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Is Death Valley National Park open in winter?

The park is open daily all year.



Yes, winter is actually the "peak season" for Death Valley National Park. Unlike many mountain parks that close for snow, Death Valley thrives from November through March when temperatures are a comfortable 18°C to 24°C, compared to the life-threatening 50°C+ of summer. In February 2026, the park is currently experiencing a rare wildflower superbloom thanks to record-breaking autumn rains, drawing massive crowds to the lower elevations of Badwater Basin and Furnace Creek. While most of the park is fully accessible, a high-value peer warning is that "winter" in the desert can still bring flash floods; as of today, several backcountry roads remain closed due to recent storm damage. For a high-value visit, winter offers the only time you can safely hike the salt flats or climb the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes without the extreme thermal stress that defines the park for the rest of the year.

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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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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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The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high. Consider an EPA-registered repellent to deter mosquito bites.

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Yes, but you must be prepared and use common sense. With an air conditioned vehicle you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Stay on paved roads in summer, and if your car breaks down, stay with it until help arrives.

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