Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park (Astonishing Views!)

Shenandoah National Park is a great getaway location with impressive scenery and many recreational activities for visitors. So when is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park?

The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is between March and May, when the temperatures fall within an average of 77℉ (25℃).  Hotel fees are relatively cheaper compared to other months, around $55 per night. Also, you'll get the best scenic views of Dark Hollow Falls, Old Rag Mountain, and roaming wildlife in the park.

Shenandoah isn't your typical national Park. It is filled with many inhabitants who have lived there for many decades. The region stands out for its remarkable outdoor view, suitable for many activities and scenic drives.

When Should You Not Visit Shenandoah National Park?

Shenandoah National park is a great place to visit all year round. However, December to February is the least preferable time to visit the Park due to limited recreational activities in the winter months.

Temperature levels drop between 29°F to 39°F, which sees popular spots like Skyline Drive and some other hiking trails close for the winter. Visitations during this period might prevent you from enjoying some of the Park's exciting activities. Nonetheless, aside from missing out on the Park's best scenic view and a few recreational activities, you will still discover some fun things to do.

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Shenandoah National Park?

The cheapest time to visit Shenandoah National Park is usually from August through September, when flight and hotel fees are usually at their lowest (especially in early September). During this period, you can book a flight to the Park for as low as $139 and secure a 1-star rental for a discounted starting price of $70.

Related Read: 10 Best Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park

What Time of Year is the Best Weather in Shenandoah National Park?

January: Skiing and Snowboarding

January is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park. Temperature levels are usually at an average low of -5℃/23℉, which many would describe as pretty cold. The weather is perfect for some winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. So you can grab some sporting gear and spend some time gliding on the mountain at Shenandoah Valley.

Bryce Resort, located in Shenandoah Valley, is an excellent spot for various winter sports and other activities. It comes alive in the winter as the ideal resort for skiing and snowboarding. The resort has up to 8 slopes designed to provide routes depending on your ability.

This means beginners get a chance to participate in this activity without worry. The resort is family oriented. It's a safe spot that offers skiing lessons for children and adults. There's also a spot for other winter sports like ice skating and snow tubing.

• Bryce Resort
• Shenandoah Valley
• Rev3Endurance
• Cedar Ridge Lodge
• Indoor water park in Massanutten

February: Wildlife Watching

February is the best time for Wildlife Watching in Shenandoah National Park. Temperature levels begin to rise slightly, averaging between 10.8℃/ 51.4℉ and 6℃/42.8℉. There are usually fewer crowds which are typical during the winter months. This quiet atmosphere creates the perfect environment to check out the Park's grazing wildlife.

Shenandoah is home to many animals, including rare species. Some of the most popularly cited creatures include woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, Groundhogs, and brown bats. Take a hike along the forest and meadows in Shenandoah Valley to view these animals.

• Shenandoah Valley
• Big Meadows
• Shenandoah National Park
• Nelson County region

Related Read: 30 Top Treehouse Rentals in Virginia

March: Dark Hollow Falls

March is the best time to visit Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures get warmer, with an average of 13℃/ 57℉. This month sees many travelers troop in to experience one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Park. The warm weather adds color and beauty to the atmosphere of this stunning location.

It's a relatively short hike down to this fascinating waterfall, about 134m/440ft in 1.4 miles. It is important to note that the trail down to the Fall is quite steep, which means returning can be a little challenging. Also, pets aren't allowed on this hike due to the steep descent of the trail.

The lovely view of the falls, however, compensates for the trail's steepness.

• Shenandoah National Park
• Dark Hollow Falls Trail
• Virginia

April: Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

April is the best time to visit the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Temperature levels are usually around a daily average high of 19℃/66℉ and a low of 6℃/42℉. The weather during this period is mostly warm enough for a visit to the popular Smithsonian Institution.

This institution has played a major role in preventing wildlife from global extinction. A visit to the biological institute will give you an insight into the research programs put in place to save the animal race. The research center has some interesting sights, such as the Smithsonian National Zoo.

Here you will find some of the rarest species, which include various giant pandas.

• Smithsonian National Zoo
• Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
• SCBI headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia

May: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

May is the best time to visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The weather is warm and pleasant this month—temperatures around 12℃/55℉ offer the perfect opportunity to go on a scenic hike. Hiking along the Appalachian trail is a great way to explore the Park's gorgeous scenery.

Shenandoah is known for its amazing hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy checks the list of one of the Park's most fascinating hiking spots. It connects the ridge with other trails and popular places like Skyline Drive.

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• Skyline Drive
• Northern terminus at the AT trailhead on Rt 522 in Front Royal, Virginia,
• The southern terminus at the Information Kiosk at Rockfish Gap

Related Read: 20 Best Romantic Getaways In West Virginia

June: Massanutten Resort

June is the best time to visit Massanutten Resort in Shenandoah National Park. The summer weather is great for outdoor activities, with temperatures averaging 28℃/83℉. Massanutten is a lovely getaway resort center for all visitors. It includes indoor and outdoor waterparks along with other fun recreational activities.

The resort has an endless list of exciting recreational activities that allows you to make the most of your visit in the summer. It features basketball summer camps, Valley Vortex, Splash-A-Nutten, Rockingham Racer, a virtual reality session, and many more fun activities.

• Massanutten Resort
• Shenandoah National Park Resorts

July: Skyline Drive

July is the best time to visit Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures are usually warm, averaging 30℃/87℉—mostly sunny skies. Many tourists come around the Park during this period to enjoy a scenic drive in the Park. Skyline Drive offers a brilliant view and scenery of the National Park.

Skyline Drive is a beautiful scenic roadway parallel to the entire Park, which also leads to the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. A drive along Skyline drive takes roughly about three hours. This scenic drive will give you enough time to explore the length of Shenandoah Park.

Sections of Skyline Drive are often closed or inaccessible during the winter months.

• Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
• Four entrances to Skyline Drive
• Blue Ridge Parkway

August: Old Rag Mountain

August is the best time to go to Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. The weather is usually warm, staying around 30℃/87℉ for most of the day. The sunny weather creates a perfect time to go hiking along the mountains. The Old Rag Mountain is filled with many rocks, making climbing much more fun.

Enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view that catches your breath as you hike along rock shambles. This hike is one of the most popular activities to do in Shenandoah. Hikers must purchase a one-day ticket to engage in this challenging hike.

On your trip, you will go through various beautiful forests, so keep your eyes peeled as you may spot a few animals. A journey to the mountain's summit is one to have on your list.

• Old Rag Mountain
• 15.1-km loop trail near Etlan, Virginia

Related Read: 25 Best Washington DC Hikes

September: Whitewater Rafting

September is the best time to go Whitewater rafting in Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperature levels begin to drop slightly, usually around 21℃/71℉. The weather is still pleasant enough for outdoor activities like whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah River. Smaller crowds during this period allow you to enjoy the rafting season.

Experience the thrill of floating or paddling the river with soft waves and some water rapids. The pleasant weather also means that the river current is usually safe and easy to ride in clear channels. Whitewater rafting has become a popular activity for most families.

You can rent a four-person or 6 people raft for this experience per mile.

• Whitewater Rafting in Shenandoah River
• Massanutten River Adventures

October: Grand Caverns

October is the best time to go to Grand Caverns in Shenandoah. With temperatures decreasing to 17℃/63℉, tourist visitations begin to wane. This presents a chance to enjoy various fun recreational activities in the Park. Step into Grand Caverns and enjoy a 70-minute watch tour of the country's oldest show cave.

Many describe walking into the cavern as transportation into a magical world. Grand Caverns is a fantastic spot for picnics, tours, events, and retreats. You can also book a rental for as low as $55, from 8 am to dusk.

The cavern opens every day by 9 am.

• 5 Grand Caverns Drive | Grottoes, VA 24441
• The Shenandoah Valley
• Free Movie Night

November: Shenandoah Valley Art Center Inc

November is the best time to visit the Shenandoah Valley Art Center Inc. Temperatures start to peak in the 10℃/50℉ range and can get cold at night. The calm weather during the day is great for checking out various exhibits, artworks, and studios in SVAC.

This non-profit community art center features works of locals and a gift shop. The art center opens every Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am and closes at 4 pm. And yes, pets are allowed in here.

• Shenandoah Valley Art Center Inc

December: Canyon Ice Climb

December is the best time to go Ice Climbing. Winter peaks during this month as daily temperatures drop to as low as 6℃/46℉. Shenandoah gets fewer tourist visits during this month. This off-season means that flight fees are discounted by up to 25%. You can also save at least $100 on hotel fees at this time in the year.

There are usually minimal outdoor activities during this period due to low tourist visitations. However, you can go ice climbing in the Park's snow-capped Mountains. The Whiteoak Canyon, Overall Run Falls, and Crabtree Falls are some excellent mountain locations for ice climbing.

You can rent some ice climbing gear at the Shenandoah Valley Gear Rentals.

• Whiteoak Canyon
• Overall Run Falls
• Crabtree Falls
• Shenandoah Valley Gear Rentals in Shenandoah Valley

How Many Days Should You Spend at Shenandoah National Park?

Ideally, 7 days is a good amount of time to spend at Shenandoah National Park. This should give you enough time to immerse yourself in the Park's beauty and the recreational amenities available.

However, Shenandoah boasts many activities that you might spend longer than intended. At the end of the day, it all boils down to your budget for this getaway experience.

What is The Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park With Family?

June through July is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park with family when the weather is very pleasant and schools are on summer vacation. Temperature levels are usually around 29℃/87℉ during this time. There are also plenty of family recreational activities available at the Park.

Trails and resorts like the Family Adventure Park are always open and ready to entertain large visitors.

When is The Best Time to Visit Massanutten Resort?

June is the best time to visit Massanutten Resort when the temperatures peak at the 25℃/80℉ range. The weather is warm and suitable for playing and experiencing the thrill of the Park's many recreational activities. You can enjoy games such as river adventures, mountain biking, and the indoor waterpark.

Best Month to Visit Shenandoah National Park to Avoid Crowds

November to March is the best time to avoid crowds in Shenandoah National Park. These off-season months are usually quite cold, with temperatures between 6℃/48℉ and 13℃/57℉.

These months can get really cold and wet, so pack some jackets and coats for the chilly weather. On the other hand, Summer is usually the most popular time to visit, hence the busiest time of the year.

When is The Best Time for a Winter Trip to Shenandoah National Park?

The best time for a winter trip to Shenandoah National park is December through January, when temperatures drop to around -1℃ to 9℃/29℉ to 49℉. Snowboarding, skiing, and tubing on the slopes in the Bryce Resort are some of the winter activities available. So pick up a few gears and prepare for an exciting winter experience.