The Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park
Wondering about the best time to visit Sequoia National Park? While any time is a good time to plan to visit Sequoia, this guide will share the ideal time to visit (in our opinion!)
We’ll break down:
- Weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (so you know what to pack)
- Average daily and monthly visitors (so you know the best month to visit the park!)
- And recommend the best time to explore Sequoia National Park (hint: maybe not summer)
The truth is that the best time to go to Sequoia is any time. This park is home to some of the largest trees in the world. There are quite literally hundreds of giant sequoia trees spread within the park. We hope you feel inspired to plan a trip to Sequoia National Park!
Why You Should Go to Sequoia National Park
Whether you are planning to spend one day in Sequoia or an entire weekend, there are numerous things to do in Sequoia. You can plan time to visit General Sherman or visit the giant forest museum. There are plenty of hiking trails and scenic drives throughout the park as well. What you will marvel at, however, are the giant sequoias. To this day, this park gets near the top of my rankings for most favorite place to visit.
What is the Best Month to Visit Sequoia National Park?
The ideal time to go to Sequoia National Park is in September.
The summer visitor season has peaked and crowds have thinned out. Park roads are still open, the weather will be crisp during the day, and the fall foliage will provide some incredible scenic drives. Since winter has yet to fully arrive, much of the park areas are still open! You will be able to explore the sequoia groves in peak fall splendor! September is a great time to travel to Sequoia National Park.
What is the Worst Month to Visit Sequoia National Park?
While there is no such thing as a true worst time, there are less-than-ideal times to visit National Parks.
In our opinion, the worst month to visit Sequoia National Park is in July.
Hotter than average temperatures in the park, more crowds, and the heightened risk for wildfires, make July a more challenging time to visit. June through August is already the peak National Park season across the country. The same is true for Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
THAT BEING SAID – we took a weekend roadtrip to Sequoia National Park IN JULY. It was still lovely. It was still awesome. And it was the only time we had overlapping vacation. If you want to get into the national park to avoid crowds, it is best to get there early in the morning or stay a bit later into the evening!
But I think it was like 100º when we visited…And we didn’t love feeling hot and crowded!
How Many People Visit Sequoia National Park Every Year?
In 2021, the park hosted 1.2 million visitors.
How many people visit in the Spring?
The Spring season averages about 106,000 monthly visitors.
How many people visit in the Summer?
The Summer season averages about 180,000 monthly visitors.
How many people visit in the Fall?
The Fall season averages about 130,000 monthly visitors.
How many people visit Sequoia National Park in Winter?
The Winter season averages about 47,000 monthly visitors.
If you are looking to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Sequoia National Park is in the Winter and early Spring months.
How Many People Visit Sequoia National Park Every Day?
| Month | Average Daily Visitors |
|---|---|
| January | 2,100 |
| February | 1,935 |
| March | 2,500 |
| April | 3,480 |
| May | 4,335 |
| June | 5,400 |
| July | 6,285 |
| August | 6,135 |
| September | 4,820 |
| October | 3,810 |
| November | 2,200 |
| December | 1,445 |
The month with the highest average visitors per day is in July. So if you are planning a time to visit the park in July, be aware of more crowds!
The month with the lowest average daily visitor count is December. The park in the winter brings some of the snowiest months in Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia National Park Temperature by Month
Foothills Region of the Park (lower elevation)
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Extreme High | Extreme Low |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57ºF | 36ºF | 84ºF | 20ºF |
| February | 61ºF | 39ºF | 85ºF | 22ºF |
| March | 64ºF | 41ºF | 85ºF | 26ºF |
| April | 70ºF | 46ºF | 92ºF | 29ºF |
| May | 79ºF | 52ºF | 104ºF | 31ºF |
| June | 89ºF | 61ºF | 114ºF | 38ºF |
| July | 97ºF | 68ºF | 113ºF | 42ºF |
| August | 96ºF | 67ºF | 111ºF | 46ºF |
| September | 91ºF | 52ºF | 112ºF | 37ºF |
| October | 80ºF | 43ºF | 103ºF | 30ºF |
| November | 67ºF | 37ºF | 93ºF | 26ºF |
| December | 58ºF | 36ºF | 82ºF | 18ºF |
Sequoia Groves at Higher Elevation
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Extreme High | Extreme Low |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42ºF | 24ºF | 68ºF | -6ºF |
| February | 44ºF | 25ºF | 70ºF | -4ºF |
| March | 46ºF | 26ºF | 76ºF | 0ºF |
| April | 51ºF | 30ºF | 77ºF | 8ºF |
| May | 58ºF | 36ºF | 83ºF | 13ºF |
| June | 68ºF | 44ºF | 91ºF | 22ºF |
| July | 76ºF | 51ºF | 92ºF | 34ºF |
| August | 76ºF | 50ºF | 94ºF | 28ºF |
| September | 71ºF | 45ºF | 90ºF | 23ºF |
| October | 61ºF | 38ºF | 82ºF | 11ºF |
| November | 50ºF | 31ºF | 96ºF | 4ºF |
| December | 44ºF | 27ºF | 73ºF | -4ºF |
Spring
Spring in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia comes to life in the Spring after a long winter. as the park comes to life after a long winter. In March, however, you can still experience winter-like conditions at higher elevations with snow covering the ground. However, by April, the snow starts to melt, and wildflowers begin to bloom, creating a stunning display of colors. May brings milder weather with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s Fahrenheit (5 to 25 degrees Celsius), making it one of the best times for hiking and camping.
Summer
Summer in Sequoia National Park
Warmer weather bring peak visitor season in Sequoia National Park, as the weather is warm and the roads are generally clear of snow. June offers mild temperatures, while July and August can be quite hot at lower elevations, with temperatures reaching up to the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius). Summer brings some of the best weather to Sequoia. You can easily plan a time to camp or hike, or even just visit the park for a scenic drive. This is the best time of year to visit if you want to explore the park’s high country, including popular destinations like the Giant Forest and Moro Rock.
Fall
Fall in Sequoia National Park
Autumn is fantastic, as the summer crowds have started to thin out, and the trees begins to change colors. September still offers warm weather, making it a great time to explore the park for hiking and camping. By October, temperatures start to drop as peak fall weather in sequoia has arrived. You can expect to experience cooler weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. November marks the transition to winter, with colder temperatures and the likelihood of snow, especially at higher elevations
Winter
Winter in Sequoia National Park
The cooler weather transforms Sequoia National Park into a winter wonderland, with snow covering the park’s higher elevations. December and January are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping below freezing, and snowfall can occur at all elevations. Generally, lower elevation park roads remain open (although you will have to ensure the park is not closed due to snow). Areas like the Foothills Visitor Center and Lodgepole area still accessible and you can enjoy the park’s serene beauty in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Visit Sequoia National Park Any Time of the Year!
Here’s the truth: there is not an absolute best (or worst) time to visit Sequoia National Park (or any National Park for that matter). Every season offers something unique. Whether you are a fan of long summer hikes, trekking in the snow, joining the crowd, or finding solitude, Sequoia National Park will offer something spectacular when you visit.
