Death Valley National Park

The hottest, driest, and lowest national park, yet surprisingly rich in life. Desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, roadrunners, and unique fish in isolated...

Death Valley National Park at a Glance

Location
California Sierra & Deserts, United States, North America
Coordinates
36.505400, -117.079400
Area
13650 km²
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Death Valley National Park

Nearest airport: Stovepipe Wells Airport, 13 km away.

Nearest international airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), 179 km away.

Weather & Climate in Death Valley National Park

The warmest temperatures in Death Valley National Park occur in July, averaging 31.4°C (up to 35.6°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 8.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in October with average rainfall of 3.6mm. Average humidity: 23.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 8.0°C (rainfall: 21.8mm)
  • February: 8.6°C (rainfall: 31.4mm)
  • March: 9.5°C (rainfall: 35.1mm)
  • April: 16.3°C (rainfall: 17.9mm)
  • May: 21.3°C (rainfall: 6.6mm)
  • June: 26.9°C (rainfall: 12.5mm)
  • July: 31.4°C (rainfall: 11.0mm)
  • August: 29.4°C (rainfall: 46.2mm)
  • September: 26.3°C (rainfall: 7.1mm)
  • October: 20.4°C (rainfall: 3.6mm)
  • November: 12.3°C (rainfall: 7.3mm)
  • December: 9.3°C (rainfall: 18.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park

The best months to visit Death Valley National Park are May, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 7.96°C, rainfall 21.8mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 45%
  • February: Great, temperature 8.63°C, rainfall 31.4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 37.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 9.47°C, rainfall 35.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 44.2%
  • April: Great, temperature 16.29°C, rainfall 17.9mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 28.2%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.33°C, rainfall 6.6mm, sunshine 13.3 hrs, humidity 20.2%
  • June: Great, temperature 26.87°C, rainfall 12.5mm, sunshine 13.6 hrs, humidity 18.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 31.37°C, rainfall 11mm, sunshine 13.7 hrs, humidity 18.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 29.36°C, rainfall 46.2mm, sunshine 12.7 hrs, humidity 23.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.28°C, rainfall 7.1mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 21.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 20.42°C, rainfall 3.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 23%
  • November: Great, temperature 12.34°C, rainfall 7.3mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 31.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 9.26°C, rainfall 18.2mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 41.2%

Wildlife in Death Valley National Park

Home to 29 recorded species including 12 birds of prey, 10 waterbirds, 5 iconic birds, 1 big herbivores, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Death Valley National Park

Based on average temperature of 18.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 29%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 18°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Death Valley National Park

5 safari lodges available.

budget

mid-range

ultra-luxury

Similar Parks in California Sierra & Deserts

Visitor Tips - Death Valley National Park

We find Death Valley to be an utterly unique landscape, a place where the stark beauty of the desert truly captivates. The silence is profound, the night skies are sensational, and the sheer scale of the geological formations is breathtaking. It's a destination that challenges your perceptions and rewards you with unforgettable vistas.

Gate Times

Death Valley National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, which we love for its accessibility and incredible stargazing opportunities. Visitor centers, such as Furnace Creek, typically operate from 8 AM to 5 PM, though hours can vary seasonally, so we recommend checking the official park website. No specific permits are required for general entry beyond a standard National Park pass, which we always advise purchasing in advance or at the gate.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary or expected for National Park rangers or staff in the United States. We believe showing appreciation for their dedicated work is best done by adhering to park rules, respecting the environment, and leaving no trace of your visit.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

Death Valley National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park to avoid extreme heat and enjoy wildlife?

The ideal time to visit Death Valley National Park is from late fall to early spring (November to March) when temperatures are much milder and more comfortable for exploration. Summer months bring extreme heat, often exceeding 120°F (49°C), making outdoor activities challenging and potentially dangerous.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see in Death Valley's extreme environment, and what are the best viewing tips?

Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley is home to resilient wildlife like desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and roadrunners, often seen at dawn or dusk near water sources. Look for unique pupfish in isolated springs like Salt Creek, a fascinating example of adaptation to extreme salinity.

Given Death Valley's extreme conditions and reported moderate malaria risk, what are the essential safety precautions for visitors?

Safety in Death Valley requires serious preparation; always carry ample water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), wear sun protection, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. While a moderate malaria risk is noted, it's highly unusual for this region; consult your doctor for specific advice and take standard mosquito precautions, especially near water sources.

Beyond wildlife, what unique geological features and activities make Death Valley a distinct safari destination?

Death Valley offers breathtaking landscapes like the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and the stunning Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, perfect for sunrise photography. Explore colorful badlands such as Zabriskie Point for panoramic views, showcasing the park's diverse and dramatic geology.

How crowded does Death Valley National Park get, and what kind of visitor experience can I expect regarding solitude?

Death Valley National Park is known for its remarkably low crowding level, rated 1/5, offering an exceptional sense of solitude and vastness. While popular spots might see some visitors, it's easy to find yourself alone amidst the expansive desert landscapes, providing a truly immersive and peaceful experience.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.