Weather forecast for the John Muir Trail in November

In November, the weather along the John Muir Trail varies significantly. The Sierra Nevada experiences a mix of sunny and overcast days with temperatures ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of -15°C. While some days are dry, others bring snow and rain with precipitation reaching up to 61 mm. Freezing temperatures are common, especially compared to other times of the year, indicating the onset of winter conditions.

Forecast settings

Start date
Nov 1
Start town
Happy Isles
End date
Nov 20
End town
Whitney Portal
Units
metric (°C, mm, km)
Change forecast settingsSwitch to imperial units (°F, in, mi)
Total days
20
Total distance
352 km
Daily distance
17.6 km
Average high
9°C
Average low
-1°C
Average precipitation
1.5 mm/day

November in the Sierra Nevada frequently alternates between sunny days and periods of snowfall and rain. Early in the month, high temperatures fluctuate, reaching up to 18°C on sunny days, but sometimes dropping as low as -4°C under cloudy skies. Nights are chilly, often dipping below freezing, with lows varying from 5°C to -15°C.

As the month progresses, snowfall becomes more frequent, especially in higher elevations. Moderate to heavy snow showers occur periodically, contributing significantly to precipitation levels. On such days, temperatures can drop drastically, with highs only reaching around 1°C and lows falling to -15°C. Even on clear days, the air remains cold, hinting at the serious winter conditions to come.

Rainfall is less consistent, but when it does occur, it can be intense, often accompanying the snowy conditions. The later part of the month continues to see precipitation in various forms, with freezing rain, snow showers, and occasional moderate rain showers contributing to the overall dampness. With highs varying from single digits to the low teens, and lows consistently below zero, November on the John Muir Trail is a season of stark contrasts and preparation for the more extreme winter months ahead.

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