The best U.S. national parks to visit in winter

Winter may be considered the offseason at many national parks, when snow limits access to high roads and trails and campgrounds shut down. But for other parks, this time of year is the best time to visit. Cooler temperatures, better wildlife viewing and easier trail access make winter prime season for exploring deserts, subtropical wetlands and island landscapes.

Below, I've gathered my recommendations for America's top national parks to visit in winter, based on my 15-plus years as a travel journalist and many years guiding in national parks. Winter isn't the only time to visit these parks, but it's often the optimal time to experience them.

Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks

The reasons for traveling to Hawaii during the winter months are probably obvious enough, but escaping the cold on the mainland is only part of the discussion. Winter is an excellent time to visit Hawaii's parks because of the hiking conditions. At Hawaii Volcanoes on Big Island, you can hike through lava fields, including the summit and coastal areas of Kilauea Volcano, without the intense summer heat; in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala on Maui, seasonal rains encourage waterfalls to gush, and the land bursts with green. Winter visitor numbers are higher in December due to holidays, and in March, which marks the start of spring break season for many, making January and February the sweet spot for travelers looking to avoid peak crowds.

Channel Islands National Park 

A winter sailing off the coast of California? Winter is one of the best seasons for wildlife viewing at Channel Islands National Park, located about two hours by ferry off the California coast (ferries available from Oxnard and Ventura). Gray whales migrate past the islands during the winter months, dolphins are commonly spotted in the surrounding waters, and elephant seals bunk up on the beaches to breed. On the islands themselves, cooler temperatures make hiking far more pleasant than during the hot, dry summer months, and visitor numbers are much lower. Winter storms can make the boat ride out a little rougher, but not to worry too much because clear skies and excellent visibility are also common in winter.

Everglades and Biscayne National Parks

These two South Florida parks are prime in the winter dry season, when humidity and mosquitoes are minimal, wildlife concentrates around water sources and daytime temperatures in the 70s make long days outdoors comfortable. Getting out on the water is a must at both Biscayne and the Everglades, the former offering excellent snorkeling and access to the historic Stiltsville houses and the latter more adventurous kayaking and airboat tours. The parks are less than an hour apart, making it easy to visit both in one trip. A winter visit to South Florida can also include plenty of beach time and even an extended road trip into the nearby Florida Keys.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Speaking of the Keys, Dry Tortugas is another extremely remote national park, reachable only by ferry or seaplane from Key West. If there's a time to go, it's winter, when cooler temperatures make exploring historic Fort Jefferson more comfortable and visibility for snorkeling around the reefs is excellent. It's possible to camp on the island overnight, which is much more comfortable in winter than summer or visit on a day trip. Since only 1% of the park is dry land, plan to spend time in the water and pack accordingly.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend feels made for winter. The South Texas summer heat can be extreme, but winter days in the mid-60s are ideal for long desert hikes like the Lost Mine and Window trails, and nights are crisp and clear, perfect for dark-sky stargazing around a campfire. The Chisos Mountains provide a cooler, higher-elevation contrast above the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, while along the Rio Grande, Santa Elena Canyon glows in the low winter light at sunset, a draw for professional and amateur photographers alike.

Death Valley National Park

In summer, Death Valley lives up to its name, with temperatures rising above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for four months of the year and above 90 degrees for five to six months. Daytime temperatures in winter are far more pleasant, especially for hiking and exploring Badwater Basin, America's lowest point at 282 feet below sea level. Wildflower blooms are possible in late winter, and the park's signature scenic drive to Dante's View is much more comfortable in winter with the windows down.

Joshua Tree National Park

Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree offers a blend of twisted yuccas, granite monoliths and open skies. Late winter, particularly February and March, is the park's sweet spot before seasonal heat limits daytime activities, but November through April generally brings comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures in the high 50s to low 70s. Sunrise and sunset are especially striking this time of year, when low winter light turns the boulder fields gold. Hike Ryan Mountain for sweeping views, explore the Cholla Cactus Garden and gather around a campfire at night to enjoy cool evenings and clear skies for stargazing.

Hot Springs National Park

It's not often that a national park's main attraction is indoors, which is part of what makes Hot Springs a strong winter destination. Outdoor activities are plentiful, including hiking the forested trails in the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, but soaking in the historic bathhouses remains the main draw. Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses offer naturally heated thermal waters for soaking, along with additional spa services. The park is typically quieter in winter than in the hot, humid summer, allowing visitors to experience the bathhouses with fewer crowds. Plan a morning hike before retreating indoors for warmth and relaxation.