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Contents
- The climate of Death Valley National Park
- The best time to visit Death Valley National Park
- The worst time to visit Death Valley National Park
- Spring weather in Death Valley National Park
- Summer weather in Death Valley National Park
- Autumn weather in Death Valley National Park
- Winter weather in Death Valley National Park
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
Amargosa Range's Zabriskie point located in the Death Valley National Park in California
The climate of Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park, situated in eastern California, USA, experiences an extreme desert climate. According to the Köppen climate classification, the climate type of this area is determined as BWk, known as mid-latitude desert. This means the area remains extremely arid and hot for the majority of the year, with minimal annual rainfall.
Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate sharply between temperatures as low as 40°F (4.4°C) and as high as 116.5°F (46.9°C). The lowest temperatures are typically observed in the winter months, whereas the summertime brings sizzling highs, particularly between June and August. Daylight hours also change due to the seasonal transition, ranging from 9.7 hours in December, and up to 14.6 hours in June. During summer, the park enjoys up to 14 hours of sunlight, whereas winter days get six hours of sun exposure, typically.
Considerable variability is also seen in the rainfall patterns. Monthly rainfall is generally minimal, ranging from no rainfall in May to 0.5" (13mm) in February. A similar observation is found in the number of rainfall days per month, which range from zero days to a maximum of three days. Despite its desert classification, the region does exhibit some unique weather attributes. For instance, the ultraviolet index reaches its zenith of 10 during the peak of summer.
Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate sharply between temperatures as low as 40°F (4.4°C) and as high as 116.5°F (46.9°C). The lowest temperatures are typically observed in the winter months, whereas the summertime brings sizzling highs, particularly between June and August. Daylight hours also change due to the seasonal transition, ranging from 9.7 hours in December, and up to 14.6 hours in June. During summer, the park enjoys up to 14 hours of sunlight, whereas winter days get six hours of sun exposure, typically.
Considerable variability is also seen in the rainfall patterns. Monthly rainfall is generally minimal, ranging from no rainfall in May to 0.5" (13mm) in February. A similar observation is found in the number of rainfall days per month, which range from zero days to a maximum of three days. Despite its desert classification, the region does exhibit some unique weather attributes. For instance, the ultraviolet index reaches its zenith of 10 during the peak of summer.
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park
The optimal time for visiting Death Valley National Park usually coincides with the onset of spring. During this period, temperatures typically hover around a pleasant 66.9°F (19.4°C) to 90.5°F (32.5°C), which is relatively mild compared to the scorching summer highs. Additionally, daylight hours gradually increase, starting from 10 hours per day in March to 13.2 hours by April. Visitors can also anticipate longer sunlight exposure, ranging from 7 to 11 hours daily.
The worst time to visit Death Valley National Park
Visitors are strongly advised to avoid the sweltering summer season, as the temperatures can easily escalate to a blistering 116.5°F (46.9°C) during these months. Moreover, the period from June to August signifies the longest days of the year, with daylight hours extending to a maximum of 14.6 hours per day, and sum of sunshine hours reaching an impressive 13.
Spring weather in Death Valley National Park
In terms of atmospheric conditions, springtime in Death Valley National Park comes across as a mild and glorious period. Temperature values faintly escalate from 66.9°F (19.4°C) to 90.5°F (32.5°C), daylight hours reach up to 13.2 hours, and sunny conditions prevail for 7 to 11 hours daily. Furthermore, there occurs a steady decline in rainfall from 0.5" (13mm) in February to 0.1" (3mm) by April.
Summer weather in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is infamous for its unrelenting summer heat. The months of June to August are exceptionally hot, with average temperatures soaring between 100.5°F (38.1°C) and 116.5°F (46.9°C). Daylight hours are elongated, with sunshine prevailing for 12 to 13 hours a day. Rainfall during this period is almost negligible, marking this dry phase as the epitome of the desert climate in this region.
Autumn weather in Death Valley National Park
Autumn denotes the onset of a gentle descent in temperatures, with ranges from 106.5°F (41.4°C) in September to a comfortable 77.1°F (25.1°C) by November. Daylight hours gradually shorten, and rainfall remains minimal, with recorded values ranging from 0.1" (3mm) to 0.2" (5mm).
Winter weather in Death Valley National Park
The winter season brings much-needed relief from the untouched summer heat. The temperatures fluctuate from 65.2°F (18.4°C) to 40°F (4.4°C), making it the coldest time of the year. Daylight hours are the shortest, ranging from 9.7 hours to 10.2 hours and rainfall increases, albeit slightly, recording up to 0.3" (8mm) during December. This presents a stark contrast to the traditionally arid impressions of Death Valley National Park.
Weather in January
Despite being the start of the year, January weather in Death Valley National Park tends to be quite mild, with pleasant daytime temperatures. Nonetheless, UV index reaches a low point at just 2 units, indicating that the sun's rays are least intense during this month. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As Death Valley National Park dips into February, a slight hike in temperatures becomes notable, deviating from January's milder conditions. High temperatures climb to approximately 73.3°F (22.9°C) and the low hovers around 46.3°F (7.9°C). Weather in February »
Weather in March
As the year progresses into March, spring begins to make its presence felt in Death Valley National Park. Noticeably longer daylight hours, now approximately 12 hours, contribute to an increase in temperatures, rising to a warm high of 82.1°F (27.8°C). Weather in March »
Weather in April
April’s weather signals a decisive departure from early spring to the doorway of summer in Death Valley National Park. The weather warms up considerably, with the temperature climbing to a scorching high of 90.5°F (32.5°C). However, the nights remain relatively cool, offering a respite from the day's heat. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May in Death Valley National Park is best described by two words, hot and dry. Daytime temperature peaks significantly, hitting a high of around 100.5°F (38.1°C), demonstrating the park's transition into summer. The UV index also rises to reach a high level of 9. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June signifies the start of summer in Death Valley National Park, bringing with it blistering heat. The month grapples with some of the highest temperatures, reaching a soaring high of around 109.9°F (43.3°C). With an almost non-existent chance of rainfall and a high UV index, precautions to avoid sunburn are a must. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in Death Valley National Park is often recognized as the pinnacle of summer. The scalding conditions of this month push the limits, with the park experiencing its highest temperatures of the year, hitting a high of 116.5°F (46.9°C). Weather in July »
Weather in August
August in Death Valley National Park holds on to July's red-hot weather, but with a subtle dip in temperature. The maximum temperature recedes slightly to 114.7°F (45.9°C), a marginal relief amid an otherwise melting summer. The contrast between the daytime heat and nighttime low temperature, which stands at 85.7°F (29.8°C), becomes a bit more pronounced. Weather in August »
Weather in September
As Death Valley National Park steps into September, relief from the searing summer heat begins to materialize. While the daytime temperatures remain high at 106.5°F (41.4°C), it's a considerable decline from the peak summer heights. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a significant change in Death Valley National Park's weather as autumn truly takes hold. The maximum temperature drops down to more tolerable levels, averaging around 92.8°F (33.8°C). Significantly, the UV index experiences another dip, reflecting a decrease in the sun's intensity. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Once November arrives in Death Valley National Park, the chill of winter starts to become evident. A significant drop in temperature kicks in, bringing the maximum temperature down to a mild 77.1°F (25.1°C). Coinciding with this increased chill is a drop in the UV index to a level of 3. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Closing off the year, December in Death Valley National Park introduces a winter chill, with temperatures plummeting to their lowest levels. The tail end of the year sees temperatures drop to an annual low of 38.3°F (3.5°C). Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 3, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
How much does it rain?
Throughout the year, there are 20 rainfall days, and 2.36" (60mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
What is the wettest month?
The month with the most rainfall is February, when the rain falls for 3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.
What is the driest month?
May is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 1 days and accumulates 0.04" (1mm) of precipitation.
When are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.
What is the month with the most sunshine?
The months with the most sunshine are June and July, with an average of 13h of sunshine.
What are the months with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 10.
What is the hottest time of year?
July is Death Valley National Park's warmest month, registering average high temperatures of 116.4°F (46.9°C) and lows of 88°F (31.1°C).
What time of the year is the coldest?
December stands out as Death Valley National Park's coldest month, with temperatures ranging between an average high of 65.1°F (18.4°C) and a low of 38.3°F (3.5°C).
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
With an average of 6h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.
When is the lowest UV index?
With an average maximum UV index of 2, December is the month with the lowest UV index.
Average temperature
Death Valley National Park, CA
- Average high temperature in January:
66.9°F - Average high temperature in February:
73.3°F - Average high temperature in March:
82.1°F - Average high temperature in April:
90.5°F - Average high temperature in May:
100.5°F - Average high temperature in June:
109.9°F
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (116.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (65.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (88°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (38.3°F).
Average rainfall
Death Valley National Park, CA
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (0.5").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (0").
Average rainfall days
Death Valley National Park, CA
- Average rainfall days in January:
3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
1 days - Average rainfall days in June:
0 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
0 days - Average rainfall days in August:
1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
1 days - Average rainfall days in November:
2 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3 days
The months with the highest number of rainy days are January, February, March and December (3 days).
The months with the least rainy days are June and July (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Death Valley National Park, CA
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 3min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).
The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 13h).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 6h).
Average UV index
Death Valley National Park, CA
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 10).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 2).
Death Valley National Park, California, USA
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