Death Valley is an incredible place. With expansive desert landscapes, colorful badlands, and gorgeous salt flats, the scenic drives and hikes found here are pretty amazing. Unfortunately, the weather in this park is uncomfortably hot in summer time, making winter the ideal time to visit.
If you do visit in winter, we recommend RVing in Death Valley National Park. During this time of year, the park is cool enough for camping, and staying in an RV allows you to stay onsite, making sightseeing easier. Of course, you will want to understand where you can drive an RV, book a campsite ahead of time, and make sure you have everything you need to camp in comfort.
Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting in Winter?
While many national parks are at their best during the spring and summer months, winter is actually the very best time to visit Death Valley. Cooler daytime temperatures make it more comfortable to spend time outside and most paved roads and popular attractions stay open year round. Just know that wintertime nights do get really chilly, so you will want to pack accordingly. Additionally, days are shorter, meaning fewer hours for hiking and exploring.
Why Winter Is a Great Time to Visit Death Valley
- Cooler daytime conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
- Opportunities to explore popular viewpoints without extreme summer heat.
- Scenic drives through distinctive desert landscapes.
- Excellent opportunities for photography and stargazing.
- Seasonal campground operations that support winter visits.
What Are the Downsides of Visiting Death Valley in Winter?
- Cold nighttime temperatures.
- Holiday and peak-season campground demand.
- Remote roads and limited services.
- Occasional storms, flooding, and road closures.
- Longer driving distances between attractions.
If you ask us, winter is an ideal time to visit this park, especially if you plan on doing lots of hiking.
What Is Death Valley Like in Winter?
Wondering what to expect during your winter Death Valley visit? Here’s what you should know.
How Warm Is Death Valley in Winter?
Let’s start with Death Valley winter weather. In lower elevation areas, Death Valley is actually very warm during the daytime even in January and February. Average highs in December and January tend to be in the mid 60s and by february, the average high sits right around 74 degrees. All that said, temperatures do plummet once the sun goes down and lows in the lower elevations tend to dip into the 40s. As far as higher elevations go, there are areas that see freezing temperatures, even during the day. These areas might also see ice and snow.
Visiting Death Valley in December, January, or February
| Month | What visitors can expect |
| Death Valley in December | Cool days, chilly nights, and holiday travel demand. A good choice for scenic drives, photography, and daytime sightseeing, though shorter daylight hours and colder evenings may affect camping and hiking plans. |
| Death Valley in January | Comfortable daytime temperatures for hiking, exploring Badwater Basin, and visiting popular viewpoints.Cold nights, fewer holiday crowds after New Year’s, and generally favorable conditions for outdoor activities. |
| Death Valley February | Mild daytime temperatures, longer daylight hours, and excellent sightseeing and hiking conditions. Potential Early wildflower activity if winter rainfall has been sufficient, along with increasing visitor numbers around popular holiday weekends. |
What is the best winter month to visit Death Valley?
February is often the best overall month to visit Death Valley in winter. It offers a combination of mild daytime weather,comfortable hiking conditions, longer daylight hours, and the possibility of early wildflower blooms following adequate winter rainfall. That said, those looking for low crowd levels may prefer early December. Meanwhile, those who want cooler weather hiking might prefer January.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Death Valley in Winter?
Visit Badwater Basin and the Salt Flats
At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Walk to salt flats, admire the incredible salt formations, and enjoy some of the best views the park has to offer.
Watch Sunrise or Sunset at Zabriskie Point
Taking photos is one of the most popular things to do in Death Valley for a reason; the park is absolutely stunning. One of the best times and places for photography? Sunrise or sunset at Zabriskie Point. The changing light highlights the gorgeous rock formations and brings the desert to life.
Explore Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette
No visit to Death Valley is complete without a drive along Artist’s Drive. This 9-mile paved loop showcases colorful hills and offers an awesome view of Artist’s Palette, a colorful landscape featuring shades of pink, green, purple, and yellow. Just know that the loop is one-way, meaning you do have to complete the entire 9-mile drive, and vehicles and vehicle combinations over 25 feet in length are prohibited.
Hike Golden Canyon or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Of course, you simply must go on a hike. Golden Canyon is our top pick for this. This trail features dramatic rock formations as well as colorful canyon walls. Another good option is to walk the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Either way, make sure to check conditions, wear appropriate footwear, and carry lots of water.
Go Stargazing in the Desert
One of the very best things to do while in the desert? Star gazing. Because of it’s remote location, Death Valley is especially perfect for this, and winter in this park offers some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see. Try to choose a night with a new moon, if possible, and make sure to bundle up!
Can You Visit Death Valley National Park in Winter in an RV?
Absolutely! In fact, winter might be the best time to visit Death Valley National Park, especially in an RV. The weather is much better for outdoor activities, but you will want to be prepared for cold nights. It’s also important to pay attention to weather related road closures at higher elevations. Of course, you’ll want to account for steep grades, vehicle length limits, and limited services no matter what time of year you visit this remote park.
What Are Death Valley’s Winter Road Conditions for RVs?
Generally speaking, Death Valley’s main paved roads are open year round. That said, occasional snow and ice may lead to closed roads at higher elevations. Additionally, heavy rain and flash flooding can cause roads to close. Check the NPS website for current road conditions before setting out.
No matter when you visit Death valley in an RV, you will want to be prepared for steep grades, narrow scenic routes, limited cell service, and limited fuel stations.
Death Valley Road Conditions and RV Restrictions
| Route or road | Typical winter access | RV considerations |
| Highway 190 | Main paved route through the park; generally accessible year-round, subject to closures. | Includes long grades, mountain passes, remote stretches, unlimited services. Plan fuel stops and manage downhill speeds. |
| BadwaterRoad | Generally accessible, subject to weather and road conditions. | Paved access to Badwater Basin and major viewpoints. Check For flood damage, temporary closures, and vehicle restrictions. |
| Artist’s Drive | Generally accessible when road conditions permit. | Narrow, one-way paved loop. Vehicles or vehicle combinations longer than 25 feet are prohibited. |
| Dante’s View Road | Weather-dependent, particularly during winter storms. | Final approach has restrictions: vehicles longer than 25 feet or wider than 9 feet are prohibited. |
| Unpaved Backcountry Roads | Highly variable and frequently affected by storms. | Often unsuitable for standard rental RVs. High-clearance,four-wheel-drive vehicles may be required. |
Note: Flash flooding can damage desert roads. Heavy rainfall can wash away pavement, create deep muddy sections, and make previously accessible routes impassable. Never drive through flood water or around a road closure.
Are Death Valley Roads Safe for RVs in Winter?
Driving through death valley in an RV is generally safe during the winter months in Death Valley National Park. Occasionally, roads may be closed at higher elevations due to snow or ice and heavy rainfall can cause roads to close any time of year. Additionally, you will need to pay attention to steep grades, narrow routes, and size restrictions and for the most part, it’s best to avoid unpaved roads in a large vehicle such as an RV, especially if it’s a rental. As is the case in any remote area, be sure you go in prepared for limited services and connectivity.
Where Can You Camp in an RV in Death Valley During Winter?
Death Valley winter camping is popular because temperatures are generally more comfortable than during summer. There are several death valley RV parks and campgrounds to choose from.
Best Death Valley Campgrounds for RVs
| Campground | Winter availability | RV considerations |
| Furnace Creek Campground | Open year-round. | RV sites available, including 18 full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp electricity, water, and sewer. Reservations strongly recommended during peak season (winter). |
| Sunset Campground | Typically open from mid-October through mid-April. | Large NPS campground with no RV length restrictions. First-come, first-served; limited amenities and no electrical hookups. |
| Stovepipe Wells Campground | Typically open from late fall through mid-April. | RV camping available, with no RV length restrictions. No electrical hookups at this NPS campground. |
| Texas Springs Campground | Typically open from late fall through mid-April. | RV sites available, with a maximum combined vehicle length of 35 feet. No generators allowed. |
| Furnace Creek-area private RV facilities | Property-dependent. | Options such as Stovepipe Wells RV Park and Panamint Springs Resort offer RV hookup facilities. Confirm seasonal services and availability. |
Campground opening dates and services can change. It’s best to check current details on the NPS Death Valley camping information page before you set off on your Death Valley RV camping adventure.
How Do You Prepare an RV for Death Valley’s Winter Conditions?
A successful RV trip to Death Valley starts with choosing a vehicle that can handle the park’s terrain. You’ll also want to prepare for limited services. Even though winter weather is generally more comfortable, cold nights can pose some challenges. Additionally, steep roads, and remote driving conditions require additional planning no matter when you visit.
Here are some important preparations:
- Confirm your RV’s capabilities: Make sure your vehicle can handle steep mountain grades, extended descents, and long distances between services.
- Plan fuel stops: Fill your tank before entering remote areas and know where the next fuel stop is.
- Bring sufficient water and food: Carry enough drinking water, meals, and emergency supplies for unexpected delays.
- Prepare for cold nights: Check that your RV’s heating system works properly and bring warm bedding.
- Inspect tires and vehicle condition: Check tire pressure, tread, brakes, battery, lights, and engine fluids before departure.
- Expect limited cell service: Download offline maps, save campground information, and share your itinerary with someone before leaving.
- Check campground amenities: Confirm electrical hookups, water availability, dump stations, and generator operating hours.
- Review rental restrictions: Make sure your rental agreement allows travel on your intended roads. Never assume an unpaved road is permitted.
How to Plan a Safe and Enjoyable Death Valley Winter Trip
As is the case with any RV trip, you will want to plan a safe Death Valley adventure, so you can enjoy the trip without worry. Here’s what you need to know.
Check Road Conditions and Weather Alerts
Always check the National Park website for road closures before heading out. While most weather-related road closures will be at higher elevations during the winter months, it is possible for rainy weather to cause road damage.
Pack for Warm Days and Cold Nights
We mentioned above that while daytime temperatures in Death Valley tend to be quite lovely, the nighttimes can get cold. For this reason, it’s important to dress in layers. Being able to add or remove layers as the temperature demands can make spending time outdoors in the desert during the winter a much more enjoyable experience. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Plan Fuel Stops, Supplies, and Driving Distances
We also mentioned the fact that fuel stops are few and far between in the park. The same can be said of grocery stores and other places to obtain supplies. For this reason, you’ll want to stock up before you head into the park and plan carefully to avoid running out of important essentials.
Is Winter the Right Time for Your Death Valley RV Trip?
As we’ve already mentioned, generally speaking, we think winter is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park.This is the perfect time for scenic drives, photography, and desert hiking. It’s also the best time to take an RV into the park thanks to cooler temperatures. Unless you were hoping to spend a lot of time at higher elevations or can’t handle chilly nights, winter is probably the right time for your Death Valley RV visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Death Valley in Winter
Death Valley National Park is open 24/7 all year long. This includes December as well as January and February. In fact, December is one of the best months to visit this desert park.
Snow is extremely rare in Death Valley’s lower elevations, including Furnace Creek and Badwater Basin. That said, the surrounding mountain ranges can receive snow during winter storms at higher elevations. If you hope to drive in higher elevations, make sure to check the for road closures and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Like December, January is a good month to visit Death Valley National Park. This is thanks to the mild daytime temperatures, which allows visitors to comfortably spend more time outdoors. Just know that the nights do get cold and campgrounds can fill up during this busy month.
Winter is the best time to go camping in Death Valley, and we absolutely recommend RVing during your winter Death Valley adventure in order to get the most out of the experience. If you require full hookups and want to stay in the park, be sure to book a full hookup site at Furnace Creek Campground well in advance. Otherwise, you should be able to snag a first come first campsite, especially if you arrive during the week.
We recommend at least 2-3 days for a winter Death Valley RV trip. This allows you to see all of the major attractions without feeling rushed. Plan to see Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Drive, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and make sure to do some star gazing when the sun sets.
