Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park: Weather & Events

When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park, an oasis in the Southern California desert known for its iconic Joshua Trees and giant misplaced boulders?

Having been a temporary Angelino for a few years, Joshua Tree is a go-to spot for many birthdays and weekend campouts in and around this awesome national park. I’ve been there in all seasons, but spring is my favorite. Warm days, wildflower blooms, and nights perfect for stargazing. 

The weather in Joshua Tree can fluctuate from intense heat in the summer to cool, crisp winters. So, let’s explore the visitor seasons at Joshua Tree:

• Peak Season: November to April
• Shoulder Seasons: March to May and October to November 
• Off-Peak Season: June to September

Next, I will go into the specifics of each season, highlight unmissable events, and provide a monthly breakdown of the climate. Whether you’re planning a day trip to Joshua Tree or an extended stay, hiking the Hidden Valley trail, or photographing Keys View, these are the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park.

Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Best Season to Visit

The prime time to visit Joshua Tree National Park, without a doubt, is the spring season, specifically from March and April. This season is the perfect blend of mild temperatures and blooming flora. It doesn’t happen yearly, but if you’re lucky, you might even witness the giant white desert blooms of the Joshua Trees.

However, due to the favorable conditions, it is also the busiest time of the year, with nearly double the summer crowds, with March and April reaching 300,000 to 450,000 monthly visitors. 

Best Time for Good Weather

For weather perfection, the best months are again, March to May. This spring period gifts visitors clear skies, warm days averaging 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and pleasantly cool nights. Otherwise, fall is also a great time to experience the park’s weather, with temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

Joshua Tree has officially hit over 3 million visitors in 2021. Unlike many heavily trafficked, popular parks in America like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, Joshua Tree is relatively small, so it’s much harder to avoid the crowds. 

To dodge the crowds, you’d have to come during the off-peak season of June through September. Although the scorching summer temperatures deter many, the reduced visitor numbers still are high, with August having the lowest number at over 125,000 visitors. 

Cheapest Time to Visit

If budget is your top priority, brace yourself for scorching deals along with the weather because the cheapest time to visit is during the summer months. While the heat may be daunting, accommodation prices plunge.

Oppositely, there are quite a lot of music festivals in the area. In particular, do not come on the weekends of Coachella, a music and arts festival that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the nearby town of Indio. Accommodation prices in the area skyrocket everywhere.

Best Time for Stargazing

The best time to visit Joshua Tree for stargazing is winter, specifically from November to February. The skies are clear during these months, and the nights are longer. The Park’s International Dark Sky Park designation ensures minimal light pollution, and the moonlight shining on the large boulders is ethereally beautiful. 

Worst Time to Visit

The worst time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is undoubtedly during the scorching summer peak of July and August. With temperatures often soaring over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, even the most seasoned desert adventurers may find themselves wilting under the relentless sun. Hiking becomes a true test of endurance, and the beautiful vistas are commonly blurred by heat haze and California wildfire smoke. 

Park Closures

Joshua Tree National Park operates 24/7, year-round, welcoming you at any hour. The Oasis and Joshua Tree Visitor Centers welcome visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. 

While there are no scheduled park closures, some campgrounds may be closed during the hotter months.

Seasons at Joshua Tree National Park

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the superstar in Joshua Tree National Park’s yearly cycle. A riot of wildflowers paints the desert in a burst of color. Temperatures typically range from a perfect 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, making it ideal for those ambitious hikes. Though, evenings can be a tad nippy, with temperatures dropping to a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

During this season, visitor numbers peak due to the nice weather and blooming vistas, so expect some company on popular trails. 

In terms of events, the Joshua Tree Music Festival in May is a must-attend, combining a love of music and desert in one unforgettable experience. Imagine grooving to global music, surrounded by rugged mountains and clear, starlit skies.

Summer (June to September)

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – summers in Joshua Tree can be intense, with the highest recorded temperature being 115 F. 

But don’t let that deter you. Around 150,000 monthly visitors still brave the heat to experience the famous desert sunsets. If you happen to have a clear night, the Perseids meteor shower in August is a particular highlight.

Though summer is off-peak season, you’ll likely find big crowds on popular trails during weekends and holidays. Most campgrounds are shut down except for a few first-come, first-served sites.

Reptiles like the Desert Tortoise or the Red Diamond Rattlesnake bask in the sun, while nocturnal creatures like kangaroo rats and coyotes emerge as the sun sets.

Fall (October to November)

Fall in Joshua Tree National Park is a sweet spot between the scorching summer heat and the crisp winter chill. The landscape gently shifts from harsh summer tones to softer hues, and temperatures hover around a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

As summer comes to a close, the crowds continue to grow, reaching another peak in November and December, each month attracting over 300,000 visitors. Although not as bustling as the spring season, these months are still filled with activity and holiday getaways. The pleasantly moderate weather makes it a popular destination for hikers and campers who want to avoid the scorching summer heat and chilly winter cold.

For wildlife watchers, you may spot roadrunners darting across trails, jackrabbits hopping around, and bighorn sheep grazing in the cooler weather.

Winter (December to February)

While temperatures drop to a chilly 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the winter air in the desert gets heated by clear, sunny skies that cool down once the sun sets. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and be ready for the occasional sprinkle of snow. One time, I was even surprised by the fact that it was hailing!

Winter is also the season for cozy campfires and hot cocoa enjoyed under a blanket of stars. Camping in Joshua Tree during the winter months can be an unforgettable experience. Think unrivaled stargazing, with countless constellations sparkling in the clear, cold desert sky against the jumbo rock formations and Joshua Tree silhouettes.

This is the season when many desert animals are most active, like the desert bighorn sheep who come down to lower elevations during the winter months.

Joshua Tree Weather By Month

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the average high and low temperatures and precipitation at Joshua Tree National Park:

create a table using only the columns for average low and high and precipitation

Best Time of Day to Visit

I have so many memories in Joshua Tree. As much as I love seeing the silhouettes of the sunsets through the Cholla Cacti, the stargazing nights take the cake for me. Stay in campgrounds with giant boulders for great nighttime photography and a cozy night by a campfire. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect by time of day:

• Morning (6 AM – 10 AM): Refreshing cool air and soft light, perfect for photography and wildlife spotting.
• Midday (10 AM – 2 PM): It can be hot in summer, ideal for shaded trails.
• Afternoon (2 PM – 6 PM): The heat starts to subside, which is great for exploring the park’s numerous trails.
• Evening (6 PM – 10 PM): Witness sunset colors painting the desert landscape.
• Night (10 PM – 6 AM): Unparalleled stargazing and dessert silence

Special Events or Festivals

Many special events and festivals are happening in or near Joshua Tree National Park. Here are a few of them:

1. Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition: An annual event for all of November that showcases artwork inspired by or created in the park.
2. Joshua Tree Farmer’s Market: Happening every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm, the farmer’s market features local produce, crafts, and live music.
3. Joshua Tree Half Marathon: This race runs through the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree.
4. Joshua Tree Music Festival: Twice a year, in May and October, the desert comes alive with music. 
5. Orville Peck Rodeo: A music event scheduled for November in nearby Pioneertown, consisting of Country music and drag under the desert sky.
6. Desert Feel Good Festival: Set for November at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, this festival celebrates the unique culture and vibe of the desert.
7. Morongo Music Festival: A celebration of music in the heart of the desert, with a variety of genres.
8. Coachella: While not technically in Joshua Tree, this world-famous music festival takes place every April in nearby Indio, California. Artists from all over the world come to perform at this event.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

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• Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.