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Wind Cave · November
November is one of the best times to visit Wind Cave — quieter than October, about as busy as December.
Expect light crowds (2/10), about 9.7 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 13% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
November draws about 2% of Wind Cave’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOT SPRINGS 5.2 NW, SD US
What's open
The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Seasonal closures may apply:
Wind Cave Canyon Trail is closed so that the trail and adjoining road can be repaired from frequent washouts. Sixteen low water crossings will be hardened and the road resurfaced. The trail could be closed for several weeks.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.
Wind Cave Canyon Trail is closed so that the trail and adjoining road can be repaired from frequent washouts. Sixteen low water crossings will be hardened and the road resurfaced. The trail could be closed for several weeks.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
November rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Wind Cave National Park — about 13% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 14,024.
In November, Wind Cave averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
Entry to Wind Cave is free.
Wind Cave is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-November, Wind Cave gets about 9.7 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:48 AM and sunset around 4:28 PM.