Death Valley · January
Death Valley in January
January is a busy time to visit Death Valley — quieter than December, quieter than February.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 65°F, about 10 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 64% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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
Visitation
Typical January visits vs. the year
January draws about 8% of Death Valley’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
January weather
- Avg high
- 65°F
- Avg low
- 42°F
- Precipitation
- 0.2"
- Sunrise
- 6:59 AM
- Sunset
- 4:57 PM
- Daylight
- 10h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, STOVEPIPE WELLS 1 SW, CA US
What's open
Death Valley in January: access
The park is open daily all year.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- 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
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Death Valley crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in January
FAQ
Death Valley in January
How busy is Death Valley in January?
January rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Death Valley National Park — about 64% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 97,728.
What is the weather like at Death Valley in January?
In January, Death Valley averages a high of 65°F and a low of 42°F, with about 0.2 inches of precipitation.
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 least crowded?
Death Valley is quietest in June and September. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Death Valley get in January?
In mid-January, Death Valley gets about 10 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:59 AM and sunset around 4:57 PM.