Death Valley National Park is renowned for its extreme desert climate, holding the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth. Summers are blisteringly hot, often above 49°C, while winters are mild and sunny. Rain is scarce, but sudden storms can cause flash floods. The park’s dramatic climate shapes its unique, otherworldly landscapes year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Death Valley National Park features a subtropical desert climate, famous for being the hottest and driest place in North America. Summer (mid-May to September) brings extreme heat, with average highs of 46–49°C in July and August, and overnight lows often staying above 30°C. The world’s highest reliably recorded air temperature – 57°C – was measured here. Rain is extremely scarce, averaging less than 5 cm per year, but sudden thunderstorms, especially in late summer, can trigger flash floods. Humidity is very low, and the landscape is mostly bare, intensifying the sun’s effect. Summer winds and dust storms are not uncommon, particularly with approaching cold fronts.
Winter (December to February) is much milder and considered the most pleasant time to visit. Daytime highs range from 18–23°C, with cool nights occasionally dipping near freezing. Higher elevations are cooler, and snow can fall on the Panamint Mountains, though never on the valley floor. Spring (March to early May) and autumn (October–November) offer warm, sunny weather, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Spring sometimes brings spectacular wildflower blooms after wet winters. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with 10–13 hours per day in spring and summer, and 7–9 hours in winter. Winds are common, especially in spring, and can cause sudden dust storms. The park’s elevation changes mean temperatures can drop 2–3°C for every 300 metres gained, making higher areas more comfortable in summer.
| Average climate data for Death Valley National Park, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 19 | 23 | 28 | 32 | 38 | 43 | 47 | 46 | 41 | 34 | 25 | 18 | 47 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 30 | 24 | 16 | 9 | 3 | 3 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 10 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 60 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 20 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Average UV index | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
The best time to visit Death Valley is from November to April, especially in winter and early spring. During these months, temperatures are mild (18–28°C), skies are sunny, and conditions are perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and camping. Spring may also bring wildflower blooms, adding vibrant colour to the desert landscape. Crowds are larger in March and April, but the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Death Valley is during the summer months (June to September), when daytime temperatures regularly exceed 45°C and can reach up to 49°C or higher. The extreme heat makes outdoor activities dangerous, and even short walks can be hazardous. If you must visit in summer, limit activities to early morning or evening and avoid strenuous exertion.
Summer temperatures in Death Valley frequently exceed 49°C, with overnight lows often staying above 30°C. The hottest months are July and August, when the park can be dangerously hot even at night.
Yes, winter is the most comfortable season for visiting Death Valley. Daytime highs are mild (18–23°C), nights are cool, and sunshine is abundant. It’s ideal for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
Rain is very rare, averaging less than 5 cm per year. When it does rain, it’s usually in winter or from summer thunderstorms, sometimes causing flash floods. Snow can fall on the park’s high mountains, but never on the valley floor.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing for hot weather. In winter, add layers for chilly mornings and evenings. Always check weather forecasts before your trip.
Yes, dust storms can occur, especially in spring and with approaching cold fronts. Winds are common year-round, so be prepared for sudden changes in weather and reduced visibility.
Wildflower blooms usually occur in spring (March to April) after wetter winters. Superblooms are rare but can transform the landscape with vibrant colours. Check park updates for bloom forecasts.
No, hiking in summer is dangerous due to extreme heat. Outdoor activities should be limited to early morning or evening, and visitors must carry plenty of water and avoid strenuous exertion.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (46.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is December (18.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 32.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (31 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is December (3.5 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 17.1 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is February (12.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is May (0.8 mm). Over the whole year there are 59.7 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (3 days). The months with the fewest days of rain are June and July (0 days). Over the whole year there are 19.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 13.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 6 h). Over the whole year there are 9.9 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July and August (UV index: 10). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 6.4.
