Pack plenty of water and sunscreen to avoid dehydration and sunburn on long hikes. Summer in Virginia is hot and humid, and Shenandoah National Parks follows this trend with average high temperatures in the mid-70s. or earlier) or opt for lesser-known trails. Crowds can develop on the Shenandoah's most popular trails (and their parking lots), so plan to arrive early (8 a.m. More than 862 species of wildflowers bloom within the park's boundaries, while migratory birds begin to pass through the park as they travel north. The bit of extra planning proves worthwhile, though, because spring is one of the most charming seasons in the park. Occasional showers also warrant adding a raincoat to your packing list.

Consequently, travelers should prepare for a range of temperatures when visiting the park during spring. Shenandoah's spring temperatures run the gamut from average highs in the mid-40s to the mid-60s, with occasional days in the 70s. At the very least, you'll want to top off your gas tank before entering the park and have warm clothes and blankets on standby. Ultimately, the success of your winter visit to Shenandoah National Park will depend on your preparedness. The park's numerous hiking trails don't close during the winter, though accessing and traversing them may prove challenging to anyone without prior experience.

Skyline Drive remains open through the winter, though work crews may take several days to reopen the park's most popular thoroughfare following winter storms. Winters in Shenandoah National Park welcomes daytime temperatures in the 30s, so be sure to dress in layers. During September, temperatures in Shenandoah can climb into the high 60s and dip to the low 50s, while thermometers top and bottom out in the upper 40s and low 30s, respectively, by November. Those bold enough to brave the crowds are rewarded with particularly stunning views of the park, though they may need to settle for less frequented trails to avoid other hikers. These natural displays draw leaf peepers from the surrounding area and make fall the busiest time to visit the park. Shenandoah foliage explodes into an array of orange, gold and red in the fall.

Skyline drive weather