Death Valley in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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February is one of the best months of the year to visit Death Valley National Park: crowds run 73% of the March peak (118,305 average visits). Weather: highs average 74°F and lows 49°F, with 0.5″ of precipitation and 10.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Death Valley in February
- A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker)See it on AmazonWhy: a 25°F swing between the average low of 49°F and high of 74°F.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Death Valley in February: what the park service says
February is in the second half of Furnace Creek Campground's reservation season at Death Valley, which runs from October 15 to April 15. It is the only campground in the park that takes bookings, from six months ahead to two days before arrival, so a February stay can be reserved from August. All the other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and several are seasonal, so check the one you want is open.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in February
Death Valley averages 118,305 recreation visits in February — 73% of what March, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are pleasant (highs average 74°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 49°F). It is typically dry (0.5″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.9 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 February.
What to pack for Death Valley in February
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 25°F swing between the average low of 49°F and high of 74°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Also at their best in February
Other parks whose computed February verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Zion in February — 25% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 80/100
- Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
- Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
- Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100
Common questions
Is Death Valley crowded in February?
Yes — February runs 73% of Death Valley's peak, averaging 118,305 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Death Valley.
What is the weather like in Death Valley in February?
Average highs of 74°F, lows of 49°F, 0.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in February.
What should I pack for Death Valley in February?
A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in March instead? Death Valley in March has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-24