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

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 42/100 · #10 of 12 months

June is a harsh-season month at Death Valley National Park: crowds run 46% of the March peak (73,735 average visits). Weather: highs average 111°F and lows 84°F, with 0.1″ of precipitation and 14.6 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Death Valley in June

A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker)See it on AmazonWhy: a 27°F swing between the average low of 84°F and high of 111°F.
Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacitySee it on AmazonWhy: highs average 111°F.
Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention)See it on AmazonWhy: at highs of 111°F, water alone is not enough — dehydration is the real risk.

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Extreme-heat warning: average highs of 111°F are dangerous. Plan activity for early morning, stay within reach of your vehicle, and carry far more water than feels reasonable — heat illness is the leading danger in months like this. Read the park's NPS safety guidance →

Death Valley in June: what the park service says

June in Death Valley can be brutal. The park service calls it the hottest place in the world, with summer highs as high as 130°F and nights that can stay at 90°F. It tells visitors not to hike at low elevations in the heat and to drink at least a gallon of water a day. If you feel dizzy, sick or get a bad headache, stop, get out of the heat and sip small amounts of water every few minutes.

Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.

Low, warm light skims across pale sand dunes. — Death Valley National Park — photo: NPS (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in June

Death Valley averages 73,735 recreation visits in June — 46% of what March, the peak month, draws — this is the second-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.

Average visits (June)

73,735 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

6% of annual visitation

vs. peak (March)

46%

Weather & daylight

Days are seriously hot (highs average 111°F), and even nights stay hot (lows average 84°F). It is typically dry (0.1″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 14.6 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 June.

What to pack for Death Valley in June

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 27°F swing between the average low of 84°F and high of 111°F
Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 111°F
Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention) — at highs of 111°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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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Death Valley are January and February.

Also at their best in June

Other parks whose computed June verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

North Cascades in June — 26% of peak crowds, highs 74°F, score 91/100
Katmai in June — 34% of peak crowds, highs 59°F, score 88/100
Crater Lake in June — 44% of peak crowds, highs 57°F, score 84/100
Olympic in June — 48% of peak crowds, highs 67°F, score 78/100

Common questions

Is Death Valley crowded in June?

Moderately: June runs 46% of the March peak, averaging 73,735 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Death Valley.

What is the weather like in Death Valley in June?

Average highs of 111°F, lows of 84°F, 0.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in June.

What should I pack for Death Valley in June?

A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker); Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity; Electrolyte tablets (heat-illness prevention) — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in July instead? Death Valley in July has its own list.

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