Death Valley in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

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January is one of the best months of the year to visit Death Valley National Park: crowds run 58% of the March peak (93,132 average visits). Weather: highs average 67°F and lows 43°F, with 0.4″ of precipitation and 9.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Death Valley in January

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 43°F.
HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.9 hours of daylight in mid-January.

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Low, warm light skims across pale sand dunes. — Death Valley National Park — photo: NPS (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in January

Death Valley averages 93,132 recreation visits in January — 58% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Average visits (January)

93,132 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

7.6% of annual visitation

vs. peak (March)

58%

Weather & daylight

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 67°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 43°F). It is typically dry (0.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.9 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US (1 mi from park coordinates, -194 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.

What to pack for Death Valley in January

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 43°F
Headlamp — only 9.9 hours of daylight in mid-January (compare other options)
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Also at their best in January

Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
Big Bend in January — 50% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 71/100

Common questions

Is Death Valley crowded in January?

Moderately: January runs 58% of the March peak, averaging 93,132 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Death Valley in January?

Average highs of 67°F, lows of 43°F, 0.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station).

What should I pack for Death Valley in January?

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24