Best time to visit Death Valley

November to March. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

November to March

Late fall through early spring is the pick. Valley temperatures are comfortable then, while summer often tops 120°F. Winter is the quietest stretch and March the busiest.

“Winter is actually the best time to be there” thecrowdedplanet.com
“the best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October through April” maxtour.co
“The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during cooler months, such as winter.” theplaceswherewego.com

5 of the 7 travel guides we read name these months.

Death Valley month by month

Average high and low in Death Valley, and days with rain

Best timeJanuary67°F / 43°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…January averages a high of 67°F and a low of 40°F at Furnace Creek.December and January are the least crowded time to visit, with highs of roughly 40°F to 60°F.In a good wildflower year, greening starts in January and blooms appear in late January or February.
Best timeFebruary74°F / 49°F · 3 rainy daysChecking fares…February to March is named as one of the two best windows.Wildflowers can appear in late January or February after enough rain in November and December.
Best timeMarch83°F / 57°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…March is the busiest month on average.After mid-March it warms up and wildflowers and wildlife viewing improve; spring break adds crowds.Spring is the most popular time of year to visit.
April91°F / 65°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Spring days run 70 to 90°F.Wind is common in the desert, especially in spring, and dust storms can blow up suddenly.The cooler months run through April, with daytime temperatures of 60°F to 85°F.
May101°F / 75°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Mid-May is the end of the best season.May's average high reaches 100°F.
June111°F / 84°F · 0 rainy daysChecking fares…Mid-June through mid-September can be scorching hot and extremely dry.June's average high is 110°F.
July117°F / 91°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…The world record air temperature of 134°F was set at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913.Summer lows can stay in the 90s°F overnight.
August116°F / 89°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…August's average daily high is 116°F, and hiking is not recommended after 10am.Cell service in most of the park is non-existent.
September108°F / 79°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Thunderstorms, especially in late summer, can cause flash floods.Summer heat runs to mid-September.
October93°F / 64°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…Fall and spring are generally considered the best times, starting in October.Storms in October 2015 left flood damage and closed roads for months.
Best timeNovember77°F / 51°F · 1 rainy daysChecking fares…November to December is named as one of the two best windows.Valley temperatures are comfortable from late fall to early spring.
Best timeDecember66°F / 41°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter daytime temperatures are in the 70s°F, dropping just above freezing at night.December and January are the least crowded time to visit.Winter has clear skies and little light pollution, which suits stargazing.

Weather: Death Valley averages (1991 to 2020 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Las Vegas from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

WinterWinter is high season, the only season with bearable temperatures; book in-park lodging ahead.
October to AprilThe cooler months are peak season, so hotels and campsites fill quickly.
SpringThe most popular time of year, with spring break crowds.

Quietest

December and JanuaryThe least crowded stretch of the year, though colder.

Watch for

SummerNot recommended for most visitors because of extreme heat.
SummerTemperatures often top 120°F in the shade, with overnight lows in the 90s°F.
Late summerThunderstorms can cause flash floods.
WinterSome park services may be limited or closed, and snow or rain can close roads and trails.
Midday in summerHiking is not recommended after 10am in August.

Questions people ask

Do cell phones work in Death Valley?: Cell service in most of the park is non-existent, so plan ahead.
When to avoid Death Valley?: Summer is not recommended for most visitors because of extreme heat.

Best time to visit Death Valley

November to March

Death Valley month by month

Every date to Las Vegas from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Death Valley

November to March

Death Valley month by month

Every date to Las Vegas from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places