Havasupai Falls in November: Prepare for the Chill & the End of the Season

November Weather Overview

Generally in November, for the village of Supai, you can expect daily highs in the 60s, with overnights in the low 40s or upper 30s.

There is a *small chance* of snow flurries in November, but most of the snowfall at Havasupai comes in December and January.

• Average High: 65°F
• Average Low: 38°F

Daylight Hours

You’ll have between 11-12 hours of daylight at Havasupai Falls in October.

• Sunrise: : 6:40 AM
• Sunset: 6:15 PM

Crowds and Permit Availability

It can be difficult to secure a permit to Havasupai Falls any month of the year. By November, the season is winding down, so you might have better luck. Most people who want to visit want to swim, and November is not a great month for diving in.

Over the years, I’ve had success checking the Havasupai Tribe’s “Transfer” website, where people who can’t use their permits can sell them.  Usually, people buy permits on February 1st, so for any number of reasons they may no longer be able to use them by November.

As for crowd size, Havasupai Tribe doesn’t release exact numbers, but public filings online with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other agencies provide some insight.

The tribe grants roughly 100 permits per day. Up to 30,000 people visit Havasupai Falls each year. The campground is almost always buzzing with new people arriving and other groups packing up to leave.

Hiking to Havasupai Falls in November

In the summer months, most people begin their hikes before dawn to avoid the scorching midday heat on the trail to Havasupai Falls.

In November, the sun isn’t as hot, so you can start your hike anytime in the morning.

Keep in mind: the Havasupai Tribe often enforces a rule, which prevents hikers from beginning after 2:00 PM, so aim for a morning departure.

Trail Conditions and Challenges

Unless an unexpected storm impacts the trail, you won’t have any challenges hiking in November. It’s clearly marked and easy to follow.

Camping on Havasu Creek in November

Extra layers will be necessary for campaing along Havasu Creek in November. The campground itself stretches about a mile on both sides of the creek’s famously blue waters.

Campground Conditions and Best Spots

In November, you mostly likely won’t have to worry about the creek flooding from a storm. One flood in recent memory forced campers to higher ground in October, but I’m unaware of any floods in November.

No matter what month you visit Havasupai Falls, my advice for choosing a campsite is: look for a setup with a picnic table along the creek, and make sure it’s a distance from the vaulted toilets.

Nighttime Temperatures and Sleeping Tips

Nighttime temperatures will be chilly in November. With that said, check the weather forecast before your trip! Temperatures fluctuate, and can dip down below freezing at night, especially in late November.

Wildlife and Bugs to Watch For

By November, you likely won’t have to deal with bugs. I’ve heard people complain about scavenger rodents getting into their food. Many people bring rat sacks to secure their food.

Waterfalls and Swimming in November

If you’re hiking beyond Mooney Falls (to Beaver Falls, etc) you’ll have to wade into the chilly Havasu Creek. During the summer, the creek water is near 80 degrees some days.   That’s not the case in November. The water is pretty, but much cooler.

Water Temperature

Here’s a chart of the water temperatures in Havasu Creek over the course of November of 2022.  

You can see how it varies by the time of day, but the water is usually in the low-60s in early November and down into the 50s by mid-month.  

There are several creek-crossings on the way to Beaver Falls, and even more on the way to the confluence with the Colorado River, so it’s something to keep in mind.

Wrap: Pros and Cons of Visiting Havasupai in November

If you’re planning a trip to Havasupai, November is a less-popular month simply because of the cold nights. The daytime temperatures are usually still mild and enjoyable, and the waterfalls are gorgeous.

Advantages of This Time of Year

Temperatures are likely to be mild, allowing you to make the 10-mile hike to Havasupai Falls anytime of the day.    Rainfall is usually minimal in November, meaning less of a chance of flash floods turning the turquoise waterfalls brown.   

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The nights will be cold. Just prepare by bringing layers to wear, plus tea, coffee, and other warm things for breakfast.

Also, Havasu Creek turns noticeably cooler in October, and downright cold in November. The creek crossings between Mooney and Beaver Falls will be chilly!

Bundle up and enjoy!