Climate and monthly weather forecast
Great Basin National Park, NV

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Green lake water, overlooking a forest on the base of the mountain in the Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Green lake water, overlooking a forest on the base of the mountain in the Great Basin National Park, Nevada

The climate of Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, USA, experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate, scientifically classified as BSk under the Köppen climate classification. A predominance of this type of climate signifies an arid, cold desert environment with stark distinction between seasons.

Temperature, rainfall, snowfall, and daylight hours exhibit considerable variations throughout the year. Recorded temperature highs hover between 40.5°F (4.7°C) in January and peak at 85.7°F (29.8°C) in July, showing a significant increase in warmth during the summer months. In contrast, the lower temperatures range from 18.9°F (-7.3°C) in January to 57.4°F (14.1°C) in July, further supporting the notion of a cold desert climate.

Rainfall shows less pronounced fluctuation, maintaining an average between 0.9" (23mm) in June to 1.4" (36mm) in March. Despite the relatively low variability, the months of March, April, and August show slight increases in precipitation. Snowfall is another significant weather phenomenon for Great Basin National Park with drastic variations. Snowfall levels peak at 13.8" (351mm) in February, dwindle to negligible levels in June and July, then ultimately start to climb again, reaching 10.7" (272mm) by December.

Meanwhile, daylight hours extend from a low of 9.8 hours in January to a high of 14.9 hours in June, offering long, sun-filled days for visitors during the summer months.

The best time to visit Great Basin National Park

Considering the overall climate conditions throughout the year, the best time to visit Great Basin National Park falls within June to September period. During these months, temperatures flirt around a comfortable range of 74.5°F (23.6°C) to 83.3°F (28.5°C) coupled with moderate rainfall measuring between 0.9" (23mm) to 1.2" (30mm). More hours of sunlight, extending up to 14.9 hours in June, provide ample daylight for outdoor activities and exploration.

The worst time to visit Great Basin National Park

It’s advisable to avoid the Great Basin National Park during the winter months of December, January, and February. The temperature plunges between 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 42.8°F (6°C), combined with high snowfall levels ranging from 12.8" (325mm) to 13.8" (351mm). The frigid weather and heavy snowfall can make transportation and outdoor activities challenging.

Spring weather in Great Basin National Park

Springtime in Great Basin National Park, observed from March to May, sees a gradual warmth creep into the daily temperatures. They span from 25.5°F (-3.6°C) to 66.5°F (19.2°C), showcasing a significant transition from the harsh winter. Concurrently, the daylight hours stretch from 12 hours to 14.3 hours providing a bright atmosphere. An uptick in rainfall, to 1.4" (36mm) in March and maintaining at 1.2" (30mm) through May, often brings in lushness to the arid landscape.

Summer weather in Great Basin National Park

From June to August, the park experiences the warmth of summer with temperatures soaring from 49°F (9.4°C) to a peak of 85.7°F (29.8°C). A decrease in rainfall to 0.9" (23mm) in June, followed by a slight increase to 1.2" (30mm) in August, delineates the relatively dryer spell. Extended daylight hours, up to 14.9 hours in June, allow plenty of time for visitors to engage in outdoor activities.

Autumn weather in Great Basin National Park

During Autumn, observed from September to November, the park witnesses a progressive decrease in temperature, sliding from 47°F (8.3°C) to 25.9°F (-3.4°C). The daylight hours drop from 12.4 hours to 10.1 hours as shorter and cooler days take precedence. A consistency can be observed in rainfall levels between 1" (25mm) to 1.2" (30mm) throughout these months.

Winter weather in Great Basin National Park

Winters are rough in Great Basin National Park with temperatures fluctuating between 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 41.1°F (5.1°C) from December to February. Heavy snowfall, varying from 10.7" (272mm) in December to 13.8" (351mm) in February, envelopes the landscape in white. Daylight hours dwindle to 9.5 hours in December, presenting a rather cold and dim ambiance to this arid region.

Weather in January

In Great Basin National Park, Nevada, the coldest season takes hold with full intensity during January. Compared to December, the park experiences an increase in snowfall to 12.8" (325mm) and temperatures can drop to as low as 18.9°F (-7.3°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the chilling grip of winter in Great Basin National Park, albeit with slightly increased temperatures. Notably, February brings the maximum snowfall for the year in the park with 13.8" (351mm). As the winter months proceed, daylight hours begin to lengthen, signalling an end to winter's peak. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The icy spell of winter, by March, is beginning to ease in Nevada's Great Basin National Park. The month of March experiences a shift in weather patterns, signifying the onset of spring. Temperatures increase compared to February, reaching up to 48.7°F (9.3°C). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Great Basin National Park, Nevada, sees the full bloom of spring with warmer weather patterns becoming more pronounced. Notably different from March, this month records less snowfall at 7.1" (180mm), showcasing a gradual transition towards summer. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May ushers in a significant shift in climate in Great Basin National Park, with rising temperatures signaling the arrival of summer. Compared to April, May records a drastic reduction in snowfall to 2.1" (53mm) as temperatures rise to an average high of 66.5°F (19.2°C). Weather in May »

Weather in June

As the summer season comfortably settles in June, temperatures continue to rise in Great Basin National Park. With the almost nonexistent snowfall (only 0.2" (5mm)) throughout the month, June signals the height of summer. Lakes and rivers now fully thawed, give a chance for visitors to indulge in water activities such as swimming or fishing. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Great Basin National Park, Nevada offers the warmest month of the year with temperatures reaching up to 85.7°F (29.8°C). As summer hits its peak, July witnesses no snowfall, in line with rising temperatures through the season. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The dog days of summer, August in Great Basin National Park reflects a slight drop in temperatures compared to July. Nevertheless, it is one of the warmest months of the year with temperatures reaching up to 83.3°F (28.5°C) and no snowfall. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the transition from the sweltering summer to the cooler autumn months in Great Basin National Park, Nevada. As temperatures begin to descend from summer highs, reaching up to 74.5°F (23.6°C), September records the first traces of snowfall post-summer at 0.2" (5mm). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October embraces autumn fully in Great Basin National Park, with more comfortable temperatures and increased snowfall than in September. The crisp autumn air alongside trees adorned in vibrant colors makes it an ideal time for photography and leisurely strolls. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in the Great Basin National Park initiates the onset of winter as temperatures begin to decrease significantly over October. A stark shift in weather is visible with increased snowfall to 8.7" (221mm) as the mercury dips to an average of 48.4°F (9.1°C). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December welcomes winter in the Great Basin National Park, Nevada, with lower temperatures and increased snowfall. The month records a considerable surge in snowfall up to 10.7" (272mm) compared to November. White blankets of snow decorate the park, covering every corner with a winter charm. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Great Basin National Park?

In Great Basin National Park, January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 40.5°F (4.7°C) and a low of 18.9°F (-7.3°C).

How much does it rain in Great Basin National Park?

During the entire year, Great Basin National Park aggregates up to 13.31" (338mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Great Basin National Park?

Months with snowfall are January through June, September through December.

How much does it snow in Great Basin National Park?

Throughout the year, 72.52" (1842mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the snowiest month in Great Basin National Park?

The month with the most snowfall in Great Basin National Park is February, when 13.82" (351mm) of snow is typically aggregated.

What is the rainiest month in Great Basin National Park?

The month with the most rainfall is March, when 1.38" (35mm) of precipitation is typically aggregated.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Great Basin National Park?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Great Basin National Park, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.

What is the driest month in Great Basin National Park?

The month with the least rainfall is June, when 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation is typically aggregated.

When are the longest days in Great Basin National Park?

The month with the longest days in Great Basin National Park, Nevada, is June, with an average of 14h and 54min of daylight.

What is the warmest month in Great Basin National Park?

With average high and low temperatures of 85.6°F (29.8°C) and 57.4°F (14.1°C) respectively, July is Great Basin National Park's warmest month.

When it does not snow in Great Basin National Park?

July and August are months without snowfall.

What is the month with the shortest days in Great Basin National Park?

December has the shortest days of the year in Great Basin National Park, Nevada, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.

Average temperature
Great Basin National Park, NV

Average temperature - Great Basin National Park, NV

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (85.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (40.5°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (57.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18.9°F).

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Average rainfall
Great Basin National Park, NV

Average rainfall - Great Basin National Park, NV

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (1.4").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (0.9").

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Average snowfall
Great Basin National Park, NV

Average snowfall - Great Basin National Park, NV

The month with the highest snowfall is February (13.8").
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0").

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Average daylight
Great Basin National Park, NV

Average daylight - Great Basin National Park, NV

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

[Resources]

Great Basin National Park, Nevada, USA

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