Best time/season to ride to Death Valley?

[Squiggy]

For the last couple years I've been wanting to make a week long vacation trip to Death Valley. One question I have, though, is when would generally be the best time, or even season, to go to Death Valley?

I intend on moto-camping (in your face Rick    ) so I want to go when it's comfortable. I know that's a relative term, but still. I figure "comfortable" would mean cooler daytime temps. But of course that could/would also mean cold(er) nightime temps as well.

From doing a search, I know that some of you have done this trip. So post your comments.

And for those that don't know it, you can get morning reports of Death Valley.



I'm also pondering using this trip to reconnoiter the area for a future back country dirt trip with a possible new KLR. At least I can scout the paved areas.

[VAX]

Spring or Autumn.  The wild flowers bloom in March and April, which can be anything from spectacular to modest.  October and November are nice too and don't attract the crowds of pesky wild flower nerds.

[info]

Not today. Humidity is too high.
Sunny    
107°F
Feels Like
101°F
Updated Jul 21 11:25 a.m. PT
UV Index:       9 Very High
Wind:       From SSE at 9 mph
Humidity:       7%
Pressure:       29.91 in.
Dew Point:       31°F
Visibility:       10.0 miles

[olderigetfasteriam]

I was at Furnace Creek in March a fews years ago. Very pleasant.

[goto]

I went through on Labor Day last year...  If you want HOT... then I would recommend it.
I got there just before the sun set... HOT... went through most of it int he dark... still HOT... BUT... there are some spots that it climbs in elevation to around 3k-4K feet... it was actually a little nippy.

[sfninja]

I went through there a couple of years ago in early January, perfect temperatures, felt like 70F?

[Lawn Dart]

I ride DV in early February each year.  Absolutely love the place in the winter.

[Tar Snake]

I'd go with March or April. Coming from Sacramento you are going to have to take into account that it will be cold most of the way there if you go in winter.

[jwhite518]

I've been there over Presidents Day weekend. Excellent weather in the valley. OTOH, I was once there over the summer and slept nude outside my tent because it was so damn hot.

[VAX]

I was once there over the summer and slept nude outside my tent because it was so damn hot.

Yeah, there's a reason that the main residential area in Death Valley is named Furnace Creek.

Death Valley held the worlds record for highest air temperature ever for many years.  It's since been surpassed by a couple of degrees farenheit in the Middle East.  Nonetheless, you'll want to stay away in summertime.

[Andrew]

Very early spring  

[jude]

Very early spring  

Especially if there are a few good rains prior to your visit.  

[Lawn Dart]

It's since been surpassed by a couple of degrees farenheit in the Middle East.  

Yeah, Fuel-Air bombs will do that ya know...