Death Valley is renowned for being one of the driest and hottest places on earth. Take a look at what to expect when you come visit the desert during the summer, fall, winter or spring. Of course, we also recommend checking current weather conditions before traveling.
Fall arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear and sunny skies.
Winter is mild with occasional winter storms. Winter requires warmer clothing and light to medium jackets. Sunny skies are typical in Death Valley. The period from mid-November to before Christmas is the least crowded time of the entire year.
Springtime is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Besides warm and sunny days, the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. Wind is not uncommon in the desert during this time of year.
Summers are extremely hot and dry. High temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 ºC) in the shade with overnight lows dipping only into the 90’s F (32 ºC). Comfortable clothing and a broad brimmed hat are recommended to provide sun protection.
| Month | Average Max. | Average Min. |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64.0 | 37.2 |
| February | 72.3 | 45.6 |
| March | 80.4 | 52.8 |
| April | 89.8 | 61.9 |
| May | 99.3 | 70.7 |
| June | 109.0 | 80.3 |
| July | 115.3 | 87.8 |
| August | 113.2 | 85.0 |
| September | 105.8 | 94.9 |
| October | 92.0 | 61.6 |
| November | 75.7 | 48.1 |
| December | 65.1 | 39.4 |
Average rainfall is less than 2 inches annually.