Does it Snow in Death Valley: Tips to Visiting in the Winter Months
Does it snow in Death Valley? The short answer is yes, it has snowed in Death Valley. However, it is extremely rare.
Death Valley is a remarkable destination famously known for its unbelievable variety of terrain, the lowest point in North America, and numerous one-of-a-kind sights. This destination is so unique.
If you are planning a trip to Death Valley National Park this winter and wondering what to expect, you have come to the right place.
In this post, you will discover tips for visiting Death Valley in the winter months, things to do, where to stay, and where to find snow in the national park.
Short on time? Here is what you need to know about winter in Death Valley:
🥾 You can expect mild temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring the outdoors
✅ If you prefer not to drive you can do a guided tour from Las Vegas
🔥 The BEST thing to do in Death Valley in the winter is to discover the main sights with fewer crowds.
Does it Snow in Death Valley
As one of the hottest and driest places on earth, but you will be surprised to know that it does snow in Death Valley. Small amounts of snowfall have been recorded and sighted in Death Valley on a couple of occasions over the last century. The only substantial amount of snow was about half an inch in 1922.
Where to Find Snow in Death Valley
One of the main locations where you can find snow in the national park is at Telescope Peak. Telescope Peak sits at 11,049 feet (3,368m) above sea level and is the highest summit in Death Valley National Park.
The peak is snow-capped for most of the year, but if you do not plan on hiking Telescope Peak, then you can leave your parka and snowshoes at home!
How Often Does Death Valley Get Snow
It does not snow often in Death Valley. Snow on the valley floor is a very rare occurrence, and when it does snow, it is typically a light dusting and doesn’t amount to much. Most likely, if you are visiting Death Valley, you will not have to worry about snow. Unless, of course, you are planning on hiking Telescope Peak.
Tip: There may be winter closures due to snowy conditions if you are hiking Telescope Peak. The access road to Telescope Peak trailhead is closed beyond the Charcoal Kilns. Also, before your trip, you should check the nps.gov website for additional closures.
Is Death Valley Cold in The Winter
Death Valley, in the winter, typically offers pleasant weather, perfect for hiking and exploring the valley. It is a more desirable time to visit in the winter than during its scorching hot summers that average a daily high temperature of 116°Faherenheit.
The nights in Death Valley can get quite chilly, but temperatures usually do not drop below freezing.
What is The Coldest Month in Death Valley
December is the coldest month in Death Valley, where the average low temperature is 38 °Faherenheit and the average high temperature is 65 °F. In December you can expect cool days and chilly nights with the occasional rainstorm.
8 Best Things to Do in Death Valley in The Winter
1. Visit all of the main sights in Death Valley
Explore the scenic landscapes of Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Dantes View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Ubehebe Crater, Artist Drive, and Devils Golf Course with fewer people visiting the national park.
✔️ You can check all of these locations off your bucket list with my itinerary and guide:
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2. Guided Tour of Death Valley
Leave all of the planning and driving to your tour guide and book a guided tour to Death Valley from Las Vegas. On this day trip, you will experience all of Death Valley’s most famous attractions and a night of stargazing!
✅ Check rates & availability for the Guided Tour to Death Valley from Las Vegas here
3. Hike on longer trails
Winter offers the perfect hiking weather. Conquer popular trails such as the Golden Canyon Trail, Darwin Falls, the Mosaic Canyon Trail, or Natural Bridge Canyon Trail.
4. Conquer Telescope Peak
Hike the tallest summit of Death Valley National Park that features stunning views overlooking the valley. It is a strenuous and difficult 14-mile hike.
5. Visit the Mesquite Sand Dunes in the afternoon
Explore the magnificent sand dunes for as long as you want without worrying about Death Valley’s extreme heat.
6. Take a beautiful scenic drive
Sights of colorful rock formations, rugged mountains, and narrow canyons. Two popular drives are Artist’s Drive for a colorful and surreal landscape journey and Titus Canyon to experience a thrilling off-road drive through dramatic canyons.
7. Travel with your dog to Death Valley
The mild winter temperatures are perfect for bringing your dog along for the Death Valley adventure.
8. Go Camping in Death Valley
Enjoy the clear skies and pitch-black nights that are perfect for stargazing!
Reasons to Visit Death Valley in The Winter
Death Valley in the winter can be one of the best times to visit the national park! There are many great perks to planning your visit this time of year. In the winter, you will find fewer crowds, pleasant weather, cheaper accommodations, and an overall more secluded adventure.
Fewer Crowds in Death Valley & Cheaper Accommodations
If you are looking to escape the crowds, the winter months are the least crowded time of the entire year to visit Death Valley National Park. Some exceptions are Christmas and New Year’s, Martin Luther King Day weekend, and President’s Day weekend. Fewer crowds mean fewer tourists at the top locations and cheaper accommodations.
During Death Valley’s peak tourist season between late March and early April, you may have a difficult time finding lodging.
We visited during California’s spring break, and all of the hotels inside the national park were sold out. And there were limited rooms at hotels in nearby cities. If you are visiting during this time, make sure to reserve your lodging well in advance.
Pleasant Weather in the Winter Months
The summer months in Death Valley are absolutely brutal. Temperatures in the summer average around 113 degrees Fahrenheit and often will get as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit. These extreme temperatures can make your trip to Death Valley challenging and dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.
On the contrary, winter is a beautiful time of year for exploring the valley. The weather is ideal for hiking, camping, and visiting all of the must-see sights in Death Valley.
Can You Drive Through Death Valley in The Winter
You can drive through Death Valley in the winter. In fact, it’s actually a beautiful and scenic drive. Before your road trip, make sure your car is well-maintained. Get your oil changed, check your tire pressure, and make sure you have a spare tire available just in case of a flat.
Getting a tow in Death Valley is extremely expensive. Also, you could be waiting a while. There is limited cell service in the national park and fewer people around to help jump your car or get help.
You will also want to check for any road closures in Death Valley before your road trip on the nps.gov website. In the winter, roads towards Telescope Peak or Titus Canyon Road are closed due to snow, mud, or washouts.
Gas Stations in Death Valley
There are only three gas stations in Death Valley National Park, so it is a good idea to keep your eye on your gas tank at all times. If you need to get a tow, it is very pricey and will put a damper on your plans for the day.
Tips for Traveling to Death Valley in the Winter
- Pack comfortable layers for the chilly mornings and nights.
- Start your day early and plan for shorter days. Bring a headlamp or flashlight since it will be getting darker earlier.
- Pack hiking or comfortable shoes for walking trails
- Thermoregulating hiking socks for hiking during the day and cool nights.
- Peak winter visitation periods include Christmas to New Year’s, Martin Luther King Day weekend in January, and Presidents’ Day weekend in February.
- If you are traveling to nearby snowy areas of California, make sure you have a vehicle that can handle winter weather (4WD and maybe even snow chains for your tires). How to Get To Death Valley: Ultimate Guide & Tips
- Check nps.gov for road closures if visiting Telescope Peak or Titus Canyon Road. Certain roads are closed in the winter due to snow, mud, or washouts.
- Download the NPS App before you arrive to access information and maps in areas with no service.
Where to Stay in Death Valley
There are a couple of options for accommodations in Death Valley. You can either book accommodations inside the national park or plan to stay outside of Death Valley in a nearby town.
The great thing about lodging inside the national park is that you will be closer to the main sites in Death Valley, which will help cut down on some of your driving time.
The closest town outside of the national park is Beatty, Nevada. It sits right outside of Death Valley’s gate. However, Death Valley is enormous and to get inside to see some of the locations like Bad Water Basin is an hour’s drive from Beatty.
Options for Lodging Inside Death Valley National Park
There are four hotels that you can book inside of Death Valley. Or you can go the adventurous route and spend the night camping at one of Death Valley’s campsites.
- The Inn at Death Valley: The luxury and upscale option for hotels
- The Ranch at Death Valley: The more causal hotel and is great for families
- Stovepipe Wells Village: Offers a little bit of everything for accommodations. Including 83 rooms and a campground for RV’s and camping
- Panamint Springs Resort: Western-style motel that provides lodging at their motel, cabin-style motel rooms, cottage, RV site, tent cabins, or camping site.
In Conclusion: Does it Snow in Death Valley
Yes, it does snow in Death Valley National Park. However, where you’re likely going to spend the majority of your time in Death Valley in winter, it will not affect you.
As you now know, the winter months are a great time (maybe even the best time) to visit and explore the one-of-a-kind Death Valley National Park.
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