Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park
The best months to visit Great Basin National Park are March, April and May — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (26,101 monthly visits); December is quietest at 7% of peak.
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- Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive Seasonal Closure (Park Closure)
- Dump Station Seasonal Closure (Park Closure)
- Wheeler Peak Campground Seasonal Closure (Park Closure)
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Great Basin month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | 2,084 | 8% | 40°F / 20°F | 1.3″ | 9.7h |
| February | Shoulder | 1,907 | 7% | 41°F / 21°F | 1.5″ | 10.7h |
| March | Best window | 2,739 | 10% | 48°F / 27°F | 1.2″ | 11.9h |
| April | Best window | 8,053 | 31% | 55°F / 32°F | 1.6″ | 13.2h |
| May | Best window | 15,173 | 58% | 64°F / 40°F | 1.3″ | 14.3h |
| June | Peak crowds | 25,726 | 99% | 76°F / 49°F | 1.1″ | 14.9h |
| July | Peak crowds | 26,101 | 100% | 85°F / 58°F | 0.9″ | 14.7h |
| August | Peak crowds | 21,676 | 83% | 83°F / 56°F | 1.2″ | 13.7h |
| September | Peak crowds | 24,632 | 94% | 73°F / 48°F | 1.1″ | 12.5h |
| October | Shoulder | 16,599 | 64% | 60°F / 36°F | 1.3″ | 11.2h |
| November | Shoulder | 2,230 | 9% | 48°F / 26°F | 0.9″ | 10.1h |
| December | Shoulder | 1,787 | 7% | 40°F / 20°F | 1.0″ | 9.5h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GREAT BASIN NP, NV US (0 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Great Basin each year
Great Basin National Park had 161,210 recreation visits in 2025, 6% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2017, with 168,028. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 148,707 visits a year, which makes it the 10th least-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 161,210 | +6% |
| 2024 | 152,068 | +6% |
| 2023 | 143,265 | +1% |
| 2022 | 142,115 | −2% |
| 2021 | 144,875 | +20% |
| 2020 | 120,248 | −9% |
| 2019 | 131,802 | −14% |
| 2018 | 153,094 | −9% |
| 2017 | 168,028 | +16% |
| 2016 | 144,846 | +25% |
| 2015 | 116,123 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
What to pack for Great Basin in March
Computed from March's weather normals — Great Basin's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 27°F, below freezing
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 7″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
- Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 7″ of snow is normal this month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Great Basin?
March, April and May rank best for Great Basin on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight.
What is the most crowded month at Great Basin?
July: an average of 26,101 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is December, at 7% of the July peak.
When is Great Basin least crowded with decent conditions?
February, at 7% of the July peak (1,907 average visits). December is quieter still, but its weather puts it in the harsh season.
How many people visit Great Basin per year?
Great Basin National Park had 161,210 recreation visits in 2025, 6% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2017, with 168,028. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 148,707 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Great Basin through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 85°F. The coldest nights come in December, averaging 20°F. The wettest month is April, with 1.6″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GREAT BASIN NP, NV US station.)
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Great Basin ranks against all 63 parks in March, April and May.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks