Petrified Forest in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #9 of 12 months
January is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Petrified Forest National Park: crowds run 37% of the June peak (23,357 average visits), days average 48°F with 10 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in January
Petrified Forest averages 23,357 recreation visits in January — 37% of what June, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 48°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). It is typically dry (0.9″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10 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 January.
What to pack for Petrified Forest in January
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
- Headlamp — only 10 hours of daylight in mid-January
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Petrified Forest are February and April.
Common questions
Is Petrified Forest crowded in January?
No — January is one of the quieter months: 37% of the June peak, averaging 23,357 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Petrified Forest in January?
Average highs of 48°F, lows of 22°F, 0.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US station).
What should I pack for Petrified Forest in January?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; 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