Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is between mid-October and mid-April.
Because it is the hottest place on Earth, summer temperatures frequently exceed 120°F (49°C), making traditional outdoor activities dangerous. Daytime highs are significantly lower in the Fall/Winter/Spring and temperatures are much safer for hiking and exploring the park on foot.
Seasonal Breakdown
Spring (March to early April): This is the most popular time to visit. Temperatures are ideal (highs in the 70s and 80s), and it is the peak season for wildflower blooms. If there has been significant winter rain, you may witness a “superbloom” that covers the valley floor in color.
Late Autumn (November): Temperatures drop to a comfortable range (70s), and the air is typically very clear. This is a great time for photography and long-distance hiking as the scorching summer haze has dissipated.
Winter (December to February): Days are cool and sunny (60s), while nights can drop into the 30s. This is the best time for those who prefer smaller crowds, particularly in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Summer (May to September): This is generally considered the “worst” time for physical activity. While the stark landscape is still beautiful, most visitors stay in their cars with the AC on and only step out briefly at designated viewpoints like Badwater Basin.
Key Considerations for Planning
Wildflowers: Blooms usually begin at the lowest elevations in mid-February and move up the mountain slopes through June. The most dramatic displays typically happen in March.
Stargazing: As an International Dark Sky Park, Death Valley offers incredible views of the Milky Way. Plan your visit during a New Moon between November and April for the clearest, darkest skies.
Crowds: In general, Death Valley isn’t one of the most crowded national parks. Spring break and holiday weekends (President’s Day, Thanksgiving) are the busiest. To enjoy popular spots like Zabriskie Point or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in relative solitude, aim for midweek visits in January or early February. If you look at the graph below from the National Park Service, you’ll notice that it peaks in the shoulder seasons. Unlike Parks like Yellowstone or Acadia, where visitation peaks in the summer, Death Valley’s summer temperatures deter visitors in the hottest months.
Accommodations: Because the peak season is short, lodging inside the park (such as The Oasis or Stovepipe Wells) often books out months in advance for springtime visits.