Death Valley in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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January is one of the best months of the year to visit Death Valley National Park: crowds run 58% of the March peak (93,132 average visits), days average 67°F with 9.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in January
Death Valley averages 93,132 recreation visits in January — 58% of what March, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 67°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 43°F). It is typically dry (0.4″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.9 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 January.
What to pack for Death Valley in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 43°F
- Headlamp — only 9.9 hours of daylight in mid-January
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Common questions
Is Death Valley crowded in January?
Moderately: January runs 58% of the March peak, averaging 93,132 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Death Valley in January?
Average highs of 67°F, lows of 43°F, 0.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, DEATH VALLEY NP, CA US station).
What should I pack for Death Valley in January?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Headlamp; 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 January · Last verified 2026-07-16