California’s National Parks FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting California’s National Parks.

When is the best time to visit California’s National Parks?

California’s National Parks are located up and down the state and cover a mind-boggling range of climates. From the desert landscapes of Death Valley to the peaks of Yosemite, it’s difficult to pinpoint a time of year that is best across the board. However, one can say that the national parks can be divided into two types: parks that should only be visited in the warmer months and parks that should only be visited in the cooler months.

Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Pinnacles National Parks are best visited outside of the summer months as their temperatures can go regularly go up to 40°C or higher. The shoulder months of March to May and October to November are ideal as the temperatures will remain in the 20s. Spring is also wildflower season in Death Valley and the visual phenomenon typically runs from mid-February to mid-April. The same can be said for Pinnacles. Winter is cool but pleasant in these parks and is an ideal time to visit for those who prefer mild weather.

Yosemite National Park is best visited between the end of May when the snow finally melts and the beginning of October. The weather will be mild and warm, all of the roads, trails and attractions will be open, and the wildlife will be out of hibernation. The winter months, which generally last from November to March are cold and snowy, and most of the park will be closed due to the weather’s unpredictability.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are also best visited between late spring and early autumn. Both parks have a huge range of elevations, making summer the best time to visit weather-wise. Come spring, winters’ snow has largely melted, and pockets of wildflowers and pops of colour can be seen across the high alpine between April and June. Winter, which occurs between the months of November and March is when the parks shut down due to heavy snowfall. But for fans of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, these parks still have much to offer.

Redwood National Park is best visited between April and September, as its location on the northern Californian coast means the winters are wet and chilly. Spring is a wonderful time to visit as the woods are at their most lush and green. Summer is the warmest with the temperatures between June and September pleasantly warm for outdoor exploration.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is best visited between June and August, as its location leaves it with very few months of predictably good, warm weather. Winter here is long and heavy snowfall can often last from autumn to the end of May. But the park can be visited year-round as outdoor adventures can be had in every season.

What is the time difference between the UK and California’s National Parks?

GMT – 8 hours

What places combine well with California’s National Parks?

Most of California’s National Parks are within driving distance of a town, city or region that’s worthy of any California itinerary. Redwood and Lassen Volcanic National Parks are north of both San Francisco and California’s picturesque Wine Country, and within easy reach of the Northern Californian coast. Yosemite National Park is located right next to Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras, and Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are just a short drive away. Pinnacles National Park is inland off the Central Coast south of San Francisco, making it an ideal stop before or after a visit to Carmel and Monterey. Channel Islands National Park is off the coast of Santa Barbara, and Joshua Tree National Park is just 30 minutes from the desert oasis of Palm Springs and two hours from Los Angeles.