Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park
Planning a trip to Redwood National Park in California? This data-driven guide breaks down every month of the year so you can pick the perfect time to visit. With 138,999 acres, 200 trails, and 500,000 annual visitors, timing your trip right can mean the difference between fighting crowds and having trails to yourself.
Best Months to Visit Redwood National Park
Based on historical weather data, June and July and August deliver the best visiting conditions at Redwood National Park. These months combine comfortable temperatures, low precipitation, and the best trail accessibility. Plan your trip during these months for the best chance of clear skies and ideal hiking conditions.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip (in) | Rainy Days | Sunny Days | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54° | 40° | 8.5" | 16 | 6 | Low | Off-Season |
| February | 55° | 40° | 7.2" | 14 | 6 | Low | Off-Season |
| March | 55° | 40° | 7" | 15 | 7 | Moderate | Off-Season |
| April | 57° | 41° | 4" | 11 | 10 | Moderate | Off-Season |
| May | 59° | 44° | 2.2" | 8 | 14 | Moderate | Good |
| June | 62° | 48° | 0.8" | 4 | 19 | Very High | Peak |
| July | 63° | 50° | 0.2" | 1 | 23 | Very High | Peak |
| August | 64° | 50° | 0.4" | 2 | 22 | Very High | Peak |
| September | 64° | 49° | 0.8" | 3 | 20 | Moderate | Great |
| October | 61° | 46° | 3.5" | 9 | 14 | Moderate | Good |
| November | 56° | 42° | 7.8" | 15 | 6 | Low | Off-Season |
| December | 53° | 39° | 9" | 17 | 5 | Low | Off-Season |
January
Off-SeasonJanuary brings challenging conditions to Redwood National Park with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 54°F and 8.5 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
February
Off-SeasonFebruary brings challenging conditions to Redwood National Park with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 55°F and 7.2 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
March
Off-SeasonMarch brings challenging conditions to Redwood National Park with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 55°F and 7 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
April
Off-SeasonApril brings challenging conditions to Redwood National Park with temperatures ranging from 41°F to 57°F and 4 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
May
GoodMay is a viable time to visit Redwood National Park though you may encounter some weather challenges. Temperatures range from 44°F to 59°F with about 8 rainy days and 2.2 inches of precipitation. Some trails or roads may have seasonal limitations, so check conditions before your trip.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
June
PeakJune is one of the best months to visit Redwood National Park with average highs of 62°F and only 0.8 inches of precipitation. Expect 19 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 48°F to 62°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Peak season with large crowds, long waits, and full campgrounds. Book well in advance.
July
PeakJuly is one of the best months to visit Redwood National Park with average highs of 63°F and only 0.2 inches of precipitation. Expect 23 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 50°F to 63°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Peak season with large crowds, long waits, and full campgrounds. Book well in advance.
August
PeakAugust is one of the best months to visit Redwood National Park with average highs of 64°F and only 0.4 inches of precipitation. Expect 22 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 50°F to 64°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Peak season with large crowds, long waits, and full campgrounds. Book well in advance.
September
GreatSeptember offers pleasant conditions at Redwood National Park with comfortable temperatures between 49°F and 64°F. With 20 sunny days and only 0.8 inches of precipitation, you will enjoy good trail conditions and often lighter crowds than the peak months.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
October
GoodOctober is a viable time to visit Redwood National Park though you may encounter some weather challenges. Temperatures range from 46°F to 61°F with about 9 rainy days and 3.5 inches of precipitation. Some trails or roads may have seasonal limitations, so check conditions before your trip.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors. A good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
November
Off-SeasonNovember brings challenging conditions to Redwood National Park with temperatures ranging from 42°F to 56°F and 7.8 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
December
Off-SeasonDecember brings challenging conditions to Redwood National Park with temperatures ranging from 39°F to 53°F and 9 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
When to Avoid
Heavy Rain / Monsoon Season (January, February, March, November, December)
Redwood National Park receives heavy precipitation during January and February and March and November and December, which can lead to flash floods, trail washouts, and hazardous road conditions. Slot canyons and low-lying areas are particularly dangerous during heavy rain events. Monitor weather forecasts closely and be prepared for sudden storms.
Peak Holiday Weekends
Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend bring the largest crowds of the year to Redwood National Park. Expect full parking lots by mid-morning, overcrowded trailheads, and fully booked campgrounds. If you must visit during these weekends, arrive before 8 AM, have backup trail options ready, and book campgrounds or lodging at least 6 months in advance.
Money-Saving Tips
Visit in Shoulder Season (Spring or Fall)
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather at most national parks with significantly lower lodging costs compared to peak summer months. Hotels and vacation rentals near Redwood National Parkcan be 30–50% cheaper in April, May, September, and October compared to June through August.
Buy the America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and grants unlimited access to all 400+ national parks, forests, and federal recreation areas for a full year. With Redwood National Park's entrance fee at Free, the pass pays for itself in just a few visits. It covers all passengers in a single vehicle.
Camp Instead of Staying at Hotels
Campgrounds inside or near Redwood National Parktypically cost $15–35 per night compared to $150+ for nearby hotels. The park offers in-park camping options. Book campgrounds through Recreation.gov as soon as reservations open (typically 6 months in advance) since popular sites fill quickly, especially for summer dates.
Visit on Free Entrance Days
The National Park Service offers 5–6 free entrance days each year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week (April), the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (August), National Public Lands Day (September), and Veterans Day (November). Mark these dates on your calendar to save on entrance fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Redwood National Park?
The best months to visit Redwood National Park are June, July, August. These months offer the most pleasant weather conditions, the best trail accessibility, and ideal temperatures for outdoor activities. July typically provides the best overall weather with 23 sunny days.
When is Redwood National Park least crowded?
Redwood National Park tends to be least crowded during January and February (winter quiet season) and November (between fall foliage and holidays). Avoid holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day for shorter trail waits and better campsite availability. Visiting on weekdays during any season will also reduce your exposure to crowds.
What is the weather like at Redwood National Park?
Weather at Redwood National Park varies significantly by season. Summer highs average 63°F while winter highs average 54°F. The driest months are typically July and the wettest is December. Always check current conditions before visiting as mountain weather can change rapidly.
Is Redwood National Park open year-round?
Redwood National Park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities may close seasonally due to weather conditions. Winter months may bring road closures, limited facilities, and trail restrictions. Always check the official NPS website for current operating status and road conditions before planning your visit.
Continue Planning Your Trip
Redwood National Park Guide
Trails, highlights, visitor tips, and everything you need to know.
Weather & Climate
Full 12-month weather data, charts, and packing recommendations.
Hotels Near Redwood National Park
Nearby lodging from campgrounds and cabins to lodges and hotels.