Death Valley in July: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 36/100 · #11 of 12 months

July is a harsh-season month at Death Valley National Park: crowds run 51% of the March peak (82,523 average visits). Weather: highs average 117°F and lows 91°F, with 0.1″ of precipitation and 14.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Death Valley in July: what the park service says

July is peak heat at Death Valley, where the park service puts summer temperatures at up to 130°F. Know the warning signs it lists: heat exhaustion brings nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, cramps and pale, cool, clammy skin; heat stroke adds confusion or disorientation and is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you have signal or find a ranger. Stay off low-elevation trails and save walks for the cooler mountains.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in July

Death Valley averages 82,523 recreation visits in July — 51% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Weather & daylight

Expect intense heat (highs average 117°F), and even nights stay hot (lows average 91°F). It is typically dry (0.1″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 14.4 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 July.

What to pack for Death Valley in July

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 26°F swing between the average low of 91°F and high of 117°F
• Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 117°F
• Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention) — at highs of 117°F, water alone is not enough — dehydration is the real risk (compare other options)
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Death Valley are January and February.

Common questions

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