The number of blizzards each year has doubled in the past two decades, according to preliminary research by geographer Jill Coleman at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. From 1960-94, the United States averaged about nine blizzards per year. But since 1995, the average is 19 blizzards a year, she said.

The constantly cold temperatures have allowed each year’s annual snowfall to build up over the centuries without melting. Along the polar ice cap, annual snowfall is only 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm). More precipitation falls along the coast and in the coastal mountains, where it may snow 10-20 in (25-51 cm) per year.

Climate Averages

Annual totals here range from less than 100 to about 200 mm (4 to 8 in). This region is continuously below freezing, so all precipitation falls as snow, with more in summer than in the winter time.

-128.6 degrees

Assab, a small port city in the Red Sea region of Eritrea, ranks as the hottest city in the world, according to climate data.

Death Valley is the hottest place in North America. In summer it is not uncommon for temperatures to swell well above 100 degrees. 1 – 3 people die directly from the heat a year in Death Valley.

Timbisha

The water from the natural springs is non-potable by modern standards (drinking water is provided to the Resort, the National Park Service and the Timbisha Shoshone Indian Tribe).

Consider staying in Death Valley for at least one night. After hiking under the scorching sun all day, you will be tired, and you don’t want to keep driving to your next destination while you are exhausted. There are several hotels in Death Valley as well as nearby Pahrump and Beatty.

Is it safe to visit Death Valley in the summer? Yes, but you must be prepared and use common sense. With an air conditioned vehicle you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Stay on paved roads in summer, and if your car breaks down, stay with it until help arrives.

Hiking seasons The best time to hike in Death Valley is from November through March. Summer temperatures can be dangerous in the park’s lower elevations. Even during spring and autumn the heat can be unbearable for most people.

The hottest, driest and lowest national park, Death Valley is well-known for its blistering summer temperatures. For that reason, the best time of year to visit is what’s considered the offseason in most other parks: mid-October to mid-May.

The two most potentially dangerous animals of the Death Valley area are poisonous snakes and mountain lions. An encounter with either of these is rare but it does happen.

You can actually walk all the way across Death Valley, and the views are worth it, not to mention that you can tell all of your friends how adventurous you are. For GPS coordinates, a map, and more, visit my updated report about crossing Death Valley. The Badwater parking lot is located about 17 miles (26km.)

Death Valley is one of the most beautiful places in California. The geography is different everywhere you look. It is one of my favorite places to go camping. Even if you just pass though, it is worth going.

Death Valley in California is often said to be the hottest place on Earth, holding a blistering record of 56.7 degrees Celsius (or 134.1 degrees Fahrenheit) – but that’s just the warmth of the air. In 2004 to 2007 and 2009, this slice of sand experienced the highest surface temperatures on Earth.