Avalanches are common in winter and spring, NPS says, so check the hazard before you leave the plowed areas.
Audience verdict.
November is for visitors who want quiet and early snow and are ready for winter driving. Day trips to Longmire and Paradise work well with chains and a full tank, since there's no gas in the park. It isn't a month for camping, Sunrise, or the east side. Base yourself at the National Park Inn or outside the Nisqually Entrance.
Common questions.
Is November a good time to visit Mount Rainier?
November runs very quiet at Mount Rainier, about 7% of the July peak, with cold weather (average highs near 43°F). If thinner crowds are the goal, it is one of the easier months to pick.
How crowded is Mount Rainier in November?
November averages about 28,388 recreation visits, roughly 7% of Mount Rainier's busiest month (July). That lands it in the middle of Mount Rainier's year for crowds.
How much of Mount Rainier is open in November?
In a typical November, about 50% of Mount Rainier's road network (weighted by how important each route is) is open to wheeled vehicles. Road-opening dates shift year to year, so check the official NPS page for current conditions before you go.
Methodology
Monthly recreation visits come from the official NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025 on NPS IRMA Stats; the statistic shown is Recreation Visits, the 5-year mean for 2021-2025. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at Longmire Rainier NPS, WA (station USC00454764, 2,762 ft elevation). The access score weights the Nisqually-Longmire-Paradise corridor's day-use status, Stevens Canyon and Sunrise Road seasonal openings, and Carbon River/Mowich Lake vehicle access for typical wheeled-vehicle openings that month. NPS says no timed-entry reservation is required anywhere in the park in 2026. This page carries typical seasons, not today's status: for closures, fire restrictions, construction and water problems, read the NPS Mount Rainier current conditions page and confirm dates on the official NPS Mount Rainier page before booking. Independent site, not affiliated with the National Park Service.
Independent site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service. Data comes from the official NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025; editorial analysis is ours. The NPS Arrowhead and other NPS marks are not used.