If you’ve decided that you’d like to pay the driest park in the US a visit, then you’ll wondering “When is a good time to visit Death Valley National Park?”
Death Valley is the lowest, hottest and driest of all 63 US national parks, so it’s important to know when to visit Death Valley National Park.
I’m James and I’m a national park expert. In this article, I’ll give you a quick summary of the best time to visit Death Valley.
While this is my choice for the best time to go to Death Valley National Park, the park has something to offer throughout the year. I have provided a detailed breakdown by season and every month so you can easily see what to expect and then make your own choice.
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The Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park
The Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park in a Nutshell
If we put the Death Valley weather aside for a moment, when is it actually possible to visit this US national park? Despite the fact that the Death Valley hottest temperature might make life uncomfortable for visitors, the park is open all year round. Unless events such as flash flooding force a closure, of course, as occurred in August 2023.
As the hottest and driest national park, you can expect the Death Valley monthly temperatures to be eye-watering in summer, and mild in winter.
The weather is unbearably hot for many between May and September – and particularly in July and August – so this is NOT the best time to visit.
Death Valley is a great park to visit in winter because it’s so cool. However, if you prefer to skip the chills, the best time to head to the park, in my opinion is during spring or fall. Specifically, the months of March and April are best, as then wildflowers are in full bloom then. October and November are also warmer than winter, but cooler than summer.
Don’t underestimate the heat here when planning your visit. For more on how the Death Valley California temperature can seriously affect what you’ll be able to see and do at the park, read my season-by-season and monthly breakdown.
When is the best time to go to Death Valley?
The best temperature in Death Valley, California
The mildest and most pleasant months in Death Valley National Park are March and April in spring, followed by October and November in fall. Due to the extremely high Death Valley temperature in summer, this is not the best time to visit this national park. Winters are also pleasant, but chilly.
The best time to see wildflowers
The best time to see wildflowers in Death Valley is during March and April, though you might see some at any time between February and June.
The best time to avoid the crowds
The best time to avoid the crowds in Death Valley is during fall or winter. Spring is busiest, while in summer it’s simply too hot to see or do very much at all.
The best time for outdoor activities
The best time for outdoor activities, such as hiking, is anytime outside of the summer months. In Death Valley, the long summer lasts from May right through to September.
The best time to experience the hottest temperatures on the planet
If you really do want to experience some of the hottest weather on earth, then head to Death Valley during the summer months. The highest temperatures are in July and August.
The best time to travel on a budget
The best time to travel on a budget is during winter. Times to avoid during this season, though, include Christmas and New Year, Martin Luther King Day weekend and Presidents’ Day weekend.
The worst time to visit Death Valley National Park
The worst time to visit Death Valley is in summer. Soaring temperatures mean it’s too hot in the desert to hike or camp. In fact you’ll be able to do very little in summer, other than seeking out the comfort of an air conditioned car or hotel room.
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The Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park
Check my detailed breakdown of what to expect every month in the year for much more detailed information.
Travel Insurance for Death Valley National Park
No matter when you visit Death Valley, you should definitely get travel insurance. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Death Valley National Park!
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7 Mistakes to Avoid in Death Valley National Park
What do you think is the best month to visit Death Valley National Park? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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