Petrified Forest National Park Weather by Month
Planning a trip to Petrified Forest National Park? Weather plays a huge role in what you’ll experience. Located in northeastern Arizona at an elevation of over 5,000 feet, the park experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers, cold winters, and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings. Understanding the climate month by month can help you choose the ideal time to visit.
Unlike many desert destinations, Petrified Forest National Park can be surprisingly cold in winter and occasionally receives snowfall. Summer brings warmer temperatures and the annual monsoon season, while spring and fall offer some of the most comfortable conditions.
Petrified Forest National Park Weather by Month
January
January is one of the coldest months in the park.
- Average High: 50°F (10°C)
- Average Low: 23°F (-5°C)
- Rainfall: 0.8 in (19.9 mm)
- Snowfall: 2.1 in (52.5 mm)
- Daylight: 10 hours
Cold mornings and occasional snow create a unique landscape across the colorful badlands. Dress in layers because temperatures can feel much colder early in the day.
February
February remains chilly but begins showing signs of warming.
- Average High: 54°F (12°C)
- Average Low: 27°F (-3°C)
- Rainfall: 0.7 in (17.6 mm)
- Snowfall: 1.4 in (35 mm)
- Daylight: 11 hours
Winter storms are still possible, though sunny days become more frequent.
March
Spring arrives gradually.
- Average High: 63°F (17°C)
- Average Low: 32°F (0°C)
- Rainfall: 0.9 in (21.9 mm)
- Snowfall: 1.5 in (39.2 mm)
- Daylight: 12 hours
March can bring rapidly changing conditions. Days become pleasant for hiking, but nights remain cold.
April
April offers comfortable daytime temperatures.
- Average High: 70°F (21°C)
- Average Low: 37°F (3°C)
- Rainfall: 0.5 in (11.9 mm)
- Snowfall: 0.7 in (18 mm)
- Daylight: 13 hours
This is one of the driest months of the year, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
May
May is considered one of the best months to visit.
- Average High: 79°F (26°C)
- Average Low: 45°F (7°C)
- Rainfall: 0.4 in (11.2 mm)
- Snowfall: 0.2 in (5.6 mm)
- Daylight: 14 hours
Warm temperatures and minimal rainfall create excellent conditions for hiking and photography.
June
June becomes hot and very dry.
- Average High: 91°F (33°C)
- Average Low: 54°F (12°C)
- Rainfall: 0.3 in (6.8 mm)
- Snowfall: 0 in
- Daylight: 14.5 hours
Early mornings are the best time to explore before afternoon heat builds.
July
July is the hottest month of the year.
- Average High: 93°F (34°C)
- Average Low: 61°F (16°C)
- Rainfall: 1.5 in (38.3 mm)
- Snowfall: 0 in
- Daylight: 14.5 hours
Summer monsoon storms begin arriving. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly and create dramatic skies.
August
August remains hot while monsoon activity peaks.
- Average High: 90°F (32°C)
- Average Low: 59°F (15°C)
- Rainfall: 1.6 in (39.6 mm)
- Snowfall: 0 in
- Daylight: 13.5 hours
Thunderstorms may bring lightning, heavy rain, and temporary trail impacts.
September
September marks the transition into fall.
- Average High: 84°F (29°C)
- Average Low: 54°F (12°C)
- Rainfall: 1.2 in (29.6 mm)
- Daylight: 12.5 hours
Temperatures become more comfortable while monsoon activity gradually decreases.
October
October is among the best months to visit Petrified Forest National Park.
- Average High: 73°F (23°C)
- Average Low: 41°F (5°C)
- Rainfall: 0.9 in (23.7 mm)
- Snowfall: 0.02 in (0.6 mm)
- Daylight: 11.5 hours
Cool weather and fewer visitors make hiking especially enjoyable.
November
November becomes colder with occasional snow returning.
- Average High: 61°F (16°C)
- Average Low: 30°F (-1°C)
- Rainfall: 0.7 in (19 mm)
- Snowfall: 0.9 in (22 mm)
- Daylight: 10.5 hours
Expect crisp mornings and cooler evenings.
December
Winter returns fully in December.
- Average High: 50°F (10°C)
- Average Low: 25°F (-4°C)
- Rainfall: 0.8 in (20.4 mm)
- Snowfall: 1.9 in (47.7 mm)
- Daylight: 10 hours
Snow occasionally dusts the colorful landscapes, creating beautiful photography opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park
The most popular months are April, May, September, and October because of mild temperatures and generally pleasant conditions.
- Best weather: April–May and September–October
- Hottest month: July
- Wettest month: August
- Coldest month: January
- Most snowfall: January
- Longest daylight: June and July
No matter when you visit, Petrified Forest National Park offers a different experience each season—from snowy painted deserts in winter to dramatic monsoon skies in summer.
Petrified Forest National Park Weather by Month Table
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) | Sun (hrs/day) | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50 | 23 | 0.78 | 10 | 2.07 |
| Feb | 54 | 27 | 0.69 | 11 | 1.38 |
| Mar | 63 | 32 | 0.86 | 12 | 1.54 |
| Apr | 70 | 37 | 0.47 | 13 | 0.71 |
| May | 79 | 45 | 0.44 | 14 | 0.22 |
| Jun | 91 | 54 | 0.27 | 14.5 | 0.00 |
| Jul | 93 | 61 | 1.51 | 14.5 | 0.00 |
| Aug | 90 | 59 | 1.56 | 13.5 | 0.00 |
| Sep | 84 | 54 | 1.17 | 12.5 | 0.00 |
| Oct | 73 | 41 | 0.93 | 11.5 | 0.02 |
| Nov | 61 | 30 | 0.75 | 10.5 | 0.87 |
| Dec | 50 | 25 | 0.80 | 10 | 1.88 |
Notes:
- Rainfall converted from millimeters to inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm).
- Snowfall converted from millimeters to inches.
- Temperatures converted from °C to °F and rounded to nearest whole number.
20 FAQs About Petrified Forest National Park Weather
1. What is the weather like in Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest National Park has a high-desert climate with hot summers, cold winters, low humidity, and large temperature swings between day and night.
2. What is the hottest month in Petrified Forest National Park?
July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F (34°C).
3. What is the coldest month in Petrified Forest National Park?
January is usually the coldest month, with average lows around 23°F (-5°C).
4. Does it snow in Petrified Forest National Park?
Yes. Snowfall occurs mainly from late fall through early spring, especially between November and April.
5. Which month gets the most snow?
January receives the most snowfall, averaging about 2 inches.
6. Does Petrified Forest National Park experience rain year-round?
Yes, but rainfall is generally light. The wettest period usually occurs during the summer monsoon season.
7. What is the wettest month in Petrified Forest National Park?
August is usually the wettest month, receiving around 1.56 inches of rainfall.
8. When is monsoon season in Petrified Forest National Park?
Monsoon season generally runs from July through September, bringing afternoon thunderstorms.
9. Are summer thunderstorms dangerous?
They can be. Lightning, strong winds, and sudden heavy rain may develop quickly during monsoon storms.
10. What is the best month to visit Petrified Forest National Park?
Many visitors prefer April, May, September, and October because temperatures are comfortable.
11. What season has the best hiking weather?
Spring and fall usually provide the most pleasant hiking conditions.
12. Is Petrified Forest National Park crowded during summer?
Summer can be busy, but extreme heat and thunderstorms sometimes reduce midday activity.
13. How hot does the park get during summer?
Summer daytime temperatures frequently reach 90–95°F (32–35°C).
14. Does the park get cold at night?
Yes. Even during summer, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly due to the high elevation.
15. How much sunshine does Petrified Forest National Park receive?
The park enjoys abundant sunshine, with approximately 10–14.5 hours of daylight depending on the season.
16. Which months have the longest daylight hours?
June and July have the longest days, averaging about 14.5 hours of daylight.
17. Which month is the driest?
June is generally the driest month with only around 0.27 inches of rainfall.
18. Can winter weather affect travel plans?
Occasional snow and icy roads can temporarily affect driving conditions during winter storms.
19. What should I wear when visiting Petrified Forest National Park?
Dress in layers. Temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day, especially during spring and fall.
20. Is Petrified Forest NP open year-round?
Yes. The park is open throughout the year, though weather conditions may occasionally affect some areas or activities.
