National Park · CA, NV
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is quietest in June and September and busiest in April.
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
1.3M 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 Death Valley
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Partly cloudy | 62°F | 48°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Clear | 61°F | 47°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Light snow | 64°F | 48°F | 27% |
| Wed 21 | Light drizzle | 61°F | 46°F | 69% |
| Thu 22 | Heavy drizzle | 55°F | 43°F | 71% |
| Fri 23 | Clear | 59°F | 45°F | 5% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 62°F | 48°F | 0% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 42°F | 0.2" |
| February | 71°F | 49°F | 0.6" |
| March | 79°F | 57°F | 0.2" |
| April | 88°F | 64°F | 0.1" |
| May | 98°F | 73°F | 0.1" |
| June | 109°F | 83°F | 0.0" |
| July | 115°F | 90°F | 0.2" |
| August | 113°F | 87°F | 0.1" |
| September | 105°F | 79°F | 0.0" |
| October | 89°F | 65°F | 0.1" |
| November | 74°F | 51°F | 0.1" |
| December | 63°F | 41°F | 0.1" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, STOVEPIPE WELLS 1 SW, CA US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/RV/aircraft) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
- Hours
- The park is open daily all year.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Gas Pumps at Panamint Springs Resort are Closed at Night
Gasoline is available at Panamint Springs Resort from 7am-9:30pm, daily. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells 24hrs.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Death Valley questions
When is the best time to visit Death Valley?
Death Valley is least crowded in June, September, and January. April is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Death Valley?
Entrance to Death Valley costs $30 (All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/RV/aircraft) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.).
When is Death Valley busiest?
Death Valley is busiest in April, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Death Valley 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 Death Valley. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.