Timing can make a big difference at Muir Woods. This guide covers the best seasons, days of the week, and times of day to visit the famous redwood forest, plus what to expect if you come when it’s busy.
Weekday mornings in September or October. Warm, clear weather, thinner crowds, and good light through the canopy. If you can only visit on a weekend, arrive at 8 AM when the park opens.
The four seasons at a glance
Spring
March to May
- Weather
- 50 to 65°F, occasional rain
- Crowds
- Moderate (busier during spring break)
- Why come
- Creek runs strong, wildflowers bloom, ferns lush and green
- Best for
- Photographers and visitors who don’t mind some rain
Summer
June to August
- Weather
- 55 to 60°F mornings, 65 to 75°F afternoons
- Crowds
- Peak. Parking often sold out weeks ahead.
- Why come
- Long days, very little rain, consistent weather for planning
- Best for
- Families with school-age children and inflexible schedules
Fall
September to November
- Weather
- 60 to 75°F in Sept/Oct, cooling in November
- Crowds
- Thin after Labor Day; October weekends still popular
- Why come
- Best weather of the year, golden light, salmon start returning
- Best for
- Everyone. This is the ideal season.
Winter
December to February
- Weather
- 45 to 55°F, frequent rain
- Crowds
- Fewest visitors of any season
- Why come
- Fog and mist, salmon spawning in Redwood Creek, no parking stress
- Best for
- Solitude seekers and photographers who love moody conditions
Best day of the week
Crowd levels vary significantly by day. If you can only visit on weekends, arrive as early as possible, ideally when the park opens at 8 AM.
Best time of day
Early morning (8 to 10 AM)
The best window to visit. Parking is available, trails are quiet, and light filters beautifully through the canopy. Morning fog adds a mystical quality.
Midday (10 AM to 2 PM)
Peak crowds. Parking lots fill up and trails get congested near the entrance. Still beautiful, but you’ll share the experience with more people.
Afternoon (2 to 5 PM)
Crowds thin as early visitors leave. Good option if you can’t make morning. Light can be flat, but the atmosphere is pleasant.
Late afternoon (after 5 PM)
Summer only. The park closes earlier in winter. Very few visitors remain, and golden hour light is lovely, but you’ll have limited time to explore.
Three times it’s worth a special trip
Salmon spawning season
From late fall through winter (typically November through January), coho salmon return to Redwood Creek to spawn. Viewing areas along the creek offer a chance to watch them from a distance.
After rain
The forest comes alive after rainfall. Ferns glisten, the creek runs full, and the smell of redwood is strongest. Wait for the rain to stop. Trails get slippery.
Full moon walks
Occasionally the park hosts special full moon walks. Check the National Park Service website for scheduled events.
A quick weather note
Muir Woods has its own microclimate, often 10 to 15°F cooler than San Francisco. Always bring layers, even in summer. The forest floor stays cool year-round. Fog can roll in quickly, and waterproof shoes help a lot in the rainy season.
Before you go
- Parking reservations are required year-round.
- Book 2 to 4 weeks ahead for weekends and summer.
- Same-day availability is possible on weekdays in winter.
- A shuttle tour avoids the parking question entirely.
No matter when you visit, the ancient redwoods offer a profound experience. These trees have stood for over a thousand years. They will be waiting for you.