Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park
The best months to visit Sequoia National Park are May, June and October — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (194,120 monthly visits); February is quietest at 21% of peak.
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Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Sequoia month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Harsh season | 44,736 | 23% | 39°F / 17°F | 8.7″ | 9.9h |
| February | Harsh season | 40,616 | 21% | 41°F / 18°F | 7.9″ | 10.9h |
| March | Shoulder | 57,038 | 29% | 45°F / 22°F | 6.4″ | 11.9h |
| April | Shoulder | 82,305 | 42% | 50°F / 26°F | 3.2″ | 13.1h |
| May | Best window | 121,237 | 62% | 58°F / 33°F | 2.0″ | 14.1h |
| June | Best window | 134,182 | 69% | 68°F / 40°F | 0.7″ | 14.6h |
| July | Peak crowds | 194,120 | 100% | 76°F / 46°F | 0.6″ | 14.4h |
| August | Peak crowds | 178,451 | 92% | 76°F / 44°F | 0.1″ | 13.6h |
| September | Shoulder | 123,152 | 63% | 70°F / 39°F | 0.7″ | 12.5h |
| October | Best window | 93,195 | 48% | 59°F / 31°F | 2.3″ | 11.3h |
| November | Shoulder | 60,188 | 31% | 47°F / 23°F | 3.6″ | 10.2h |
| December | Harsh season | 47,026 | 24% | 37°F / 17°F | 6.9″ | 9.7h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station LODGEPOLE, CA US (4 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Sequoia each year
Sequoia National Park had 1,378,337 recreation visits in 2025, 5% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 1,378,337. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 1,176,246 visits a year, which makes it the 24th most-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,378,337 | +5% |
| 2024 | 1,309,573 | +34% |
| 2023 | 980,567 | −15% |
| 2022 | 1,153,198 | +9% |
| 2021 | 1,059,548 | +33% |
| 2020 | 796,086 | −36% |
| 2019 | 1,246,053 | +1% |
| 2018 | 1,229,594 | −5% |
| 2017 | 1,291,256 | +3% |
| 2016 | 1,254,688 | +14% |
| 2015 | 1,097,464 | — |
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 Sequoia in May
Computed from May's weather normals — Sequoia's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 33°F
- Packable rain jacket — 2.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 6″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
- Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 6″ of snow is normal this month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Sequoia?
May, June and October rank best for Sequoia 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 Sequoia?
July: an average of 194,120 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is February, at 21% of the July peak.
When is Sequoia least crowded with decent conditions?
March, at 29% of the July peak (57,038 average visits). February is quieter still, but its weather puts it in the harsh season.
How many people visit Sequoia per year?
Sequoia National Park had 1,378,337 recreation visits in 2025, 5% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 1,378,337. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 1,176,246 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Sequoia through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 76°F. The coldest nights come in December, averaging 17°F. The wettest month is January, with 8.7″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, LODGEPOLE, CA US station.)
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Sequoia ranks against all 63 parks in May, June and October.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks