If you’re planning a trip to Redwood National Park, timing really matters if you want to get the most out of these ancient giants. The park sits along Northern California’s coast, and that location brings some pretty unique weather patterns that can totally change your visit depending on when you go.
The best time to visit Redwood National Park, weather-wise, is in the summer—June through August—when temperatures are at their warmest and rain is at its lowest. You’ll usually see average temps around 65°F, and not much rain, which is just about perfect for hiking under the towering trees or exploring the coast. Of course, this great weather does come with some downsides that catch a lot of people off guard.
When you get a handle on seasonal weather patterns, you can pick the best time for your own comfort and priorities—maybe you care more about avoiding crowds than about perfect weather. This guide digs into monthly weather, wildlife activity, and practical planning stuff so you can experience the redwoods at their best for your needs.
Quick Summary: Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park
May through mid-October usually brings the best weather, with minimal rainfall and a bit of warmth. If you’re hoping for decent weather without the crowds, the shoulder seasons—April-May and September-October—are a sweet spot.
Ideal Months for Pleasant Weather
May through mid-October is when Redwood National Park really shines. Rainfall drops way down compared to the soggy winters.
Temperatures stay pretty cool all year. Highs usually land between 55-65°F and lows hover from 42-50°F. Even in summer, you won’t get much heat.
The park’s coastal spot keeps things cool. Fog is a regular guest, rolling through the trees and giving the forest that misty, magical vibe.
Summer (June-August) is the driest stretch, with the most daylight. Trails that might be a muddy mess or closed in winter open up. Fern Canyon and other favorites are easiest to reach now.
Best Periods for Fewer Crowds
April through May and September through October are great if you want to see the redwoods without the crowds. These shoulder seasons hit the balance between good weather and fewer people.
Weekdays almost always have fewer visitors than weekends, no matter the season. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, expect big crowds at trailheads and hotspots.
Early October stands out for nice weather and emptier trails. Most summer tourists are gone, and things calm down a lot.
Finding a place to stay gets a lot easier during these less busy months. Campgrounds and hotels open up, and prices often drop from summer highs.
Seasonal Highlights to Consider
Spring (March-May) fills the forest with blooming rhododendrons. Rain usually eases up by late April, but you might still find some muddy trails.
Summer (June-August) is prime time for hiking and camping. Trails dry out, roads open, and you get those long days for exploring.
Fall (September-November) brings clear views and comfortable hiking. Just keep an eye on wildfire season—sometimes air quality or closures can be an issue.
Winter (December-February) is the wettest, with about 9 inches of rain in the peak months. Some places close up, though in drought years, winter can actually be a surprisingly good time to visit.
Seasonal Weather Patterns at Redwood National Park
Redwood National and State Parks get a coastal Mediterranean climate with real differences between the seasons. Temperatures don’t swing wildly—think 41°F to 65°F—but rainfall makes the winters wet and the summers dry.
Spring Weather and Conditions
Spring rolls in from March through May and brings a mix of weather. By late April, the rain starts to back off, making it a nice shoulder season.
Temperature and Precipitation:
- Highs: 55-60°F
- Lows: 42-48°F
- Rainfall: Moderate to light, dropping a lot by May
Early spring trails stay pretty muddy. By May, things dry out and you get better trail access.
Spring Highlights:
- Rhododendrons in bloom all over the park
- Smaller crowds than summer
- Easier to book a place to stay before Memorial Day
Fog often hangs around in the mornings but usually clears up by afternoon. That makes for some dramatic light in the forest.
Summer Climate and Experiences
Summer brings the best weather from June through August. This is when you’ll find warm temps and almost no rain.
Optimal Conditions:
- Highs: 60-65°F
- Lows: 48-52°F
- Rainfall: Almost none
Trails dry out, and you can get to every corner of the park. Even dirt roads like the ones to Fern Canyon open up in summer.
Summer Advantages:
- Longest days for hiking
- Clear skies for great photos
- Everything in the park is open
The Pacific Ocean keeps it from getting too hot. You’ll still see fog in the mornings, but it burns off faster than in other seasons.
Summer weekends and holidays get packed. Trailhead parking fills up fast in the popular spots.
Autumn Changes in Weather
Autumn (September through November) usually means pleasant weather. Early fall, especially, is hard to beat.
Temperature Transitions:
- September-October: Highs 58-62°F, Lows 45-50°F
- November: Highs 55-58°F, Lows 42-45°F
September and October bring clear skies and quiet trails. It’s a great time for photos and peaceful walks.
Fall Characteristics:
- Hardly any rain until late October
- Less fog than summer
- Great visibility for drives
By late November, rain picks up again. Keep an eye on the weather and be ready for changes.
Wildlife starts moving around more as they prep for winter. Elk, in particular, are easier to spot now.
Winter Weather Overview
Winter (December through February) can be tough. It’s the rainiest, most unpredictable time.
Harsh Conditions:
- Highs: 52-55°F
- Lows: 40-42°F
- Rainfall: Up to 9 inches a month in the peak
Heavy rain turns trails muddy and slippery. Flooding can shut down places like Fern Canyon.
Winter Challenges:
- Frequent storms and strong winds
- Low clouds make for limited views
- Shorter days for outdoor fun
Some winters are dry, though, and you might luck out with clear trails and good drives.
Places to stay get a lot cheaper in winter. If you don’t mind getting wet, you’ll see the redwoods in their most mysterious, moody state.
Monthly Weather Guide for Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park has a temperate coastal climate with temps from 41°F to 65°F all year. Most rain falls October through April, while summer brings dry weather and steady coastal fog.
Temperature Variations Month by Month
Winter (December-February) is the coldest. Highs hit 54-56°F, and nights can dip to 41-43°F.
Spring (March-May) warms up slowly. March brings 57°F highs and 44°F lows. By May, it’s about 61°F during the day and 47°F at night.
Summer (June-August) is as warm as it gets. July peaks around 65°F, lows near 50°F. Even then, it rarely gets hotter than 72°F.
Fall (September-November) cools off again. September still feels like summer at 64°F, but by November, highs drop to 58°F and lows to 45°F.
The coast keeps temps pretty steady all year. Bring layers—mornings can be foggy, afternoons sunny, and it can change quick.
Rainfall and Fog Patterns
Wet season runs October through April. December and January are the wettest, with more than 8 inches each month. February to April still gets steady rain.
Dry season is May through September. July barely sees 0.5 inches of rain. August and September are also really dry.
Morning fog is a year-round thing, but it gets thicker in summer. That fog keeps the redwoods happy and makes for some cool, moody photos.
Winter storms sometimes flood trails and roads. Spring shifts from wet to dry, while fall brings back heavier rain after a dry summer.
Daylight Hours Through the Year
Winter solstice means about 9 hours of daylight. December and January are the shortest for outdoor plans.
Summer solstice brings almost 15 hours of daylight. June and July are perfect for long hikes or camping.
Spring and fall have more balanced daylight—around 12 hours in March and September.
In summer, you can see a lot in one day. In winter, you’ll need to start hikes earlier and keep plans tight.
Wildlife Encounters by Season
Wildlife watching in Redwood National Park changes a lot with the seasons. Spring brings migrating birds and elk calves, while fall is great for spotting marine life along the coast.
Birdwatching During Migration Periods
Spring migration, from March through May, brings the most birds. Warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers take over the canopy.
Varied Thrushes get really active in April and May, hanging out in the dense old-growth forests.
Fall migration runs August through October. You can spot raptors like Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks then.
In winter (December-February), you’ll see resident birds like Steller’s Jays, Northern Spotted Owls, and Marbled Murrelets.
Year-round, Brown Pelicans hang out by the coast, and Pileated Woodpeckers stick to the forests. If you’re up early—between 6 and 9 AM—you’ll have the best luck, no matter the season.
Roosevelt Elk and Seasonal Mammals
Roosevelt Elk show up most from September through March. Big herds gather in places like Elk Prairie at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
The elk rut happens in September and October. Bulls get loud and active, so you can spot them more easily, but keep your distance.
In spring, April through June, elk calves are born. Mothers with calves usually stay near meadow edges, so you might see them from the road.
Black bears get busy from late spring through early fall. May to September is your best bet to spot them, especially when they’re looking for berries or salmon.
Gray foxes and bobcats are more active at dawn and dusk in summer. In winter, their tracks show up in the muddy trails, even if you don’t see them.
Best Times for Viewing Marine Life
Gray whale migration happens twice a year. Southbound whales pass by from December through February, and northbound ones return March through May.
Harbor seals and sea lions hang out all year at coastal viewpoints. Pupping season—April through June—brings extra activity on the rocky outcrops.
Summer (June-August) has the calmest seas, so it’s easier to spot dolphins and porpoises.
Tidepooling is best during negative low tides, especially in spring and fall. That’s when you’ll see the most sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs.
From November through March, big storms make for wild waves but make marine wildlife harder to spot.
Tips for Planning Your Trip Based on Weather
Weather at Redwood National and State Parks changes a lot through the year, so you’ll need different gear and safety plans depending on when you go. Park access also shifts with the seasons since road and trail closures happen when the weather turns.
What to Pack for Different Seasons
Spring (March-May) throws unpredictable weather your way, with rain often hanging around through April. Pack waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, and plenty of layers.
Temperatures usually fall between 42-55°F, so you’ll want warm base layers. Quick-dry pants beat jeans when you’re dealing with mud.
Summer (June-August) stays driest, but you’ll still need to layer up. Mornings tend to be foggy, so toss in a lightweight fleece or a wool sweater for those temperature swings.
You’ll want sturdy hiking shoes with decent traction for the dry trails. Sun protection matters, especially when the fog burns off in the afternoon.
Fall (September-November) kicks off dry and then turns wetter as the season goes on. For early fall, bring both summer and winter gear.
By November, rain gear becomes a must. Use a waterproof backpack cover to keep your electronics and spare clothes safe.
Winter (December-February) hits hard with rain. You’ll need a heavy-duty rain jacket, waterproof pants, and gaiters to stay dry.
Layer up with warm, moisture-wicking clothes underneath. That’s your best bet for avoiding hypothermia when it’s cold and wet.
Navigating Park Access and Closures
Fern Canyon closes every winter because of flooding and dangerous creek conditions. Usually, it reopens in late spring once the water drops.
Dirt roads in Redwood National Park get rough or close entirely during big storms. Gold Beach Road and other unpaved routes need a 4WD, if they’re open at all.
Trail conditions change a lot with the season. In winter, expect mud, slippery spots, and fallen branches everywhere.
Park rangers keep closure info updated at visitor centers and online. It’s a good idea to check road conditions before you go so you don’t waste your time.
Coastal areas stay open all year, but high surf and king tides bring real danger during winter storms.
Weather-Related Safety Considerations
Hypothermia risk jumps when it’s cool and wet, which happens a lot in Redwood National and State Parks. Watch for early signs like shivering and confusion.
Cotton traps moisture and stops insulating when wet. Go for synthetic fabrics or merino wool instead—they handle damp conditions way better.
Fog can slash visibility on coastal roads and trails. When fog rolls in, switch on your headlights and slow down.
Falling branches become a real threat during high winds or storms. Try not to walk under big trees if there’s a severe weather warning.
Flash flooding hits creek beds and low-lying spots during heavy rain. Don’t ever cross a flooded stream or drive through standing water.
Emergency communication barely works in the park’s remote areas. Always let someone know your route and when you expect to be back.
Exploring Nearby Destinations for the Optimal Experience
Crescent City has coastal attractions and places to stay just minutes from the park entrance. The Redwood National and State Parks system stretches far past the main visitor spots, with extra groves and trails to explore.
Visiting Crescent City
Crescent City marks the northern gateway to Redwood National Park. The town sits right next to the park boundary.
You’ll find hotels, restaurants, and gas stations within a quick 10-minute drive from most trailheads. The city covers all the basics you won’t find inside the park.
Battery Point Lighthouse is Crescent City’s highlight. You can walk out to the lighthouse at low tide. Built in 1856, it offers guided tours during the summer.
The Crescent City Harbor serves up fresh seafood and boat tours. From December through April, you can join gray whale watching trips—honestly, it’s a fantastic way to see migrating whales up close.
Beachfront Park runs along the coast with picnic tables and easy walking paths. The park connects to several beaches where you can look for agates or driftwood.
Weather in Crescent City lines up with the northern parts of Redwood National Park. In summer, expect 55-65°F and not much rain.
Redwood National and State Parks Beyond the Main Park
The Redwood National and State Parks system covers four different parks that work together. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park join forces with the national park.
Prairie Creek has the well-known Fern Canyon and the Cathedral Trees Trail. If you visit between May and September, you’ll need to book your parking ahead of time, especially in the busy summer.
Del Norte Coast features the Damnation Creek Trail, which leads to secluded beaches. The trail is about four miles round-trip and drops 1,100 feet through some pretty stunning old-growth forest.
Jedediah Smith gives you access to the Boy Scout Tree Trail and the Smith River. On hot days, the river’s actually perfect for a swim.
Each park runs its own campgrounds and visitor centers. At Prairie Creek, you can camp right on the ocean at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground.
Mill Creek Campground at Del Norte stays open all year, which is nice if you’re not a fan of crowds.
All together, these parks stretch across 139,000 acres. You could easily spend several days wandering through different groves and ecosystems in this combined park system.