While its name may evoke images of desolation and an arid wasteland, Death Valley is actually a land of surprising natural beauty and unique geological formations. Covering an expanse of 13,650 km², this extraordinary landscape, where the sun beats down relentlessly over undulating terrain, offers unique views reserved for only the most intrepid of explorers. Recorded as the hottest and driest place on Earth, you’ll need to be prepared to get hot when hiking through this otherworldly wilderness.
But when is the best time of year to visit Death Valley? Let’s take a look.
Spring (March to May)
Springtime in Death Valley offers milder temperatures and, if you’re lucky, the rare opportunity to witness a superbloom of wildflowers across the desert floor. A superbloom only occurs every decade or so, but each spring the flowers will still blossom to some extent. Witnessing the wildflowers breathe life into this barren landscape, with vibrant hues of yellow, purple and pink, is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Spring is a popular time to visit the valley, as daytime temperatures of around 70℉ to 90℉ make outdoor exploration comfortable and not too dangerous for the average tourist. Keep an eye on the predictions page of the local government website to plan your trip around a good bloom season.
Summer (June to August)
As summer descends upon Death Valley, so too does the scorching heat. This is by far the most daring time to visit, and you should not underestimate the extreme conditions. While it may deter many, some are drawn to the valley in high summer to witness the park’s stark beauty.
Many parts of the valley offer little to no shade, and due to the geology of the terrain, heat becomes trapped in areas such as Badwater Basin and can climb quickly to fatal levels. To explore safely in summer, venture into the valley in the early morning and late evenings and spend the time between seeking refuge indoors. Remember to always take at least 3L of water per person and pack to survive in case of emergency.
Fall (September to November)
Fall in Death Valley welcomes cooler temperatures of around 80℉ to 100℉, and the evenings are pleasantly warm and far less uncomfortable than in the summer. This is the beginning of camping season, and also the start of the ranger tours which offer insightful anecdotes into the history and geology of the valley.
Ranger-led hikes are great for those who are a little apprehensive about getting lost in the wilderness – especially as signage is sparse and many trails lead to dead-ends. If you do venture off on your own, remember that cell phones rarely work here, so you’ll need to use other navigation and communication devices in case of emergency.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is a great time to visit this remarkable region, as you’ll have the opportunity to explore with fewer tourists around. Daytime temperatures average around 60℉ throughout the winter months, which makes hiking the many trails and scrambling the rocky terrain less daunting than when the valley is subdued by the stifling summer heat.
However, the evenings and nights can be chilly, and at higher elevations can even drop below freezing. Winter storms can bring strong winds, so be sure to plan ahead and keep an eye on the weather forecast. Recently, a hurricane caused flooding in the valley, offering an incredibly rare opportunity to witness Badwater Basin as it was over 10,000 years ago, as a lake.
With its captivating vistas and extreme climate, Death Valley is a destination like no other. Whether you’re marveling at the fields of wildflowers or enjoying panoramic views from the summit of the rocky mountains, each season offers a variety of adventures to enjoy. So pack your sunscreen and hiking gear and prepare to be awed by the wonders of this expansive natural wonder.
