Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park

While the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park depends on what you’re looking for, there are a few important considerations when planning your visit.

For me, the best time to go to Joshua Tree is when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are minimal. If you’re at all familiar with my blog you know I love to find opportunities to enjoy the outdoors all to myself, even in the most crowded of destinations.

If this will be your first visit to Joshua Tree National Park, you’re in for a great time. Joshua Tree is one of my favorite national parks and one I think you’ll enjoy visiting as well.

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The Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located about 2 hours east of Los Angeles and 45 minutes northeast of Palm Springs.

In this guide to the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree I’ll be sharing the pros and cons of each season along with some important things to keep in mind during your visit.

Once you decide when you’ll visit the park, this Joshua Tree itinerary will help you identify the best things to do during your trip.

I’ll also be including information on the average temperatures for each season and if there are any special events that time of year you may wish to keep in mind when planning your travels in the area.

If you’ve never visited Joshua Tree before, be sure not to miss Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Keys View, Skull Rock, and my personal favorite the Cholla Cactus Garden. You can see all these locations in one day, but I recommend sticking around for at least two days to enjoy more of the park.

You can easily find each of those destinations on the park map you’ll receive when you enter the park, and don’t forget to admire all those beautiful Joshua trees during your visit as well.

Popular campgrounds inside the park include Jumbo Rocks, Black Rock, Cottonwood and Indian Cove. You’ll want to make reservations online in advance if possible.

Spring in Joshua Tree

Spring in Joshua Tree runs from March – May.

During the spring months you’ll experience mild temperatures and the popular wildflower blooms. Along with the perfect weather and beautiful flowers comes large crowds as well.

Despite spring being the busiest time of year, it’s still a great time to visit. If visiting during the spring months you’ll want to make reservations for camping or other accommodations well in advance.

Since Joshua Tree has such a small number of hotel rooms, vacation rentals and other unique accommodations are very popular here.

AirBnBs in Joshua Tree are the most popular choice and can be found all over the greater Joshua Tree area, including many beautiful options right outside the park entrance.

If looking for a truly unique experience, consider booking a stay at one of these best yurts in Joshua Tree.

If you must visit during the spring months I recommend a weekday visit or just set your alarm to rise early in the morning. Plan to explore the park just after sunrise and before 10:00 a.m. This way you’ll have many park attractions all to yourself.

March and April are the months that receive the most visitors, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Spring Events near Joshua Tree

You can expect the park to be extremely busy while the following events are taking place:

• Coachella Music Festival: April 14, 2023 to April 23, 2023
• National Park Week: April 22, 2023 to April 30, 2023
• Joshua Tree Music Festival – May 18, 2023 to May 21, 2023

Spring weather in Joshua Tree

Spring temperatures in Joshua Tree fluctuate between 48 degrees (F) during the nighttime to around 89 degrees (F) in the daytime.

Summer in Joshua Tree

Summer in Joshua Tree runs from June – August.

Summer is the best time of year to go to Joshua Tree National Park if you’re solely looking to avoid the crowds. Due to the extreme heat during the summer months, you’ll find the park is much less crowded this time of year.

Despite the high desert temperatures, I think visiting Joshua Tree in the summer can be the perfect time to visit if you’re willing to get up early and get your exploring in before midday.

Those willing to brave the midday desert heat will be rewarded with some incredible stargazing opportunities at night.

I just love Southern California hot summer nights and find them perfect for enjoying the night sky. I think you will too.

Summer Events near Joshua Tree

The park may be slightly busier on the dates below due to celebrations in honor of the National Park Service’s birthday and the annual Perseid Meteor Shower.

• Perseid Meteor Shower: August 11, 2022 – August 12, 2022
• National Park Service Birthday: August 25, 2022

Summer weather in Joshua Tree

Temperatures in Joshua Tree fluctuate between 70 degrees (F) during the nighttime to over 100 degrees (F) during the day.

It is recommended that you avoid strenuous activities during the middle of the day, wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring plenty of water.

Fall in Joshua Tree

Fall in Joshua Tree runs from September – November.

The fall months in Joshua Tree are on the busy side, but not quite as busy as spring. Fall is a great time for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

September to November are also great months for camping in the park before the icy winter temperatures set in. Since the crowds are a bit light, you’ll also have a better shot at camping reservations as opposed to spring.

Fall Events near Joshua Tree

The park may be busier during the weekend of the fall version of the Joshua Tree Music Festival.

• Joshua Tree Music Festival: October 6, 2022 – October 9, 2022

Fall weather in Joshua Tree

Fall nighttime temperatures in Joshua Tree are around 45 degrees (F) while daytime temperatures can be as high as 95 degrees (F).

Winter in Joshua Tree

Winter in Joshua Tree runs from December – February.

Winter in Joshua Tree is the second least busy time to visit. You’ll have much cooler temperatures this time of year along with more precipitation. You may even get to experience a little snowfall in the park if you’re lucky.

Winter can be a good time to visit if you’re interested in hiking or strenuous activities. Just keep in mind the days will be shorter this time of year.

If you plan to go camping in Joshua Tree during the winter months be prepared for very cold overnight temperatures. You’ll definitely want to pack extra layers.

Winter Events near Joshua Tree

No major events currently scheduled in Joshua Tree in the winter.

Winter weather in Joshua Tree

Winter temperatures in Joshua Tree fluctuate between 40 degrees (F) during the nighttime to around 65 degrees (F) for daytime temperatures. Rainy days are more common this time of year with February being the rainiest and averaging around 1 inch of rain.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick guide to the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park and that I’ve inspired you to plan a visit of your own. As always, thanks for reading.