Salt Lake City in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Salt Lake City

50°C (123°F) High Temp

33°C (91°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect ski conditions at nearby resorts - November marks early powder season with 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) of fresh snow typically falling at Snowbird and Alta by mid-month
Shoulder season pricing for accommodations - hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak summer and winter periods, with downtown properties averaging $89-129 per night
Comfortable hiking weather in lower elevations - daytime temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) make City Creek Canyon and Red Butte Garden ideal for outdoor exploration
Holiday market season begins - Local artisan markets and craft fairs start appearing throughout the valley, offering unique gift shopping before the December rush

Considerations

Unpredictable mountain weather - Temperatures can swing 20°C (36°F) in a single day, and sudden snowstorms can close mountain passes with little warning
Limited daylight for outdoor activities - Sunset occurs around 5:15 PM by late November, restricting afternoon hiking and sightseeing opportunities
Some high-altitude attractions close - Guardsman Pass Road and portions of Mirror Lake Highway typically close by mid-November due to snow accumulation

Best Activities in November

Antelope Island State Park Wildlife Viewing

November is prime time for bison viewing as herds gather in lower elevations before winter. Cooler temperatures make the 45 km (28-mile) drive comfortable, and migrating birds create excellent photography opportunities. Morning temperatures of 2-8°C (35-46°F) mean wildlife is most active between 8 AM and 11 AM.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for park entry ($15 per vehicle). Rent a car with good ground clearance - gravel roads can be rough. Pack binoculars and telephoto lenses. Best visited midweek to avoid weekend crowds.

Great Salt Lake Sunset Photography Tours

November offers crystal-clear air and dramatic storm clouds that create spectacular sunset conditions over the lake. With sunset at 5:15 PM, you can easily fit this into afternoon schedules. The lake's salt content is at its highest concentration, creating unique crystalline formations along the shoreline.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops typically cost $75-125 per person. Book through local camera clubs or community colleges for better instruction. Bring waterproof boots - shoreline can be muddy after recent storms.

Park City Early Season Skiing

Park City Mountain Resort typically opens by mid-November with 15-20 runs available. Lift ticket prices are 25% lower than peak season ($89-109 vs $129-159), and slopes are less crowded. November skiing offers groomed runs without the icy conditions of late season.

Booking Tip: Book lift tickets online 7 days ahead for best prices. Equipment rental costs $45-65 per day - reserve online to guarantee availability. Purchase Epic Pass by November 15th for significant savings if planning multiple days.

Temple Square Holiday Light Installation

Witness the transformation as crews install over 300,000 LED lights in preparation for the Festival of Lights. While the official display doesn't start until late November, watching the setup process offers unique behind-the-scenes access. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir also begins holiday rehearsals.

Booking Tip: Free admission to Temple Square grounds year-round. Thursday evening rehearsals (7:30-9:30 PM) are open to public with free tickets available online. Arrive 30 minutes early for best seating. Dress warmly - evening temperatures drop to 0°C (32°F).

Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week Preparation

November is when racing teams conduct equipment testing and course preparation for the following year's events. The flats are accessible via 4WD vehicle, and you can witness land speed record attempts without summer crowds. The vast white expanse offers otherworldly photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: No fees for access, but requires high-clearance vehicle or 4WD. Bring extra water (4 liters per person minimum) and GPS device - cell service is nonexistent. Check weather conditions - recent rain makes the flats impassable.

Millcreek Canyon Fall Color Hiking

Late November offers the last chance to see golden aspen leaves at lower elevations around 1,800-2,100 m (5,900-6,900 ft). Trails are less crowded than September/October peak season, and cooler temperatures make longer hikes comfortable. Snow dusting on peaks creates impressive contrast photography.

Booking Tip: No permit required for hiking. Parking costs $3 at most trailheads - bring exact change. Pipeline Trail and Living Room Trail are most accessible. Start early (8 AM) as snow can make afternoon descents slippery above 2,400 m (7,900 ft).

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Festival of Trees

Utah's largest holiday fundraising event featuring over 400 decorated trees, gingerbread houses, and holiday entertainment. This 40-year tradition raises funds for Primary Children's Hospital with elaborate themed displays and nightly entertainment including local choirs and dance troupes.

Mid November

Salt Lake City Marathon and Half Marathon

One of the fastest marathon courses in the US with a net elevation drop of 900 m (2,970 ft) from Big Cottonwood Canyon to downtown. Even if not running, the finish line festival in Liberty Park offers food trucks, live music, and community celebration atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - Start with moisture-wicking base layer, add fleece mid-layer, top with windproof shell. Temperature swings of 20°C (36°F) daily require adaptable clothing

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - November trails can have ice patches above 2,100 m (6,900 ft), and lower trails may be muddy from recent snowmelt

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV reflection off snow and high altitude (1,400 m/4,600 ft elevation) creates intense sun exposure even on cloudy days

Insulated water bottles - Prevent freezing during outdoor activities. Dehydration happens quickly in dry mountain air (typically 30% humidity)

Compact umbrella and rain jacket - Brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days in November, usually lasting 15-30 minutes

Warm hat and gloves for early morning/evening - Temperatures drop to -7°C (19°F) on clear nights, essential for sunrise photography or evening activities

Traction devices for shoes - Microspikes or yaktrax for hiking trails above 2,000 m (6,600 ft) where ice is common by late November

Portable phone charger - Cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster, critical for GPS navigation on remote trails

Cash for parking - Many trailheads and attractions use honor-system pay boxes requiring exact change in $1-5 denominations

Insider Knowledge

Skip the expensive mountain resort restaurants - Local Mormon church buildings often host community dinners (funeral potatoes are legendary) open to visitors, typically $8-12 per plate

Use UTA ski bus service starting late November - $4.50 one-way to Park City vs $25+ parking fees, and buses have ski racks with heated waiting areas every 20 minutes

Monday-Wednesday skiing offers 50% fewer crowds and same conditions as weekends - locals work standard schedules, leaving powder runs nearly empty midweek

Downtown Salt Lake farmers markets move indoors to Union Pacific Depot in November - same vendors, better prices on root vegetables and preserves, plus heated shopping environment

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - Visitors from sea level experience fatigue and headaches at 1,400 m (4,600 ft). Drink 3-4 liters water daily and limit alcohol first 48 hours

Assuming all mountain roads stay open - Guardsman Pass, Mirror Lake Highway, and portions of Scenic Byway 12 close by mid-November. Check UDOT road conditions before driving to avoid 2-hour detours

Booking accommodations near ski resorts too late - Even though it's early season, hotels fill up with season pass holders doing equipment prep. Book 6+ weeks ahead for Park City area properties