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

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 59/100 · #5 of 12 months

October is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Death Valley National Park: crowds run 55% of the March peak (88,753 average visits). Weather: highs average 93°F and lows 64°F, with 0.1″ of precipitation and 11.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in October

Death Valley averages 88,753 recreation visits in October — 55% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Weather & daylight

Expect warm days (highs average 93°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 64°F). It is typically dry (0.1″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11.3 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 October.

What to pack for Death Valley in October

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 29°F swing between the average low of 64°F and high of 93°F
• Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 93°F
• 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.

Also at their best in October

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

• Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
• Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
• Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
• Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100

Common questions

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