Why Now Is The Best Time To Visit Sequoia National Park’s Lesser-Known, Quieter Cousin

Redwood National Park is one of the only places left in the world where its towering namesake trees, some over 2,000 years old, continue to thrive. During my vanlife years and because an ex-flames family lived in Crescent City, I’ve spent part of two summers near this Northern California national park. During the peak of summer, we cliff jumped in the Smith River during the hot daytime and went tide pooling at the beach during the beautiful sunsets.

Weather at Redwood National Park can fluctuate from wet winters to dry summers. So, here’s a look at the visitor seasons at Redwood:

Peak Season: May to September
Shoulder Seasons: April to May and September to October
Off-Peak Season: October to April

Below, I will also share details of the seasons, any events of the year, and a monthly weather breakdown. Whether you’re going for one day in Redwoods or longer, hiking through the forest, or exploring the coast, these are the best times to visit Redwood National Park.

Sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of redwood trees horizontal shot

Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Redwood National Park is usually in the spring and early summer, from May to September. During this time, you’ll have great weather to find the largest redwoods and hike the beautiful trails. The temperatures are pleasant, and there’s not much rain. Plus, the park’s flora is in full bloom!

This area is famous for the gray whale migration, and November, December, March, and April are the best times to see them. Although you can also catch sight of them in summer too.

Best Time for Good Weather

For the best weather, plan your visit between May and September. Expect temperatures ranging from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, when the weather is usually dry, with occasional fog drifting in from the ocean. It’s the only time warm enough to jump into the ocean or go on a float trip to nearby rivers.

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

For a less crowded experience at Redwood National Park, visit during April to May or September to October. These shoulder seasons tend to have fewer families since schools are usually in session. I’ve only been in the summer, and even then, it was never too crowded.

Best Time for Lower Prices

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly time, plan your visit during the off-peak season from October to April. Nearby accommodations slash their prices significantly during these chillier, quieter months.

Worst Time to Visit

The worst time to visit Redwood National Park is arguably in the heart of winter, from late December through February. During this period, the park has heavy rainfall, leading to muddy trails and limiting access to some areas. Plus, the chilly weather, with temperatures often dipping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, plus the wet weather chills you to your bones.

Park Closures

Redwood National and State Parks welcome visitors all day, all year round. Sometimes, some park areas may be temporarily closed for tree work and may be affected by wildfires in the summer.

bottom view of a hollowed out redwood tree

Seasons at Redwood National Park

Spring (March to May)

As winter’s chill recedes, Spring in Redwood National Park explodes with fresh greenery and wildflowers. Temperatures start to rise, averaging between 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rainfall is less frequent compared to winter, but the weather remains somewhat unpredictable, with occasional rain showers.

Just off the coast, you may see water billowing up. The early spring months of March and April coincide with the gray whale migration.

Summer (June to August)

June through August serve up comfortable daytime temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is pretty rare, so you can expect plenty of sunshine to light up your adventures.

There is a coastal fog from the Pacific that often rolls through, but it actually is quite beautiful in a slightly eerie way. Summers are also wildfire season in California, where smoke and fires may shut down certain areas of the park.

Summer is the most popular time to visit, so you might have to share the beauty of the redwoods with a few more folks than you’d find in other seasons. Trust me, the attractions in the area are not just limited within park boundaries, so it never feels overcrowded.

Summers are the best time to visit redwood national park as the Foggy morning creates a mystical atmosphere with car light coming toward you on the road below

Fall (September to November)

As summer fades, the park embraces the mellow tones of autumn. Mild daytime temperatures sit comfortably between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fog that summer is known for starts to lessen, allowing for clear, crisp days and starry nights, perfect for stargazing. And, while rainfall can start to pick up towards the end of the season, it’s typically not enough to hinder your plans.

This is when Roosevelt elk begin their rut, or mating season, or you may might spot migratory birds passing through the park.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is not the most popular time to visit Redwood National Park. Daytime temperatures can fluctuate between the chilly 40s to mild 60s Fahrenheit. But being so wet, it feels colder than it actually is.

You may find trails softer and muddier due to the frequent rainfall. Winter is the wettest season at the park, with December typically being the rainiest month. My local friends have said that it almost never snows on the coast, but just inland, the entire forest can be blanketed with moderate snowfall.

close up of a squirrel eating a peanut — There are really friendly squirrels around the Redwoods

Redwood Weather By Month

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the average high and low temperatures, along with the average precipitation for each month in Redwood National Park:

Month	Average High	Average Low	Average Precipitation
January	54°F	40°F	10.82 inches
February	54°F	41°F	9.25 inches
March	55°F	42°F	9.11 inches
April	57°F	43°F	6.34 inches
May	60°F	46°F	3.54 inches
June	63°F	48°F	2.01 inches
July	65°F	50°F	0.35 inches
August	66°F	51°F	0.57 inches
September	66°F	49°F	1.19 inches
October	63°F	45°F	4.51 inches
November	57°F	42°F	10.18 inches
December	54°F	39°F	13.70 inches

(Source: National Parked)

Best Time of Day to Visit

The best time of day is definitely the sunset. The sunlight filtering through the trees creates golden rays. You can take amazing pictures with the long road stretching out in front or, alternatively, go for a beach sunset.

Breakdown by Time of Day

Early Morning (6AM – 9AM): This is a quiet time with dew on leaves and the morning light filtering through the towering redwoods. You may spot wildlife like deer or elk munching on their breakfast.
Mid-Morning to Afternoon (9AM – 3PM): Excellent time for hiking or bird watching
Late Afternoon to Evening (3PM – Sunset): The sun begins to set through the trees, and the light casts long shadows and paints a golden glow on the redwoods. Go for a beach sunset and hope that it’s low tide for the tide pools.
Night (Sunset – Sunrise): Stargazing is a must on clear nights.

bottom view of the tall redwood forest at Redwood National Park

Special Events or Festivals

Here are some special events and festivals that happen in or near the Redwood National Park:

Fig Twig Holiday Market: This festive market pops up every year around early November in Eureka, CA. You’ll find unique local crafts, perfect for holiday gifts or souvenirs.
Annual Candlelight Walk through the Ancient Redwoods: Stroll through redwoods lit only by the soft glow of candles in early December.
Annual Run: Lace up your running shoes for this event organized by the Redwood Parks Conservancy. It’s a beautiful way to explore the park and support its preservation efforts.
Run in the Redwoods 5k: This annual 5k run at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park passes through stunning scenery, and you’ll also be contributing to a great cause.
Guided Walks at Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: You can join these guided walks every Saturday and Sunday at noon to learn more about the redwoods.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time!

🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance.

🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park’s Lesser-Known, Quieter Cousin