Joshua Tree is a National Park with two different desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado.
It is located in southeastern California, and it is home to amazing geologic features and rich cultural history.
There are different things to do in Joshua Tree year-round, so read on to find out when is the best time to visit according to your needs.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park:
- Temperature-wise is April through May because the temperatures range between 53 during the night to 85 during the day.
- Money-wise, the best time to visit Joshua Tree is September through November.
- To avoid the crowds, visit Joshua Tree in the colder months of November through February.
Joshua Tree National Park is breathtaking all year round. However, what works for some people isn’t working for others.
This is why it is important to plan your trip to Joshua Tree depending on your budget, weather preference, and activities.
The most popular activities in the Joshua Tree are:
- hiking
- camping
- rock climbing
- and horseback riding
The park offers 800,000 acres, but most of it is not accessible by road. This is where hiking comes into play.
There are a lot of hiking trails for beginners and advanced hikers. The only enemy here is the weather.
The best time to hike in Joshua Tree National Park is March through May as the temperatures move between 42 degrees during the night and up to 85 degrees during the day.
You can visit cool places like the Great Burrito, Hidden Valley Nature Trail, and Keys View.
The best time for rock climbing in Joshua Tree is April through May with temperatures moving from 47 degrees during the night and 85 degrees during the day.
What is best about these two months is the fact that there is zero rain and the rocks are not slippery.
Pick one
Biking and horseback riding in Joshua Tree are mostly done from March through May with temperatures between 42 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The park offers 250 miles of riding trails which are well-marked and easy to follow.
Year-Round Temperatures In Joshua Tree National Park
| Month | Low F | High F | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37 | 60 | 2 |
| February | 38 | 63 | 1 |
| March | 42 | 71 | 1 |
| April | 47 | 78 | 0 |
| May | 53 | 85 | 0 |
| June | 62 | 96 | 0 |
| July | 71 | 100 | 1 |
| August | 69 | 99 | 1 |
| September | 64 | 93 | 0 |
| October | 52 | 81 | 0 |
| November | 43 | 69 | 1 |
| December | 35 | 58 | 1 |
What Is Spring In Joshua Tree Like
Spring in Joshua Tree has the best weather. Temperatures are up to the mid-80s, the nights are cool, and the crowds are reduced mid-week.
The wildflowers are booming during spring which makes hiking even better. Outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing are a must if you visit Joshua Three in the spring.
The only downside during spring are crowds during weekends and it only gets worse during school vacations.
The most popular thing to do in Spring in Joshua Tree is to explore the Hidden Valley.
The Hidden Valley is a popular area which amazing desert scenery, hiking, and rock climbing activities. It is located 10 miles from the west entrance, and it is a must-see area.
It has lots of great climbing opportunities and rock climbers simply love this place.
Hikers go to nearby destinations like:
- Skull Rock
- Barker Dam
- and Wall Street Mill
Barker Dam is very famous for wildlife spotting. It is a place where Bighorn sheep like to roam around.
Visiting early in the morning will give you a sense of intimacy while the wildlife is on the move. Reserve the nights for stargazing at Skull Rock.
What Is Summer In Joshua Tree Like
Summer is considered off-season in Joshua Tree because the temperatures in June, July, and August often reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures like this often make hiking, rock climbing, and biking unpleasant and dangerous, to be honest.
It is not uncommon for people to have a heat stroke during the summer. There is still a small window for outdoor activities early in the morning and late afternoon. Just make sure to drink plenty of water.
You can go wildlife spotting at Barker Dam early in the morning and get back to your hotel before 11 am.
After the temperatures cool down a bit, you can visit Skull Rock and stargaze.
Heads Up! Avoid outdoor activities between 11 am and 4 pm. If you choose to go out during the day, make sure that you are in an air-conditioned car.
What Is Fall In Joshua Tree Like
The temperatures in September are still pretty high (up in the 90s) but they start to cool down in October (around 80 degrees).
The autumn brings golden colors all around the rock formations. This is a great time to visit if you are a photographer.
Hiking, biking, and rock climbing are back on the table again because the weather conditions allow it.
There are also several festivals just outside the park called:
- Joshua Tree Music Festival
- and Bhakti Fest
You can visit the Town of Joshua Tree which is a cool place in retro style. It gives off 60s vibes and has a lot of dining options.
There are also a lot of shops around the town that the locals own.
Another cool place to visit in the fall is Jumbo Rocks. It is an area with gigantic boulders great for rock climbing, hiking, and photography.
Other great things to do in the fall in Joshua Three:
- Stargazing at Skull Rock
- Rock climbing in East Wall of Horrors
- Hike on the Fortynine Palms Oasis trail
- Visit the Arch Rock
- Camp
- Off-roading
- Visit the Keys View
- Horseback riding
What Is Winter In Joshua Tree Like
Winter in Joshua Tree is quite chilly. The temperatures range from 43 to 69 and many people are hesitant to visit the park during winter.
If you don’t hate the low temperatures, camping during winter can still be great. Some of the areas in Joshua Tree can become covered with snow which gives the landscape even more beauty points.
You can still stargaze, rock climb, hike, and off-road during the winter months. However, since the temperatures are near-freezing during the night, make sure to bring extra blankets.
Read next – 7 Best Stargazing Spots Around The World
In Conclusion
The best time to visit Joshua Tree depends on your preferences.
Hikers, bikers, and rock climbers tend to visit Joshua Tree from April through May because the temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are enjoyable.
If you wish to save money, the best time to visit Joshua Tree is September through November.
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