How cold does it get in Death Valley?

During winter, average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 70s with overnight lows frequently dropping into the upper 30s. Those cooler conditions combine with clear, sunny days to make winter the perfect season to get explore Death Valley National Park.



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Official records note 0.5 inches of snow fell on Death Valley in the deserts of California on Jan. 29, 1922. The records go back to 1911. The National Weather Service said there have been half a dozen times since 1922 that snow has been observed in the park, but all accumulations have never reached above a trace.

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At 282 feet (86 m) below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America. The lowest elevation in the world occurs at the Dead Sea with an elevation of 1,341 feet (409 m) below sea level. The landscapes are arid but vibrant, desolate but full of life, and vastness that delivers intricate uniqueness.

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Why is it called Death Valley? Death Valley was given its forbidding name by a group of pioneers lost here in the winter of 1849-1850. Even though, as far as we know, only one of the group died here, they all assumed that this valley would be their grave.

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In Death Valley National Park, rangers said “even small amounts of rain can cause dangerous flash floods.” “Picture the mountains in Death Valley as being a steep building roof,” park ranger Abby Wines said in the release. “Just like a roof, the rocky slopes don't absorb much water.

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Badwater in the Snow - 1962 On January 4th and 5th of 1974, during a strong La Niña, traces of snow fell on the valley floor. Only four times has snow ever been recorded at Death Valley's lowest elevations. Normally, the white substance visible in this part of the valley is sodium chloride, or table salt.

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Flash Floods: Avoid canyons during rain storms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips. Mine Hazards: Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. Mines may be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air, and poisonous gas.

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As noted above, Death Valley's mountains are pretty high since the floor is so low (86 m below sea level, in fact). The steep mountains don't make things any easier, trapping hot air within the valley for long periods of time and preventing moisture from descending easily.

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This route was first done solo, unsupported and unassisted by Louis-Philippe Loncke in 2015 in just under 8 days and done again by Roland Banas in 2018 in just under 7 days. The crossing can be done all on trails, but for an unsupported summer trip using a cart for water, that wouldn't be possible.

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Famous for the highest temperature ever recorded anywhere in the world (a sizzling 134 degrees in July 1936) and as the driest spot in North America, from autumn into spring Death Valley is inviting to explore.

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