Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.

Traveling to Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Death Valley National Park, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Death Valley National Park
  2. Important essentials for Death Valley National Park
  3. Activities for Death Valley National Park
  4. Death Valley National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Death Valley National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Death Valley National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Death Valley National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Death Valley National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Death Valley National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Death Valley National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Death Valley National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Death Valley National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Death Valley National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Death Valley National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Death Valley National Park in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.


When to go to Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Death Valley National Park, the best time to go is March. See below for details.

Important essentials for Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Death Valley National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022


  • Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage

    Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance


  • Kids' KN95 masks

    N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).

  • (U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.

    U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more


  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.


  • A vaccine card protector

    Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.


  • Touchless thermometer

    A touchless thermometer is important to have.


  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.


  • N95 masks

    These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.

General health necessities

Don't forget these

What to wear/what to pack for Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America by month

Already know when you're traveling?

January

January here is chilly. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

February

If you vacation in Death Valley National Park during February, you may see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

March

If you vacation in Death Valley National Park during March, you are likely to notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

April

If you visit Death Valley National Park during April, you might see that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

May

May here is sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

June

June is scorchingly hot. Temperatures average in the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

July

Traveling to Death Valley National Park in July, you will notice that it can be sizzling. Daytime temperatures are in the 110s F (mid 40s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

August

If you are traveling to Death Valley National Park in August, you will notice that it is sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the low 110s F (mid 40s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

September

September in Death Valley National Park is a scorcher. Temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

October

October is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

November

If you are traveling to Death Valley National Park in November, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

December

Traveling to Death Valley National Park in December, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Activities for Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America

Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Death Valley National Park.

If you go to Scotty's Castle, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet

If you visit the Visitor Center And Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you're planning to visit Darwin Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

Check out our guides for these other locations: Hjallerup, Denmark, Allgäu, Germany, Troy, Montana, United States of America, Coruripe, Alagoas, Brazil, Amstelveen, Netherlands, Effingham, Illinois, United States of America, Kollur, India, Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada, Northern Lowlands, Guatemala, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, United States of America, and Neuwied, Germany.