National Park · NM
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
422K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Carlsbad Caverns
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Clear | 67°F | 41°F | 1% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 73°F | 53°F | 5% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 71°F | 53°F | 7% |
| Wed 21 | Overcast | 71°F | 54°F | 1% |
| Thu 22 | Light drizzle | 70°F | 56°F | 12% |
| Fri 23 | Thunderstorm | 75°F | 54°F | 48% |
| Sat 24 | Rain showers | 58°F | 55°F | 48% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F | 34°F | 0.3" |
| February | 61°F | 37°F | 0.4" |
| March | 68°F | 43°F | 0.6" |
| April | 76°F | 49°F | 0.5" |
| May | 84°F | 58°F | 1.3" |
| June | 92°F | 66°F | 1.2" |
| July | 91°F | 68°F | 2.2" |
| August | 90°F | 66°F | 2.0" |
| September | 83°F | 60°F | 2.9" |
| October | 75°F | 52°F | 1.2" |
| November | 65°F | 42°F | 0.7" |
| December | 57°F | 35°F | 0.6" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CARLSBAD CAVERNS, NM US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $15 — Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.
- Hours
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Footwear in the Cavern
For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary.
- Information
Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern
Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Items Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed
A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Closures Due to Flood Damage
Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Carlsbad Caverns questions
When is the best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns?
Carlsbad Caverns is least crowded in January, February, and October. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Carlsbad Caverns?
Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns costs $15 (Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.).
When is Carlsbad Caverns busiest?
Carlsbad Caverns is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Carlsbad Caverns during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Carlsbad Caverns. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.