Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park
Planning a trip to Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona? This data-driven guide breaks down every month of the year so you can pick the perfect time to visit. With 221,390 acres, 15 trails, and 620,000 annual visitors, timing your trip right can mean the difference between fighting crowds and having trails to yourself.
Best Months to Visit Petrified Forest National Park
Based on historical weather data, March and April and October deliver the best visiting conditions at Petrified Forest 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 | 46° | 19° | 0.5" | 3 | 22 | Low | Great |
| February | 51° | 23° | 0.5" | 3 | 20 | Low | Great |
| March | 58° | 28° | 0.6" | 3 | 22 | Moderate to High | Peak |
| April | 66° | 34° | 0.4" | 2 | 24 | Moderate to High | Peak |
| May | 76° | 43° | 0.4" | 2 | 26 | Moderate | Great |
| June | 87° | 52° | 0.3" | 2 | 27 | High | Good |
| July | 91° | 60° | 1.2" | 7 | 20 | High | Off-Season |
| August | 88° | 58° | 1.5" | 8 | 19 | High | Good |
| September | 82° | 50° | 1" | 5 | 22 | Moderate | Great |
| October | 68° | 37° | 0.8" | 4 | 23 | Moderate to High | Peak |
| November | 55° | 26° | 0.5" | 3 | 22 | Low | Great |
| December | 45° | 19° | 0.5" | 3 | 21 | Low | Great |
January
GreatJanuary offers pleasant conditions at Petrified Forest National Park with comfortable temperatures between 19°F and 46°F. With 22 sunny days and only 0.5 inches of precipitation, you will enjoy good trail conditions and often lighter crowds than the peak months.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
February
GreatFebruary offers pleasant conditions at Petrified Forest National Park with comfortable temperatures between 23°F and 51°F. With 20 sunny days and only 0.5 inches of precipitation, you will enjoy good trail conditions and often lighter crowds than the peak months.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
March
PeakMarch is one of the best months to visit Petrified Forest National Park with average highs of 58°F and only 0.6 inches of precipitation. Expect 22 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 28°F to 58°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Popular shoulder-season month. Trails are busy on weekends but manageable on weekdays.
April
PeakApril is one of the best months to visit Petrified Forest National Park with average highs of 66°F and only 0.4 inches of precipitation. Expect 24 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 34°F to 66°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Popular shoulder-season month. Trails are busy on weekends but manageable on weekdays.
May
GreatMay offers pleasant conditions at Petrified Forest National Park with comfortable temperatures between 43°F and 76°F. With 26 sunny days and only 0.4 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.
June
GoodJune is a viable time to visit Petrified Forest National Park though you may encounter some weather challenges. Temperatures range from 52°F to 87°F with about 2 rainy days and 0.3 inches of precipitation. Some trails or roads may have seasonal limitations, so check conditions before your trip.
Summer brings families and vacationers. Expect busy trails and limited parking.
July
Off-SeasonJuly brings challenging conditions to Petrified Forest National Park with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 91°F and 1.2 inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation can cause trail closures and hazardous conditions. Visit only if you are well-prepared for the conditions.
Summer brings families and vacationers. Expect busy trails and limited parking.
August
GoodAugust is a viable time to visit Petrified Forest National Park though you may encounter some weather challenges. Temperatures range from 58°F to 88°F with about 8 rainy days and 1.5 inches of precipitation. Some trails or roads may have seasonal limitations, so check conditions before your trip.
Summer brings families and vacationers. Expect busy trails and limited parking.
September
GreatSeptember offers pleasant conditions at Petrified Forest National Park with comfortable temperatures between 50°F and 82°F. With 22 sunny days and only 1 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
PeakOctober is one of the best months to visit Petrified Forest National Park with average highs of 68°F and only 0.8 inches of precipitation. Expect 23 sunny days and temperatures ranging from 37°F to 68°F. Trail conditions are typically excellent, making this an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the park at its finest.
Popular shoulder-season month. Trails are busy on weekends but manageable on weekdays.
November
GreatNovember offers pleasant conditions at Petrified Forest National Park with comfortable temperatures between 26°F and 55°F. With 22 sunny days and only 0.5 inches of precipitation, you will enjoy good trail conditions and often lighter crowds than the peak months.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
December
GreatDecember offers pleasant conditions at Petrified Forest National Park with comfortable temperatures between 19°F and 45°F. With 21 sunny days and only 0.5 inches of precipitation, you will enjoy good trail conditions and often lighter crowds than the peak months.
Off-season with minimal crowds. Some facilities may be closed but solitude is plentiful.
When to Avoid
Peak Holiday Weekends
Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend bring the largest crowds of the year to Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park's entrance fee at $25 per vehicle, 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 Petrified Forest National Parktypically cost $15–35 per night compared to $150+ for nearby hotels. 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 Petrified Forest National Park?
The best months to visit Petrified Forest National Park are March, April, October. These months offer the most pleasant weather conditions, the best trail accessibility, and ideal temperatures for outdoor activities. May typically provides the best overall weather with 26 sunny days.
When is Petrified Forest National Park least crowded?
Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park?
Weather at Petrified Forest National Park varies significantly by season. Summer highs average 91°F while winter highs average 46°F. The driest months are typically June and the wettest is August. Always check current conditions before visiting as mountain weather can change rapidly.
Is Petrified Forest National Park open year-round?
Petrified Forest 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
Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park
Nearby lodging from campgrounds and cabins to lodges and hotels.