Weather - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best time of year for Death Valley National Park? ›

SPRING. It is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Besides warm and sunny days, the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. If the previous winter brought rain, the desert can put on an impressive floral display, usually peaking in late March to early April.

State Route 190 Repairs – State Route 190 between U.S. 395 in Olancha and the junction of State Route 136 east of Owens Lake remains closed for repairs. The highway is open through Death Valley National Park and can be accessed from U.S. 395 using State Route 136 in Lone Pine.

Death Valley National Park officials say July is typically the hottest month of the year.

You might be wondering: How many days are needed to explore Death Valley? You can hit the main attractions in 2-3 days, but you won't run out of things to do should you plan a longer visit! Fun fact: Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48.

Sunny skies are the norm in Death Valley, but winter storms and summer monsoons can bring cloud cover and rain. Wind is common in the desert, especially in the spring.

Wildflower bloom in Death Valley National Park

Just a little bit of winter rain can bring an abundance of life to Death Valley. With mild temperatures in the 60-70s, mid-February to mid-May is the best time to explore the park and enjoy the wildflowers.

Yes, but you must be prepared and use common sense. With an air conditioned vehicle you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Stay on paved roads in summer, and if your car breaks down, stay with it until help arrives.

Hwy 190 has curves and dips, but it's safe even at night. However, stay awake--have someone talk with you if you need that; 190 does have some steep drops, and if you fall asleep it will be a calamity. As for roads within the park, the main ones are all paved and 2-lane. There are signs and painted lanes.

Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature on the planet: On 10 July 1913, temperatures at the aptly named Furnace Creek area in the California desert reached a blistering 56.7°C (134.1°F). Average summer temperatures, meanwhile, often rise above 45°C (113°F).

On January 4th and 5th of 1974, during a strong La Niña, traces of snow fell on the valley floor. Only four times has snow ever been recorded at Death Valley's lowest elevations. Normally, the white substance visible in this part of the valley is sodium chloride, or table salt.

Does anyone live in Death Valley? ›

Does anyone live in Death Valley? Death Valley is the historic homeland of the Timbasha Shoshone. “Some members of the tribe still live within Death Valley, and their village is in Furnace Creek,” Wines said. “It's right here in the center of the park.

Mammals: Mammals found in Death Valley National Park include desert bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, jackrabbits, squirrels, gophers, and other small mammals. To survive in the desert conditions, mammals have developed a number of important adaptions.

That hot, dry air in Death Valley National can potentially have a pretty big impact on your vehicle's performance. You'll even see signs in a few areas of the park warning drivers to turn off the car's air conditioner so that it doesn't overheat.

The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high. Consider an EPA-registered repellent to deter mosquito bites.

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point is the most famous viewpoint in Death Valley National Park. Overlooking the colorful badlands of the Furnace Creek formation and beyond to the Panamint Mountains in the distance, Zabriskie Point is especially popular at sunrise and sunset.

Not a super bloom, but still above average

According to the National Park Service, Death Valley will not have a super bloom in 2024. Super blooms occur when a high concentration of wildflower seeds that have been dormant for a few years because of inadequate rainfall bloom to life after an unusually heavy rain season.

Admission: Admission to Death Valley National Park costs $15 per person, or $30 per vehicle, and is valid for seven days. Motorcycle entrance fees are $25 per bike, and annual Death Valley passes are also available for purchase for $55, valid for one year.

Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. In the summer months (May-September) temperatures average over 100°F (38°C), and often exceed 120°F (49°C). Many visitors come here in the summer specifically to experience the extreme heat.

The park is open daily all year.