Quote Originally Posted by Midwest Michael View Post
Death Valley is open year round, and in May it won't even be "hot" yet - at least not compared to the temperatures in July and August.
That is true. However it is all relevant - depends on how used you are to hot weather.. I have a photo taken in the first week of May (can't recall which year) of the thermometre and clock side by side. At 10am it was 110F.

Yes, it is always safe to drive through Death Valley, and recommended. It is an incredible landscape. The car will be fine, and will have good air conditioning. Be sure to carry ample drinking water, hats and sunscreen, and stay on the paved roads. At some of the attractions you will want to get out of the car. When I was there I left the engine and air con running for the few minutes I spent looking around and taking pictures.

Lifey