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

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 36/100 · #11 of 12 months

July is a harsh-season month at Death Valley National Park: crowds run 51% of the March peak (82,523 average visits). Weather: highs average 117°F and lows 91°F, with 0.1″ of precipitation and 14.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Death Valley in July

A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker)See it on AmazonWhy: a 26°F swing between the average low of 91°F and high of 117°F.
Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacitySee it on AmazonWhy: highs average 117°F.
Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention)See it on AmazonWhy: at highs of 117°F, water alone is not enough — dehydration is the real risk.

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Extreme-heat warning: average highs of 117°F are dangerous. Plan activity for early morning, stay within reach of your vehicle, and carry far more water than feels reasonable — heat illness is the leading danger in months like this. Read the park's NPS safety guidance →

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

Crowds in July

Death Valley averages 82,523 recreation visits in July — 51% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Average visits (July)

82,523 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

6.7% of annual visitation

vs. peak (March)

51%

Weather & daylight

Expect intense heat (highs average 117°F), and even nights stay hot (lows average 91°F). It is typically dry (0.1″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 14.4 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 July.

What to pack for Death Valley in July

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

A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker) — a 26°F swing between the average low of 91°F and high of 117°F
Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 117°F
Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention) — at highs of 117°F, water alone is not enough — dehydration is the real risk (compare other options)
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Death Valley are January and February.

Common questions

Is Death Valley crowded in July?

Moderately: July runs 51% of the March peak, averaging 82,523 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Death Valley in July?

Average highs of 117°F, lows of 91°F, 0.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station).

What should I pack for Death Valley in July?

A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker); Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity; Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention) — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

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