Death Valley in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 59/100 · #5 of 12 months
October is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Death Valley National Park: crowds run 55% of the March peak (88,753 average visits), days average 93°F with 11.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in October
Death Valley averages 88,753 recreation visits in October — 55% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect warm days (highs average 93°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 64°F). It is typically dry (0.1″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11.3 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 October.
What to pack for Death Valley in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity — highs average 93°F
- 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.
Also at their best in October
Other parks whose computed October verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
- Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
- Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100
Common questions
Is Death Valley crowded in October?
Moderately: October runs 55% of the March peak, averaging 88,753 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Death Valley in October?
Average highs of 93°F, lows of 64°F, 0.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station).
What should I pack for Death Valley in October?
Sun hat, SPF 50+ and 3L+ water capacity; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-12