Winter is a season that many people dread. It’s cold and snowy, the days are short and it can be hard to get out of bed in the morning. But there is one thing you should do this winter: go see America’s national parks!
There are so many great reasons why winter is an excellent time for a visit to any National Park. Here, we’ve narrowed it down to 20 of our favorite national parks to visit in winter.
Read on for the best national parks to visit in winter for unique experiences, fewer crowds, or better weather.
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Why Should You Visit National Parks in Winter?
Each of the 20 national parks to visit in winter that appears on this list offers something you can’t get any other time of year. This could be a unique experience, such as visiting Yosemite for Firefall. It could also be an improved experience that includes better weather or fewer crowds.
That said, visiting national parks in winter does require you to be a bit more prepared, depending on your destination.
What to Expect On a Winter Trip to National Parks
Depending on the park(s) you choose to visit, you may need everything from a parka to a bathing suit. Some of the best national parks to visit in winter are located in the south with milder temperatures while others are high in the mountains for a snowy vacation.
Furthermore, those southern parks are also most common in the winter because of their more pleasant temperatures. You should expect crowds in popular national parks like Big Bend, Joshua Tree, or Everglades National Parks.
On the other hand, visits to snowier locations like Rocky Mountain National Park or Grand Teton National Park may provide a less crowded experience. However, you should expect freezing temperatures in the winter months.
Some national parks have closures in the winter, so you should be prepared for that as well. This may include roads that aren’t plowed or trails that aren’t marked for winter travel.
Best National Parks to Visit in Winter for Milder Temperatures
Joshua Tree National Park
Location: Twentynine Palms, California
Average Temperature: Highs of 58-71°F, Lows of 35-43°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: January-May
Where to Stay: High Desert Motel, Safari Motor Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn
Joshua Tree National Park is a quintessential winter park thanks to its desert locale. In fact, the park encompasses two deserts: The Mojave and Colorado.
Visiting Joshua Tree in the summer can be dreadfully hot with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. This intense heat makes it difficult to enjoy some of the best hikes in Joshua Tree or top things to do in Joshua Tree.
Visiting national parks in winter can often lead to better overnight experiences as well, and camping in Joshua Tree is no exception. The night skies in the park are astounding. Remember to prepare for cold nights while camping in winter, though. Reserve your campsites online at Recreation.gov.
If you’re lucky, you may even have the chance to see Joshua trees covered in snow. This unique sight is one of the most beautiful in the park if you visit at the right time.
Death Valley National Park
Location: Furnace Creek, California
Average Temperature: Highs of 65-77°F, Lows of 39-48°F
Winter Season: November-February
Busy Season: December-April
Where to Stay: The Inn at Death Valley, The Ranch at Death Valley, Amargosa Opera House & Hotel
Death Valley National Park is famous for being one of the hottest places on the planet. It’s no surprise, then, that this park appears on our list of national parks to visit in winter for milder temperatures.
From May to September, average temperatures in Death Valley exceed 100°F. On July 10, 1913, the hottest temperature ever recorded was taken at Furnace Creek in the center of the park. That temperature? A mind-boggling 134°F.
Needless to say, visiting Death Valley in the winter is most ideal. To help you plan, check out our 2-Day Death Valley itinerary, the best hikes in Death Valley, the top things to do in Death Valley, and our Death Valley camping guide.
Everglades National Park
Location: Homestead, Florida
Average Temperature: Highs of 76-79°F, Lows of 57-62°F
Winter Season: December-February
Busy Season: November-March
Where to Stay: Everglades Adventure Resort, Everglades City Motel, Hampton Inn
Fewer mosquitoes make winter an excellent time to visit this diverse Florida park. You can visit Shark Valley for bicycle or tram tours, Flamingo for canoeing, or the Gulf Coast for boat tours and manatees in addition to a plethora of other things to do in the Everglades.
In addition to fewer mosquitoes, winter is also much milder in this tropical paradise. From March to November, average high temperatures here exceed 80°F.
Plus, June to November is hurricane season, a time you may want to avoid due to potential storms and frequent, heavy rainfall.
For more information, read our full Everglades National Park itinerary and our Expert Guide to Everglades National Park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Location: Volcano, Hawaii
Average Temperature: Highs of 69°F, Lows of 50°F (varies wildly depending on where in the park you are)
Winter Season: January-April
Busy Season: April-September
Where to Stay: Aloha Crater Lodge, Volcano Village Lodge, Volcano House
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a fascinating place to visit in any season, but it’s especially enchanting in winter.
This park is one of two active volcanoes on the island of Hawaii (the other being Mauna Loa) and offers visitors unparalleled views of molten lava (when possible). In addition to lava viewing, you can also explore Thurston Lava Tube, hike the steam-spewing sulfur banks of Kīlauea Iki Crater, and marvel at the explosive power of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
Hawaii Volcanoes is one of the best national parks to visit in winter for fewer crowds. Depending on where you go in the park, the weather can change drastically. It has been known to snow at the Kilauea summit in winter, so be prepared. In contrast, the Chain of Craters Road is often dry and warm.
Big Bend National Park
Location: Texas
Average Temperature: Highs of 58-77°F, Lows of 39-55°F
Winter Season: October-April
Busy Season: November-May
Where to Stay: Terlingua Ranch Lodge, Lajitas Golf Resort, Chisos Mountains Lodge
Though temperatures in Big Bend National Park aren’t much higher from May to August (averaging highs of 83-87°F), this desert park offers almost no shade outside of the Chisos Basin district, and even there it’s hard to find.
Winter, on the other hand, offers a plethora of excellent hiking trails and things to do. The high altitude in Chisos Basin keeps temperatures at bay while you explore canyons or hike up mountains with spectacular views from above. Explore more in our 3-day Big Bend itinerary.
In addition to being generally cooler than the summer months due to its desert location, winter is also busier in Big Bend National Park. You can avoid crowds by visiting in the shoulder seasons of October or April when temperatures aren’t quite as high. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are also times to avoid if you hope for a less crowded experience.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Location: Florida Keys
Average Temperature: Highs of 74-78°F, Lows of 65-70°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: November-April
Where to Stay: Courtyard, DoubleTree, Ocean Key Resort, Fairfield Inn, Seashell Motel & Hostel
There’s really only one bad time to visit Dry Tortugas, and that’s during a hurricane. Otherwise, this paradise is always pleasant, but certain times of year may be better for some than others.
There tend to be stronger winds from October to January, which means rougher seas, an important note for anyone with motion sickness.
If you’re hoping to snorkel during your visit, avoid potentially stormy or windy months like August to January. The water is warmest in the summer, but it’s still acceptable to swim without a wetsuit year-round. For warmer water, plan to visit between March and November, or March and May if you want to avoid storms and don’t mind some spring/summer heat.
No matter when you visit, we highly recommend camping in Dry Tortugas if you can manage to snag a reservation. Otherwise, plan an amazing day trip to one of the best national parks to visit in winter.
Saguaro National Park
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Average Temperature: Highs of 65-75°F, Lows of 39-46°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: December-April
Where to Stay: Hilton, Hampton Inn, Hyatt, Holiday Inn Express, Super 8
For another desert park with fewer crowds, check out the breathtakingly beautiful but less popular Saguaro. Just outside Tucson, this park provides amazing recreational opportunities all year long. Enjoying them in winter is best to avoid the heat.
Biking and hiking in Saguaro are great activities year-round, with cooler temperatures making for a more pleasant experience. You can also see the cacti in bloom from January to March.
The park is busier during the winter holidays, so plan for more crowds if this is the time of year you plan to visit.
Biscayne National Park
Location: Homestead, Florida
Average Temperature: Highs of 76-78°F, Lows of 54-57°F
Winter Season: December-February
Busy Season: Steady year-round
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites, Floridian Hotel
In addition to temperatures under 80°F, December-February is also the driest time of year here on the Florida coast. The ocean is also at its calmest. This makes it the perfect time to visit Biscayne National Park if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway.
The park sees a steady visitation year-round, but there’s always plenty of room to find your own private beach spot and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing in the warm water.
There are also some excellent winter festivals, including the Winter Music Festival in February and Biscayne Bay Boat Show in January, making Biscayne one of the best national parks to visit in winter. Read more in our Expert Guide to Biscayne.
Best National Parks to Visit in Winter for Fewer Crowds
Hot Springs National Park
Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Average Temperature: Highs of 51-74°F, Lows of 30-50°F
Winter Season: October-April
Busy Season: May-October
Where to Stay: Arlington Resort & Spa, Prairie Palace Covered Wagon, Hampton Inn
Taking a hot bath in the winter is way more pleasant! Hot Springs National Park is a great place to visit in winter for both milder temperatures as well as fewer crowds.
The park sees its busiest time from May to October, but it’s still much less crowded than many other national parks. This makes it one of the best national parks to visit in winter if you want some peace and quiet.
November through April is the perfect time to visit for hiking and nature walks, as well as touring the historic Bathhouse Row.
Sequoia National Park
Location: Three Rivers, California
Average Temperature: Highs of rain 36-44°F and Lows of 16-23°F in the Giant Forest; Highs of 59-68°F and Lows of 35-45°F in Three Rivers
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: May-October
Where to Stay: Places to Stay Near Sequoia National Park
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing among the Giant Sequoias is an experience like no other, and can only happen at certain times of the year. For the best experience, you’ll want to visit between November and March.
Winter is also a great time of year for snow-related activities in Sequoia’s neighboring parks: Kings Canyon National Park (December through April) and Yosemite National Park (November through May).
In addition to snow in the Giant Forest, visitors can also expect milder temperatures in the foothills of Sequoia National Park. This makes some of the best hikes in Sequoia, like Paradise Creek and Marble Falls, much more enjoyable.
Read our complete guide to visiting Sequoia National Park in winter.
Haleakala National Park
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Average Temperature: Highs of 50°-65°F, Lows of 30-37°F at the summit; Highs of 70°-80°F, Lows of 65-75°F on the coast
Winter Season: January-April
Busy Season: April-September
Where to Stay: Lumeria Maui, Kula Lodge, Hana-Maui Resort
Since Haleakala is located in Hawaii, its temperatures tend to be the same year-round thanks to the park’s proximity to the Tropic of Cancer. That’s good news for people hoping to visit national parks in winter to avoid crowds, including Haleakala.
The park is busiest during the spring and summer months when people flock to enjoy the sun and beaches. If you’re looking for cooler temperatures and fewer people, January to April is your best bet.
For amazing views of the stars, visit Haleakala National Park in winter. The park is one of the few places on Earth with no light pollution. Here’s a list of more of our favorite things to do in Haleakala.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Tropic, Utah
Average Temperature: Highs of 36-44°F, Lows of 11-19°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: April-October
Where to Stay: Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce View Lodge, Bryce Canyon Resort
Bryce Canyon is one of the best national parks to visit in winter for its mild weather. Temperatures are quite pleasant throughout most of November through March, although it’s worth checking ahead since snowfall can occur during this time. When it does, the park becomes a breathtaking winter wonderland.
The park has some unique sights to offer visitors even after all the leaves have fallen off the trees. Hoodoos, rock spires that are a defining feature of Bryce Canyon National Park, look different in every season and should not be missed.
Some of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon include snowshoeing park trails, an experience one can only take advantage of in winter.
Yellowstone National Park
Location: Gardiner, Montana
Average Temperature: Highs of 26-39°F, Lows of 3-13°F
Winter Season: Generally October-May (truly depends on snowfall)
Busy Season: June-September
Where to Stay: Absaroka Lodge, Yellowstone Big Rock Inn, The Roosevelt Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge
The busiest time of year in Yellowstone is during the summer when the park sees an influx of visitors. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and enjoy snow-based fun, visit between October and May.
The winter season provides amazing opportunities to see a different side of Yellowstone. Visitors can partake in snowmobile or snowcoach tours, or head out snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Read more about why winter is the best time to visit in our Guide to Yellowstone in Winter.
Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
Average Temperature: Highs of 58-74°F, Lows of 39-48°F
Winter Season: November-February
Busy Season: May-September
Where to Stay: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel, The Grand Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Grand Canyon Square Inn
Though Grand Canyon National Park is crowded year-round, it’s undeniable that winter is less crowded. There are some closures, including the entirety of the North Rim, but the South Rim is a gorgeous sight after snowfalls.
Visit Grand Canyon National Park in the winter for starry skies and mild temperatures. The winter season is also perfect if you’re hoping to avoid crowds, as many visitors don’t realize that the park offers great opportunities even after all the leaves have fallen off the trees.
Arches National Park
Location: Moab, Utah
Average Temperature: Highs of 44-64°F, Lows of 20-35°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: April-September
Where to Stay: Greenwell Inn, Expedition Lodge, Canyonlands Inn
The wide range of scenery at Arches National Park makes it a popular national park to visit in the winter. The weather is also much more pleasant this time of year.
The optimum time of year to observe the sunset and sunrise while avoiding large groups is between November and March, although snowfall might occur during this period. It’s good to be prepared for closures at any time.
The busy season at Arches tends to be from April-September. During this time, temperatures are a little hotter but the park is open and accessible. If you’re looking to hike some of the best trails in Arches, be prepared for crowds any time of year.
Pinnacles National Park
Location: Paicines, California
Average Temperature: Highs of 59-66°F, Lows of 34-38°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: May-October
Where to Stay: Motel 6, Motel 8
With temperatures often exceeding 100°F in the summer, winter is an ideal time to visit Pinnacles National Park. You’ll also find fewer crowds this time of year, though advance reservations at Pinnacles Campground are still highly recommended.
Winter in Pinnacles is also the rainy season, so pack your rain gear before you go. The park is beautiful in the rain and it’s a great opportunity to see waterfalls.
There are also some great hikes to do, including the Condor Gulch Trail and Balconies Cave Trail.
Zion National Park
Location: Springdale, Utah
Average Temperature: Highs of 48-59°F, Lows of 24-36°F
Winter Season: November-April
Busy Season: April-October
Where to Stay: Bumbleberry Inn, La Quinta, Hampton Inn, Zion Canyon Lodge, Zion Park Motel
Imagine orange and red rocks covered with a dusting of white snow. This picturesque image is what it’s like in Zion National Park in winter.
There are plenty of things to do in Zion in winter, including hiking the Narrows in winter to avoid hoards of people. The park’s other most popular trail, Angels Landing, is not recommended in winter due to snow and ice, however, it never technically closes.
The busy season at Zion National Park tends to be from April-October and the best time of year to avoid crowds (though there’s still a chance you’ll see some) is November through March when snowfall occasionally happens. Even if you only have one day in Zion, it’s worth the trip.
Best National Parks to Visit in Winter for Unique Events
Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite Valley, California
Average Temperature: Highs of 48-58°F, Lows of 27-33°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: May-September
Where to Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Yosemite Inn
Yosemite is easily one of the best national parks to visit in February due to the spectacular Yosemite Firefall. This event occurs at Horsetail Fall when the sun sets just right to illuminate the waterfall in an orange glow, appearing as if it is on fire.
Yosemite is also one of the best national parks to visit in winter to avoid crowds and play in the snow. Be sure to check on conditions before you go, and expect road closures (including Glacier Point and Tioga Pass).
Plan your trip to Yosemite with our Yosemite itinerary, read about the best hikes in Yosemite, and check out the top things to do in Yosemite Valley.
Channel Islands National Park
Location: Ventura, California
Average Temperature: Highs of 65-70°F, Lows of 47-51°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: May-September
Where to Stay: Viking Motel, La Quinta, Clocktower Inn, Motel 6
Channel Islands National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in winter for the chance to see migrating gray whales. Other times of year are best for other whale watching, including humpbacks, but winter is the season if you hope to see the gray whale.
Located about 20 miles off the coast of California, it can be difficult to access Channel Islands National Park. It’s best reached by boat or plane, though there are ferries from Ventura and Oxnard during whale season (November through April). Read more about how to get to Channel Islands and things to do on each island.
Channel Island also boasts unique wildlife year-round including sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, northern fur seals, and island foxes. The best way to experience the park is by spending the night; read more in our Channel Islands camping guide.
Acadia National Park
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Average Temperature: Highs of 29-45°F, Lows of 10-30°F
Winter Season: November-March
Busy Season: June-October
Where to Stay: Anchorage Motel, Bar Harbor Manor, Quality Inn, Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
One of the best national parks to visit in winter offers the chance to see the first sunrise in the United States: Acadia National Park and the Cadillac Mountain sunrise. From October to March, visitors are treated to the nation’s first light from the mountain’s summit.
Cadillac Mountain now requires reservations in the busy summer season, but not in winter. The summit road may be closed, so prepare to hike, snowshoe, or ski to the top for sunrise.
Icy conditions can make some of the best hikes in Acadia dangerous since many include slippery granite rock. However, winter is a great time to visit Acadia for cross-country skiers who can enjoy the park’s carriage roads.
Pin The 20 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
Despite the cold weather, these are just a few of the best national parks to visit in winter. If you’re looking for an adventure, consider a winter national park trip!
From experiencing the first sunrise in the United States to seeing migrating gray whales, these parks offer unique experiences you can’t find any other time of year. Be sure to check conditions before you go and be prepared for anything!
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