Death Valley National Park in Southern California is a fascinating travel destination, but before you make plans to visit it, be aware that there is a reason behind the park’s name. This is where the hottest temperature was ever recorded in 1913, at 134 degrees! And this record is often being challenged. The weather there could be so extreme that outside activities can put you in danger. Even your vehicle may not be able to tolerate the heat. Still, with the right approach, any nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of this incredible land. Here are things to know about Death Valley to help you prepare for your visit.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park. Someone was here before me.
The Most Important things to know about Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is beautiful and diverse
It is remote
It is the hottest place on earth
It remains hot even when the sun is down
The best time for outdoor activities is at sunrise
It is the driest place in the United States
Summer is not the best time to visit
Spring is the most popular season
Pleasant temperatures arrive in late October
Winter is perfect for outdoor activities
Death Valley is the lowest point in North America
There is life in Death Valley
It is the largest park in the lower United States
It is relatively free of crowds
Lodging options are limited inside of Death Valley National Park
I can certify that Death Valley rises up to its name. I visited it in late September and it was hot! Even though the daytime temperature was “only” between 106 to 112F, it felt uncomfortable to move or even to breathe.
Still, the park managed to impress me with its wide-open spaces, diverse scenery, and the out of this world vibe. To beat the heat, I had to adjust my daily routine to the rhythm of the desert, and it worked.
Death Valley is beautiful and diverse
Death Valley took me by surprise. I did my research before the trip and I knew it was interesting, but the reality exceeded my expectations. There is magic in the park, and quite honestly, the heat may have something to do with it.
Sunrise is truly amazing at Death Valley. Each ray of sunshine brushes the desert in gold until the whole scene reveals itself in its full glory. I especially love sand dunes at their awakening.
The park’s natural features are diverse and include sand dunes, salt flats, colorful rocks, and tall mountains. Large parts of Death Valley are below sea level with Badwater Basin being the lowest place in North America. It feels like visiting few parks in one.
It is remote
The park is not only big but also remote. Driving distances between sightseeing and lodging can be long. When picking a place to sleep, visitors should consider the location of the lodging and what parts of the park they want to visit. Check out the park’s map for more information.
Las Vegas is the biggest city near Death Valley National Park, 113 miles away. Many visitors fly to Las Vegas and rent a car there.
It is the hottest place on earth
Overall, the weather in Death Valley should be the main factor taken into consideration when planning a trip to the park. The hottest air temperature ever recorded in Death Valley (Furnace Creek) was 134°F (57°C) on July 10, 1913. During the heatwave that peaked with that record, five consecutive days reached 129° F (54°C) or above.
Death Valley holds the record for the hottest place on earth, but is it the hottest? According to experts, there may be hotter places, such as parts of the Sahara, but they are too remote for reliable monitoring. One thing for sure, it is the hottest place in the USA, and that is plenty hot!
Why so hot?
The depth and shape of Death Valley are to blame for its extreme temperatures. The valley is a long narrow basin 282 feet (86 m) below sea level, yet is walled by high steep mountain ranges. With no trees and plants around, the sun can easily heat the desert surface and that hot air has no easy way to escape.
Death Valley remains hot even when the sun is down
One of the important characteristics of the weather in Death Valley is that it does not get much cooler in the evening. The temperature stays practically untouched for hours. This is because, heat radiates back from the rocks and soil, then becomes trapped in the valley’s depths.
The best time for outdoor activities is at sunrise
By the time the sun rises, the temperature finally drops down to 85°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) range. In the summer, this is as good as the gets, so take advantage of that short break from the heat. Do not drag your feet in the morning, sunrise photos are fantastic in the park!
9 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is the driest place in the United States
The average rainfall is less than 2 inches (5 cm), a fraction of what most deserts receive.
Why so dry?
This is because four major mountain ranges lie between Death Valley and the ocean, each of them weakening rain potential. By the time the clouds reach the east side of the mountains, the moisture is gone. Only occasional thunderstorms, especially in late summer, can cause heavy rain and flash floods.
Summer is not the best time to visit
Summer months in the park are May through September. Temperatures average over 100°F (38°C) and often exceed 120°F (49°C).
Midnight temperatures can still be over 100 degrees! The greatest number of consecutive days with a maximum temperature of 100° F or above was 154 days in the summer of 2001.
The park is safe to visit at that time but with caution. Drink plenty of water and avoid hiking in the lower elevation where the temperature is higher.
How to stay safe in Death Valley
Summer is a popular season for visitors from Europe. Most come from Germany, France, and Italy. During my visit, I noticed a group of German travelers. They all rented convertible cars! Not the smartest idea for the summer visit!
Spring is the most popular season
This is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Besides warm and sunny days, the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. If the previous winter brought rain, the desert can put on an impressive floral display, usually peaking in late March to early April.
Pleasant temperatures arrive in late October
It is a good time to explore the park without the danger of exposure to the vicious heat. Although it is relatively uncrowded at this time of year, the weeks leading up to Death Valley ‘49ers Encampment (second week in November) and the Thanksgiving holiday are busy.
Winter in Death Valley is perfect for outdoor activities
Death Valley is the lowest point in North America
At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest place on the continent, but do not think that the whole park is low and flat. Nearby Telescope Peak boasts an elevation of more than 11,000 feet!
There is life in Death Valley
Despite the park’s name, surprisingly a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley. Hard-learned, clever adaptations enable desert animals to thrive in this unlikely place.
What Animals Live in Death Valley
List of Birds You Can Find in Death Valley
It is the largest park in the lower United States
This is definitely not a place to get lost. The park straddles the California and Nevada border and, at 3,000 square miles, is the largest national park in the contiguous United States. When traveling in the park, you need a full tank of gas, food, and lots of water!
Keep in mind, that cell phones often have no reception in the park!
Death Valley is relatively free of crowds
Unlike some of the most popular national parks in the USA, Death Valley does not receive an overwhelming number of visitors. The most popular season in the park is spring and you should expect more people during the spring break. Make sure to reserve your lodging well in advance. But even then, the park is so vast, you will have no problem finding solitude.
Lodging options are limited inside of Death Valley National Park
If you’re staying overnight in Death Valley National Park, it’s best to plan ahead to be sure there’s a bed waiting for you. I do not recommend staying outside of the park. You will have to do a lot of driving and that gas is very expensive there.
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I loved your post and the beautiful pictures! We are actually planning a trip to Death Valley soon, hopefully in the early Spring! I am so excited, I recently learned of how beautiful the park is.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I am thrilled you find it helpful. Have fun!