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Best national parks to visit in July
All 63 US national parks ranked by July camping weather, using NOAA 1991–2020 averages at each park. Top picks: Wrangell–St. Elias, Channel Islands, Gates of the Arctic, Lake Clark, Crater Lake.
Wrangell–St. Elias
Alaska
100 avg 71° / 43°F · 2.5 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#2Channel Islands
California
100 avg 73° / 61°F · 0.0 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#3Gates of the Arctic
Alaska
100 avg 70° / 49°F · 2.3 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#4Lake Clark
Alaska
100 avg 69° / 52°F · 1.4 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#5Crater Lake
Oregon
100 avg 69° / 41°F · 0.8 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#6Mount Rainier
Washington
100 avg 75° / 46°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#7Sequoia & Kings Canyon
California
100 avg 76° / 46°F · 0.6 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#8Olympic
Washington
100 avg 67° / 54°F · 0.6 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#9North Cascades
Washington
100 avg 78° / 54°F · 1.4 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#10Haleakalā
Hawaii
100 avg 66° / 49°F · 2.7 in
Entry: Sunrise reservation (3–7 am) · $30 per vehicle
#11Lassen Volcanic
California
100 avg 79° / 46°F · 0.3 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#12Katmai
Alaska
100 avg 65° / 49°F · 2.5 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#13Bryce Canyon
Utah
100 avg 80° / 52°F · 1.6 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#14Rocky Mountain
Colorado
100 avg 80° / 48°F · 2.5 in
Entry: Timed entry (May 22–Oct 12, 2026) · $35 per vehicle
#15Glacier
Montana
100 avg 80° / 50°F · 1.4 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
Key dates in July
2026 fee-free days in July: 3 July, 4 July, 5 July. All free days
Questions
What are the best national parks to visit in July?
Based on NOAA average weather, the mildest parks in July are Wrangell–St. Elias, Channel Islands, Gates of the Arctic, Lake Clark, Crater Lake.
Which national parks should I avoid in July?
For camping weather, Joshua Tree, Death Valley score lowest, because of cold, heat or rain.
Are there free national park days in July?
In 2026, yes: 3 July, 4 July, 5 July (US citizens and residents).
The score (0–100) rates weather only: best with average highs of 62–82°F, nights above freezing and under 3 inches of precipitation. It doesn't account for road closures, crowds or snow on high trails; check each park guide. All park guides
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