As national park rangers who live and work in Death Valley, every year we get numerous questions from curious park visitors as well as national and international news media all curious about the same thing: what is is like to live and work in the hottest place on Earth? Frequently Asked Questions Death Valley’s high summer temperatures are caused primarily by its topography. The valley floor is below sea level. As the sun heats up the air, it rises, but is trapped by the mountains on either side of the valley. This causes the air to recirculate, heating to extreme temperatures.
Death Valley holds the record for hottest place on Earth, with a recorded 134°F (56.7°C) measured at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. Technically it does, but not to temperatures that many people would call "cool." During the heat of the summer, temperatures at midnight often range from 100-110°F. The coolest hours are around 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., when it is usually 85-95°F. Some nights never drop below 100°F. Very few people have experienced what 130 degrees Fahrenheit air temperature feels like. Furnace Creek's weather station holds the distinction of being the only place in the world that has recorded temperatures this high several times over: in 1913 (130, 131, and 134 degrees), 2020 (129.9 degrees) and 2021 (130.1 degrees). Mitribah, Kuwait, holds the next hottest record, having measured 129.2 degrees in 2016.
On average, someone dies from a suspected heat related illness about every other year.
Park rangers responsd to overheated park visitors multiple times per week throughout the summer months. However, rescues are not always possible. Park managers will not put rangers' lives at risk for lengthy search and rescue operations in extreme heat, and in extreme temperatures helicopters cannot get enough lift to take off and therefore are not an option for expedited help. Park staff urge visitors to take precautions to avoid these situations. Yes! Death Valley National Park is globally recognized as the hottest place on Earth, and people travel here from around the world to experience the extreme heat.
In fact, August is often our second busiest month with an increase in international travelers, often coming from Europe and interested in experiencing what 50° Celsius feels like. During the extreme summer heat, visitors can still enjoy the park's scenic vistas and overlooks from air conditioned vehicles, by short early morning walks, or heading to higher elevations where temperatures are cooler. More information on summer trip planning can be found on our Death Valley Summer Visit page. Weather Data InformationThe National Weather Service (NWS) collects and maintains weather data taken at Death Valley National Park. For information about weather data, please visit the NWS' website at: Archived Heat Press Releases2021: Hottest June on Record |
Last updated: May 1, 2024