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What is the best time to visit Muir Woods?

What is the best time to visit Muir Woods?

Are you wondering what is the best time to visit Muir Woods? Well in this guide we answer all your burning questions and tell you everything from the best day to go to Muir Woods to the best months to visit. 

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What is the best time to visit Muir Woods?

View of Cathedral Grove Muir Woods - Is Muir woods worth visiting?

Is Muir woods worth visiting? Why is Muir Woods so special

One of the things you need to remember about a visit to Muir Woods National Monument is that it is a pretty popular day trip from San Francisco. Therefore you can expect crowds at Muir Woods whatever time of year you visit. 

Also it is important to remember that it is essential for you to have reservations for Muir Woods. The reservation system operates both the on-site parking system and the shuttle bus to the further out parking lots. To book your reservation visit GoMuirWoods.com or call 1-800-410-2419.

However there are definitely some times of day and some months that are quieter than others. On these days you will be able to enjoy the redwoods more peacefully especially in the Cathedral Grove area as well as getting parking closer to the national monument without having to take the Muir Woods shuttle bus. 

In this guide we will tell you what we consider the best day and month to visit Muir woods for less crowds, better weather and more. 

What is the best day to visit Muir Woods?

Muir Woods Trail - Best time to go to Muir Woods

Best time to go to Muir Woods

If you are wondering what the best day to visit Muir Woods is I would have to say midweek. As Muir Woods is so close to San Francisco it is very a very popular place to go for a walk at the weekend with locals.

One reasons for this is that it is very stroller friendly so Muir Woods with Kids is a great place to visit. On top of that the boardwalks in the park make it accessible for everyone. 

However at midweek, even during the summer you will find that the crowds are definitely less. 

Also if you have a chance to visit on a wet or foggy day then you are more likely to experience less crowds than on a sunny day in Muir Woods. However just be sure to check out our what to wear to Muir Woods guide if you are visiting in bad weather. 

Also if you want to have more of a chance to park at the lot closest to the entrance to Muir Woods then you will need to get there early for opening (this is usually at 8am). If you arrive later in the day it is likely you will have to park at the lot further away and take the Muir Woods shuttle. 

If you can’t get there early in the morning however you might want to consider arriving later in the day, around 4pm as the crowds tend to thin out after 4pm. However this will only work if you are planning to spend less than half a day at Muir Woods.

If you want to do one of the longer hikes at Muir Woods National Monument then you will need to be there early in the morning for when the park opens at 8am. 

Note: it is worth packing your day pack correctly as there are limited facilities at Muir woods and if you get there early or stay late facilities like the cafe are likely to be closed. 

What is the best month to go to Muir Woods?

In my opinion there is no wrong month to go to Muir Woods as it is such a special place to visit. But there are better times to visit depending on what is your priority on your visit.

What is the best month to go to Muir Woods for less crowds?

Couple in Muir Woods - What to Wear to Muir Woods

What to Wear to Muir Woods

If you want to visit Muir Woods when there are less crowds we recommend visiting Muir Woods in the off season. Peak Season at Muir Woods is between the months of May to October. During this period you can expect high crowds.

Therefore if you want less crowds you should visit Muir Woods between the months of November to April. Also if you want less crowds then a midweek day is better than the weekend. 

What is the best month to go to Muir Woods for better weather?

If you want to go to Muir Woods when the weather is better then you need to be heading there between May to October. During this time you are most likely to get dry weather, though it is worth noting that it can be foggy in Muir Woods at any time of year. 

If you want to visit Muir woods when it isn’t foggy then you need to head there around lunchtime to be sure that the fog has had chance to burn away. 

How to avoid the crowds at Muir Woods?

If you want to avoid the crowds at Muir Woods a rainy day between November and April would be your best bet. 

FAQS About Visiting Muir Woods?

Is Muir Woods foggy in the morning?

Yes Muir Woods can be foggy in the morning whatever time of year you visit. As such it is also worth noting that the weather in Muir Woods tends to be cooler than in Sausalito and San Francisco and the temperatures in the monument itself don’t usually exceed the low 70’s F (the low 20’s in degrees C)

Is it better to visit Muir Woods in the morning or afternoon?

Depending on whether you want to spend a full day or half a day at Muir Woods will depend on whether you have to arrive in the morning or not.

However if you are only spending half a day at Muir Woods I would still recommend going for the park opening. That is because you are more likely to get better parking in the morning and the crowds will be less. 

Also as the park usually closes at sunset, if you are visiting in winter you will have much less time to enjoy the Redwoods if you visit in the afternoon. Therefore we recommend visiting in the morning especially in the Winter. 

Have you been to Muir Woods? When did you go and what was your experience?