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
- When to go to Death Valley National Park
- Important essentials for Death Valley National Park
- Activities for Death Valley National Park
- Death Valley National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Death Valley National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- 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
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Death Valley National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
May
May here is sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sunglasses
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed for cooling and to provide UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered for cooling:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light linen shorts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring extra, as these get wet or dirty.
June
June is scorchingly hot. Temperatures average in the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insects can be a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sarong
-
Thin tank or crop tops
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light skirts
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
-
Waterproof sandals
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:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Bugs have been an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sarong
-
Light skirts
-
Thin tank or crop tops
-
Waterproof sandals
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insulated water bottle
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:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insects may be an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sarong
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light skirts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Thin tank or crop tops
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:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Thin tank or crop tops
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
-
Light skirts
-
Sarong
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bugs have been an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
October
October is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
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:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
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
-
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:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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.