Petrified Forest in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #9 of 12 months

January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Petrified Forest National Park: crowds run 37% of the June peak (23,357 average visits). Weather: highs average 48°F and lows 22°F, with 0.9″ of precipitation and 10 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in January

Petrified Forest averages 23,357 recreation visits in January — 37% of what June, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Weather & daylight

Daytime stays cool (highs average 48°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). It is typically dry (0.9″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US (2 mi from park coordinates, 5,760 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.

What to pack for Petrified Forest in January

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
• Headlamp — only 10 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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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Petrified Forest are February and April.

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

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