Best time to visit Redwood National Park

Guides don't agree on one best time. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

Guides don't agree on one best time

“The best time to visit the Redwoods is from April through July” joegarzaphotography.com
“There is no part of the year where a great experience isn’t available.” mdvaden.com

Redwood National Park month by month

Average high and low in Redwood National and State Parks, and days with rain

January54°F / 40°F · 16 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter tends to be the wettest time of year, though one local likes it for hiking and photography.Visitor center hours are reduced from October to May.
February55°F / 40°F · 15 rainy daysChecking fares…Rain is likely on about half the days or more in winter; bring rain gear.
March56°F / 41°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter and spring rains continue; Hike and Bike Day runs October through May on the first Saturday of the month.
April58°F / 43°F · 13 rainy daysChecking fares…April to June brings bright green new growth, with clover, trillium and vanilla leaf on the forest floor.
May61°F / 46°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…Rhododendrons bloom in late May and early June.Fern Canyon reservations are required from May 15 through September 15.
June63°F / 48°F · 6 rainy daysChecking fares…Early summer marine layer mornings in Del Norte County give fog and light beams from May to July.A photographer rates late autumn to June as the best stretch for the coast redwoods.
July65°F / 51°F · 2 rainy daysChecking fares…July and August are two of the most popular months with tourists and families.It hardly rains all summer, and trails are dry.Fog is often present in the mornings and evenings.
August66°F / 52°F · 3 rainy daysChecking fares…Parking areas can get busy but it is not a zoo; start at 7 or 8 am to avoid traffic on Howland Hill Road.
September66°F / 48°F · 4 rainy daysChecking fares…September and October see a big drop in visitors; weather is still summer-like, with little rain.Fern Canyon reservation requirement ends September 15.
October62°F / 46°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Autumn gold appears on the maples while temperatures stay comfortable.Hike and Bike Day, when the Newton B. Drury parkway closes to motor vehicles, runs October through May.
November57°F / 42°F · 16 rainy daysChecking fares…Rain begins to show more, with some autumn color and plenty of fog days.Falling leaves open up views and ferns and mosses revive.
December53°F / 39°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…Rain can fall almost every day in December.

Weather: Redwood National and State Parks averages (1991 to 2020 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Arcata 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

July and AugustTwo of the most popular months for tourists and families, with busy parking areas.

Quietest

September and OctoberA big drop in visitor numbers while the weather is still summer-like.

Watch for

May 15 to September 15Reservations are required for Fern Canyon.
Heavy winter rainA rare river flood can close Highway 101 and split the north and south parks.
Marathon, car show and July 4Lodging near Avenue of the Giants and Crescent City can be sparse without reservations.
WinterWinter is the wettest time of year.

Best time to visit Redwood National Park

Guides don't agree on one best time

Redwood National Park month by month

Every date to Arcata from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Redwood National Park

Guides don't agree on one best time

Redwood National Park month by month

Every date to Arcata from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Best time to visit other places