Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park
The best months to visit Petrified Forest National Park are February, April and November — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. June is the crowd peak (63,918 monthly visits); February is quietest at 33% of peak.
- The Painted Desert Oasis Gift Shop, Gas Station and Restaurant are Open! (Information)
- Park Headquarters Phones are Down (Information)
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Petrified Forest month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | 23,357 | 37% | 48°F / 22°F | 0.9″ | 10h |
| February | Best window | 21,056 | 33% | 53°F / 25°F | 0.7″ | 10.9h |
| March | Peak crowds | 47,378 | 74% | 61°F / 30°F | 0.7″ | 11.9h |
| April | Best window | 42,469 | 66% | 68°F / 35°F | 0.4″ | 13.1h |
| May | Peak crowds | 58,041 | 91% | 78°F / 44°F | 0.5″ | 14h |
| June | Peak crowds | 63,918 | 100% | 89°F / 53°F | 0.3″ | 14.5h |
| July | Peak crowds | 53,668 | 84% | 92°F / 60°F | 1.4″ | 14.3h |
| August | Shoulder | 42,478 | 66% | 88°F / 58°F | 1.7″ | 13.5h |
| September | Shoulder | 42,663 | 67% | 82°F / 51°F | 1.1″ | 12.4h |
| October | Peak crowds | 44,784 | 70% | 71°F / 40°F | 1.0″ | 11.3h |
| November | Best window | 29,030 | 45% | 58°F / 28°F | 0.6″ | 10.3h |
| December | Shoulder | 29,406 | 46% | 47°F / 22°F | 0.8″ | 9.8h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US (2 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Petrified Forest each year
Petrified Forest National Park had 315,951 recreation visits in 2025, 44% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2015, with 793,225. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 498,248 visits a year, which makes it the 23rd least-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 315,951 | −44% |
| 2024 | 559,254 | +7% |
| 2023 | 520,491 | +3% |
| 2022 | 505,209 | −14% |
| 2021 | 590,334 | +54% |
| 2020 | 384,483 | −40% |
| 2019 | 643,588 | 0% |
| 2018 | 644,922 | +3% |
| 2017 | 627,757 | −2% |
| 2016 | 643,274 | −19% |
| 2015 | 793,225 | — |
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 Petrified Forest in February
Computed from February's weather normals — Petrified Forest's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 25°F, below freezing
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Petrified Forest?
February, April and November rank best for Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest?
June: an average of 63,918 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is February, at 33% of the June peak.
When is Petrified Forest least crowded with decent conditions?
February. It is the park's quietest month (33% of the June peak, 21,056 average visits) without harsh-season weather.
How many people visit Petrified Forest per year?
Petrified Forest National Park had 315,951 recreation visits in 2025, 44% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2015, with 793,225. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 498,248 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Petrified Forest through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 92°F. The coldest nights come in December, averaging 22°F. The wettest month is August, with 1.7″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US station.)
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Petrified Forest ranks against all 63 parks in February, April and November.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks