Best time of year to visit Death Valley:
Although Death Valley is technically open for travel year-round, the best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during the spring and autumn. During this period you can expect pleasant days with temperatures averaging ’70s-’90s Fahrenheit (’20s-’30s Celsius). The winter season provides lower average temperatures averaging 30s-60s Fahrenheit (-1° to 20° Celsius) most days, but at times the valley can be affected by winter storms that bring heavy snowfall. Just a few hours from Las Vegas, Death Valley is a great addition to any Sin City Vacation.
The best month to visit Death Valley:
The month of March boasts an average high temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit with sunny skies and a low humidity level. If you plan to visit Death Valley between mid-November and late February, be prepared for the winter season that brings freezing temperatures at night and occasional snowfall in some parts.
When Is High tourist season:
Death Valley is one of the most popular US National Parks to visit. During the months between October and April, you can be sure that Death Valley will get crowded with tourists. Avoid these busy periods by visiting between March and September.
Low tourist season:
If you want fewer crowds during your trip, try visiting late August through early October or mid-January through early February when snow is common in the park’s higher elevations. There are also fewer activities available at this time including tours, events, etc., so keep this in mind while choosing a travel date if you plan on taking part in anything specific while there.- See more tips for avoiding crowds here.
Visit Death Valley in Fall:
Death Valley will be crowded during the fall between mid-October and November. Temperatures are still pleasant with average highs reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best time of day to visit Death Valley:
The best time to see some of Death Valleys’ most spectacular views is early morning or late afternoon when you can witness a stunning sunset over the dunes.
Visit Death Valley in winter:
A visit during the winter months (November through February) also offers spectacular views. Nights are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, so pack warm clothes!
A sunrise or sunset is likely your best bet when visiting during the colder months when the sun’s position is ideal for lighting up the landscape. Once you see it in person in all its glory, you’ll understand why Death Valley National Park was named one of our top ten places to see a sunset.
Be sure to dress warmly if planning on evening photography after dark though. We hope this complete guide has helped you plan an unforgettable trip to Death Valley- just remember that Gate 6 at Badwater Basin is closed for most of
Visit Death Valley in the summer:
If you’re planning a trip to Death Valley in the summer months, be sure not to miss Badwater Basin which is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level
The summer months bring an average high temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit with blazing sunshine and very little rainfall. Visitors should plan on spending most of their time indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM while exploring the desert on foot may become unbearable for some during these hours.
This can be one of the hottest places on Earth when temperatures soar above 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 Celsius) so extreme caution should always be taken when visiting Death Valley during this time. If you do decide to brave the heat, it’s best to pack sunscreen, hats, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts.
Remember- hats and sunscreen are a must since the shade can be hard to come by in this desert environment. Also remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after your trip if visiting between May and September. Bear activity is common at any time of year but especially when it’s hot out so always store food properly if camping overnight!
Visit Death Valley in spring:
Temperatures range from lows in the upper 50s (14°C) at night to highs reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48°C) during the day so it’s best to pack light-colored clothing and sunglasses if planning on spending multiple days here during your trip.
Just remember that Death Valley is a desert -bring plenty of water and sunscreen and drink plenty of both before, during, and after your trip especially if visiting between March and September. It gets very hot here but there are several shaded areas nearby where you can get out of the sun including visitor centers, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Weather in Death Valley:
This dessert is known for its extremely hot and cold temperatures with expansive sand dunes which means that the weather here can change rapidly, especially when it’s windy. It is best to check the forecast before leaving home but prepare for anything- even snow during the winter months!
Here are some of Death Valley’s average annual temperatures:
January – average low 48°F (9°C) / average high 71°F (22°C)
July – average low 91°F (33°C )/average high 117°F (47 °C)\
It should be noted that these averages don’t account for daily changes in temperature so highs range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July to below freezing in January. Deserts are known for their extreme temperatures so make sure to be prepared no matter the time of year you visit!
Conclusion
If you’re interested in visiting Death Valley National Park and want to know the best time of year to go, check out our handy guide. You’ll learn that it gets very hot during the summer months so be sure not to visit between March and September unless you’re prepared for high temperatures.
Springtime is a great time to explore with average highs reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit as well as reduced crowds- just remember that winters can get cold here! No matter when you decide to come, be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses if spending multiple days exploring this desert environment. If all of this sounds intimidating and you want help enacting these principles, let us know.