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

Best window · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #1 of 12 months

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Petrified Forest National Park: crowds run 33% of the June peak (21,056 average visits). Weather: highs average 53°F and lows 25°F, with 0.7″ of precipitation and 10.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Crowds in February

Petrified Forest averages 21,056 recreation visits in February — 33% of what June, the peak month, draws — this is the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.

Weather & daylight

Days are cool (highs average 53°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 25°F). It is typically dry (0.7″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.9 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 February.

What to pack for Petrified Forest in February

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

• Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 25°F, below freezing
• 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

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