Death Valley National Park Weather by Month: What to Expect Year-Round

Weather by Month

Death Valley weather is measured at Stovepipe Wells station (80 feet elevation). Higher elevations in the park—including Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet—run 20–30°F cooler. The table below shows monthly averages; actual conditions vary by location and time of day.

Spring (February–April): Wildflowers & Peak Season

February to mid-April is Death Valley's peak season. Daytime temperatures climb from 71°F in February to 88°F by April, creating ideal hiking weather. Low-elevation blooms begin in mid-February and peak through mid-March, while mid-elevation wildflower displays (3,000–5,000 feet) peak from early April to early May. The 2026 superbloom is underway, with Desert Gold, Notch-leaf Phacelia, and Desert Paintbrush carpeting valley floors and canyon corridors.

Crowds peak during this window—parking fills by mid-morning at popular trailheads like Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, and Badwater Road. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots. Roads and all major scenic drives are fully open. Reservations for Furnace Creek Campground are required October 15–April 15 via Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 (book 4+ months ahead).

Summer (May–September): Extreme Heat & Limited Access

Summer is a different park. From May onward, daytime highs exceed 90°F; by June, they reach 109°F, and July peaks at 115°F (the world record of 134°F was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913). Nighttime lows drop only to 83–90°F, offering no relief. Most dirt roads become impassable—soft asphalt buckles, and visibility becomes dangerous from heat shimmer. Most visitors skip June through August entirely.

Day hiking is unsafe at low elevations; dehydration and heat exhaustion can strike quickly. High-elevation trails (5,000+ feet) see cooler conditions but remain marginal. The park stays open, and a few hardy visitors brave the heat for night activities like stargazing. Gas pumps run 24/7 at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. Furnace Creek Campground and lodging operate year-round but see minimal visitors. If you must visit in summer, stay hydrated (minimum 1 gallon per person), drive during dawn/dusk, and keep your vehicle fueled.

Fall (October–November): Cooling & Reopening

October marks the transition. Early October highs still climb above 85°F and the park remains hot, but by mid-month daytime temperatures settle into comfortable 85–93°F range. Nights cool to 65°F, making camping and hiking pleasant again. By late October, conditions rival spring in comfort. October is part of the high season, so reservations for lodging and Furnace Creek Campground are still critical.

November is shoulder season—crowds drop noticeably, temperatures fall to 74°F daytime and 51°F at night, and roads are fully passable. All scenic drives and trailheads reopen. Wildlife and birds become active as temperatures cool. Clear skies and low humidity make this an excellent time for photography and stargazing at Death Valley's Dark Sky Park.

Winter (December–January): Mild Days & Night Skies

Winter is mild at low elevations. December to January daytime temperatures hover around 65°F, perfect for easy hiking and visiting Badwater Basin and Artists Drive. Nights are cool (38–42°F) but rarely drop below freezing at Furnace Creek. Higher elevations see occasional snow—Telescope Peak and the Panamint Range may be frosted after winter storms, creating striking photo opportunities. Precipitation is minimal (0.14–0.23 inches per month), and most days are clear and sunny.

January and December are ideal for stargazing. Death Valley is one of the darkest night skies in the Southwest. The park is open daily all year, and Furnace Creek Visitor Center provides exhibits and ranger talks. Campground reservations are required October 15–April 15. Winter crowds are lower than spring but higher than summer, so plan ahead.

Road Conditions & Gas Availability

Gas is available at Furnace Creek (24/7), Stovepipe Wells (24/7), and Panamint Springs Resort (7 am–9:30 pm daily). Panamint Springs is on the west side of the park; plan fuel stops carefully if visiting remote areas. Lower Wildrose Road (also called Trona-Wildrose Road) reopened June 2, 2026, after nearly three years of flood damage; it is restricted to vehicles shorter than 25 feet and provides access to high-elevation areas of the park.

Most main park roads are paved and passable year-round. Scenic drives like Artists Drive, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, and Titus Canyon are typically open October–May; some may close or become rough during summer heat. Check with the Furnace Creek Ranger Station (760-786-3200) before driving remote or unpaved roads. Higher-elevation passes may see winter snow, but the park rarely closes entirely.

Entrance Fees & Camping

Death Valley National Park charges entrance fees per vehicle or person. A private vehicle pass is $30 and valid for 7 days; motorcycle pass is $25; individual (foot or bicycle) is $15. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance fees at all federal recreation sites for one year and is a good value if you visit multiple parks. The park is open daily all year.

Furnace Creek Campground is the main developed campground with 136 sites. October 15–April 15, sites require reservations via Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 (book at least 4 days in advance, 4-night minimum). April 16–October 14, sites are first-come, first-served. Costs are $12 per night April–October, RV hook-ups $30 year-round. The Inn at Furnace Creek (Oct–May, AAA Four Diamond) and The Ranch at Furnace Creek (year-round, family-friendly) offer lodging; book via furnacecreekresort.com or 1-800-236-7916. Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is a mid-range option open year-round.