Best time to visit Joshua Tree

March to April and October to November. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

March to April and October to November

Spring and fall: comfortable temperatures for hiking, climbing and stargazing. March to April brings wildflowers; summer is very hot.

“the best months to visit Joshua Tree are March, April, October, and November.” thetopvillas.com
“The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is March–April and October–November.” nationalparksjournal.org
“I definitely recommend a March/April visit or an October visit.” destinationdaydreamer.com

5 of the 8 travel guides we read name these months.

Joshua Tree month by month

Average high and low in Joshua Tree

January59°F / 35°FChecking fares…January is one of the quietest months, good for stargazing and shorter hikes.Wildflowers often start blooming in January and February at lower elevations.January and February are among the wetter months, though rainfall stays low.
February61°F / 37°FChecking fares…February to April is usually best for wildflowers.January, February and August are the cheapest months, with fewer crowds.
Best timeMarch66°F / 40°FChecking fares…March is the busiest month on average.Spring break crowds run from March to mid-April.March and April are best for desert blooms such as lupine and poppies.
Best timeApril75°F / 45°FChecking fares…April is one of the best months for hiking, with mild days and clear skies.Spring brings wildflowers and mild weather; expect some wind and busier trails.
May84°F / 52°FChecking fares…One visitor found May daytime temperatures already in the mid-80s F and felt hotter.The Joshua Tree Music Festival is held in May and October.
June93°F / 60°FChecking fares…Summer from June to September can have intense heat after sunrise and before sunset.Summer days regularly exceed 100°F.
July98°F / 67°FChecking fares…Summer highs are typically around 100°F.Extreme heat is a serious safety risk in summer.
August97°F / 67°FChecking fares…August can feel calmer because of the extreme heat.August has small bumps in rain from summer storms.January, February and August are the cheapest months, with fewer crowds.
September91°F / 60°FChecking fares…Fall, September to November, brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds.Summer heat still applies through September.
Best timeOctober80°F / 49°FChecking fares…October is one of the best months for hiking.October is noticeably quieter than March.The Joshua Tree Music Festival is held in May and October.
Best timeNovember67°F / 40°FChecking fares…November is among the best months, but nights can fall into the 20s F when camping.The Night Sky Festival is held in the fall near the north entrance.
December59°F / 35°FChecking fares…December averages about half an inch of precipitation, sometimes snow at higher elevations.Winter daytime temperatures are around 60°F, good for hiking, with freezing nights.

Weather: Joshua Tree averages (long-term averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Palm Springs from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

October through MayMost visitors arrive then, heaviest on weekends, holidays and spring break.
Spring and holidaysThe park can be very crowded.

Quietest

JanuaryOne of the quietest months.
SummerFewer visitors because of the heat.

Watch for

June to SeptemberSummer is very hot and often not recommended for daytime in the park.
WinterNights can drop below freezing.
WinterRare hail and snow because the park is high desert.
Any timeNo water in the park interior; bring your own.
Early weekMany local restaurants and shops close early in the week.

Questions people ask

Is Joshua Tree good for stargazing?: Yes. Autumn through spring is ideal for stargazing, with cooler, drier nights and little light pollution; summer is best for the Milky Way.

Best time to visit Joshua Tree

March to April and October to November

Joshua Tree month by month

Every date to Palm Springs from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Joshua Tree

March to April and October to November

Joshua Tree month by month

Every date to Palm Springs from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places