Death Valley in late May

[smrad]

hi,

Has anyone here been in Death Valley in mid/ late May? Is it unbearably hot and not worth it? I have a SoCal trip coming up in May 2013 and was very interested in checking out Death valley.

[Roman Racela]

May is not that bad. Forget about going there in June, July and August.

[Peter McLennan]

Depends on the year.  I was there on April 1st in 2011 and it was record temps.  90F, I think.  It's always cooler higher in elevation.  In other words, you can escape it if you wish.

[langier]

I've made more than 30 trips through the years to Death Valley but only a couple of times in May. However, I've traveled throughout the southwest during summer and have enjoyed temps in the 120s in the middle of the night.

It does get hot during midday to late afternoon, ut that's when the light isn't the best anyway except late in the day. Work the light at the edge of the day and spend the rest of the time napping in the shade and swilling beer, water, & gatoraide.

Overall, the desert light in the summer can be beautiful but quite deadly if you are not prepared and in shape and making sure both you and your vehicle are prepared for the heat.

[pluton]

I've been to Eureka Dunes(3000' elevation) in May;  it was hot, but not 'German Tourists Found Dead Near Abandoned Car' hot;  maybe 90-100ºF day, 80-90ºF at night.

[Frank Sirona]

Can´t you find German tourists dead near abandoned car any time of the year?