Most people associate national parks with summer or fall vacations, but for a select few parks, winter is when they really shine. Temps drop, wildlife comes alive, and the crowds thin out.
If wet, dreary winters at home have got you down, consider a trip to these parks, where sunshine is on full display. From California to Florida to the Southwest, check out the desert and island parks that are at their best during the winter.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley in the summer is oppressive, with temps reaching into the triple digits; the heat can even melt the soles of hiking shoes. A visit in January or February, however, is lovely, with highs in the 50s.
The National Park Service (NPS) reports that the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the least busy time of year in the park, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds, it’s a great pick. With elevations as high as 11,000 feet in the park, you may get to observe snow-capped peaks from below.
For a backcountry experience, try the 26-mile Cottonwood–Marble Canyon Loop and explore canyon narrows. Death Valley also has almost zero light pollution, so its night sky is truly spectacular. You can observe the Milky Way clearly in all its glittering glory.
Joshua Tree National Park
Just down the road from Death Valley is Joshua Tree, another park that is also wonderful to visit during the winter season. The park’s drive-in campgrounds can get quite busy, but there’s a remote, quiet 37-mile backpacking trail that showcases the park’s highlights without the noise. I did the trail in late November, and the conditions were cool and sunny.
Joshua Tree is also a climber’s paradise, with thousands of boulders and rope routes. Horseback riding is another popular activity in the park, with designated trails.
Everglades National Park
Anyone who’s been to Florida in the summer knows how intense the humidity can be. Sometimes, it feels like you’re covered by a wet blanket. Visit in the winter months for moderate temps in the 70s that will still help you work on your tan. It’s also far less rainy during the winter, so the odds that your trip will be impacted by a storm are much lower.
The park is home to 36 rare or endangered species, including the American alligator, Florida panther, West Indian Manatee, and multiple kinds of sea turtles. With over 400 species of birds, it’s also a popular spot with bird watchers. There are both drive-in and wilderness campgrounds available.
Saguaro National Park
I once made the mistake of thinking April was an OK time to visit this park near Tucson, Ariz. After hiking in triple-digit weather, I wished I had gone earlier instead. Lesson learned.
Visit in the winter to enjoy stunning desert landscapes, and then hike up mountains for snowy views (without the scorching temps).
The park has no drive-in campgrounds, but it does have multiple backcountry sites. Saguaro National Park receives only about 950,000 visitors a year, making it relatively easy to obtain permits. It’s possible to customize a backpacking itinerary that allows you to explore much of the park that is otherwise inaccessible. If that’s not your vibe, the park is also home to several scenic drives.
Big Bend National Park
The weather window to visit this beloved Texas park is rather narrow: From April to October, the average high is above 90 degrees. Recently, there have been multiple heat-related deaths in the park. For the optimal (and safest) experience, the time from December to February is your best bet.
With a range of activities including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and bird watching, it’s easy to spend at least a week at Big Bend. It also has 100 miles of paved and 160 miles of dirt biking paths. In the winter months, rangers frequently lead free guided programs on stargazing, wildlife, and more.
Canyonlands National Park
In 2025, Canyonlands received over 100,000 visitors in April, May, and September, with those 3 months accounting for over 40% of the park’s annual visitors. Braving slightly cooler temps in the 50s and 40s in shoulder season months like November and February will guarantee fewer crowds and better odds of getting campground reservations.
The park is home to hundreds of miles of trails in three separate districts, so you’ll have ample choices. The most remote district, The Maze, is a popular backpacking destination. Other activities include 4WD touring, climbing, and stargazing.
Channel Islands National Park
Even in the winter, the temps almost never drop below 50 at this park off the coast of California, making it a prime winter getaway. January and February are the rainiest months, so November and December are good times to visit.
This remote park is made up of five distinct islands, all of which have campgrounds. Get around by public boat transport, and take the opportunity to get in some whale watching while you’re on the water. Most of the islands have large harbor seal, sea lion, or elephant seal populations, and visitors are welcome to observe from a safe distance.
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