Desert Winter Escape
Three desert parks at their best in the cold months: below sea level, boulders and giant cacti.
Best time to visit · California & Nevada
Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park
The hottest, driest, lowest park in America, and a gentle winter escape.
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is November–March. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for November through February. It's busiest in March. Avoid June through September, when heat is extreme and can be dangerous.
Month by month
Jan PrimeFeb PrimeMar PrimeApr GoodMay FairJun PoorJul PoorAug PoorSep PoorOct GoodNov PrimeDec Prime
Best monthsNov–Mar
Best valueNov–Feb
BusiestMar
Established1994
Death Valley by season
Winter Prime
The best time to visit. Days are mild in the 60s and 70s at low elevations, the light is soft, and the skies are among the darkest in the country.
Spring Good
Pleasant through March, with wildflowers in wet years. Heat builds quickly in April and May.
Summer Poor
Dangerously hot, often over 120°F. Visit only from an air-conditioned car and never hike after 10 a.m.
Fall Good
Heat breaks in late October. November is excellent and less crowded than spring.
What to do
- Stand at Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level
- Watch sunrise at Zabriskie Point
- Walk the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- Drive Artists Drive at golden hour
- See the view from Dante's View
Local tip
Fill your tank before entering. Gas inside the park is limited and expensive, and distances between sights are long.
Good to know
Death Valley holds the record for the hottest air temperature measured on Earth, 134°F in 1913, and Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
Before you go: Summer heat is a real hazard. Carry at least a gallon of water per person per day even when driving. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Las Vegas (LAS), about 2 hours.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Death Valley month-by-month ratings
| Month | Rating | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Prime | Busy | Best value |
| February | Prime | Busy | Best value |
| March | Prime | Peak crowds | Last prime month |
| April | Good | Busy | |
| May | Fair | Moderate | |
| June | Poor | Moderate | |
| July | Poor | Moderate | |
| August | Poor | Moderate | |
| September | Poor | Moderate | |
| October | Good | Moderate | |
| November | Prime | Busy | Prime season starts · Best value |
| December | Prime | Busy | Best value |
Road trips with Death Valley
Questions about visiting Death Valley
When is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park?
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is November–March. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for November through February. It's busiest in March. Avoid June through September, when heat is extreme and can be dangerous.
What is the worst time to visit Death Valley National Park?
June through September are the weakest time, when heat is extreme and can be dangerous.
When is Death Valley National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in March. November through February offer the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Death Valley National Park worth visiting in winter?
The best time to visit. Days are mild in the 60s and 70s at low elevations, the light is soft, and the skies are among the darkest in the country.
Do you need a reservation for Death Valley National Park?
Summer heat is a real hazard. Carry at least a gallon of water per person per day even when driving. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Death Valley National Park?
The most convenient airport is Las Vegas (LAS), about 2 hours.
How many days do you need at Death Valley National Park?
Most road trips spend 2 to 3 days here.
More in California · National parks in California · National parks in Nevada · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.