The climate of Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in
Nevada, USA, experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate, scientifically classified as BSk under the Köppen climate classification. A predominance of this type of climate signifies an arid, cold desert environment with stark distinction between seasons.
Temperature, rainfall, snowfall, and daylight hours exhibit considerable variations throughout the year. Recorded temperature highs hover between 40.5°F (4.7°C) in
January and peak at 85.7°F (29.8°C) in
July, showing a significant increase in warmth during the summer months. In contrast, the lower temperatures range from 18.9°F (-7.3°C) in January to 57.4°F (14.1°C) in July, further supporting the notion of a cold desert climate.
Rainfall shows less pronounced fluctuation, maintaining an average between 0.9" (23mm) in
June to 1.4" (36mm) in
March. Despite the relatively low variability, the months of March,
April, and
August show slight increases in precipitation. Snowfall is another significant weather phenomenon for Great Basin National Park with drastic variations. Snowfall levels peak at 13.8" (351mm) in
February, dwindle to negligible levels in June and July, then ultimately start to climb again, reaching 10.7" (272mm) by
December.
Meanwhile, daylight hours extend from a low of 9.8 hours in January to a high of 14.9 hours in June, offering long, sun-filled days for visitors during the summer months.
The best time to visit Great Basin National Park
Considering the overall climate conditions throughout the year, the best time to visit
Great Basin National Park falls within
June to
September period. During these months, temperatures flirt around a comfortable range of 74.5°F (23.6°C) to 83.3°F (28.5°C) coupled with moderate rainfall measuring between 0.9" (23mm) to 1.2" (30mm). More hours of sunlight, extending up to 14.9 hours in June, provide ample daylight for outdoor activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit Great Basin National Park
It’s advisable to avoid the
Great Basin National Park during the winter months of
December,
January, and
February. The temperature plunges between 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 42.8°F (6°C), combined with high snowfall levels ranging from 12.8" (325mm) to 13.8" (351mm). The frigid weather and heavy snowfall can make transportation and outdoor activities challenging.
Spring weather in Great Basin National Park
Springtime in
Great Basin National Park, observed from
March to
May, sees a gradual warmth creep into the daily temperatures. They span from 25.5°F (-3.6°C) to 66.5°F (19.2°C), showcasing a significant transition from the harsh winter. Concurrently, the daylight hours stretch from 12 hours to 14.3 hours providing a bright atmosphere. An uptick in rainfall, to 1.4" (36mm) in March and maintaining at 1.2" (30mm) through May, often brings in lushness to the arid landscape.
Summer weather in Great Basin National Park
From
June to
August, the park experiences the warmth of summer with temperatures soaring from 49°F (9.4°C) to a peak of 85.7°F (29.8°C). A decrease in rainfall to 0.9" (23mm) in June, followed by a slight increase to 1.2" (30mm) in August, delineates the relatively dryer spell. Extended daylight hours, up to 14.9 hours in June, allow plenty of time for visitors to engage in outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Great Basin National Park
During Autumn, observed from
September to
November, the park witnesses a progressive decrease in temperature, sliding from 47°F (8.3°C) to 25.9°F (-3.4°C). The daylight hours drop from 12.4 hours to 10.1 hours as shorter and cooler days take precedence. A consistency can be observed in rainfall levels between 1" (25mm) to 1.2" (30mm) throughout these months.
Winter weather in Great Basin National Park
Winters are rough in
Great Basin National Park with temperatures fluctuating between 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 41.1°F (5.1°C) from
December to
February. Heavy snowfall, varying from 10.7" (272mm) in December to 13.8" (351mm) in February, envelopes the landscape in white. Daylight hours dwindle to 9.5 hours in December, presenting a rather cold and dim ambiance to this arid region.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February continues the chilling grip of winter in
Great Basin National Park, albeit with slightly increased temperatures. Notably, February brings the maximum snowfall for the year in the park with 13.8" (351mm). As the winter months proceed, daylight hours begin to lengthen, signalling an end to winter's peak.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in April
Weather in May
May ushers in a significant shift in climate in
Great Basin National Park, with rising temperatures signaling the arrival of summer. Compared to
April, May records a drastic reduction in snowfall to 2.1" (53mm) as temperatures rise to an average high of 66.5°F (19.2°C).
Weather in May » Weather in June
As the summer season comfortably settles in
June, temperatures continue to rise in
Great Basin National Park. With the almost nonexistent snowfall (only 0.2" (5mm)) throughout the month, June signals the height of summer. Lakes and rivers now fully thawed, give a chance for visitors to indulge in water activities such as swimming or fishing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Weather in August
Weather in September
Weather in October
Weather in November
Weather in December