Petrified Forest in April: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #2 of 12 months

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Petrified Forest National Park: crowds run 66% of the June peak (42,469 average visits). Weather: highs average 68°F and lows 35°F, with 0.4″ of precipitation and 13.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in April

Petrified Forest averages 42,469 recreation visits in April — 66% of what June, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 68°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 35°F). It is typically dry (0.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 13.1 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US (2 mi from park coordinates, 5,760 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of April.

What to pack for Petrified Forest in April

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 35°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 April

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

• Theodore Roosevelt in April — 7% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 92/100
• Badlands in April — 16% of peak crowds, highs 60°F, score 90/100
• Lake Clark in April — under 1% of peak crowds, highs 46°F, score 89/100
• Voyageurs in April — under 1% of peak crowds, highs 49°F, score 88/100

Common questions

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