WEATHER & FORECAST
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Joshua Tree National Park
Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure
Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
Inaccurate Third-Party Apps
Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.
Hourly Forecast
Hour-by-hour outlook for the next 48 hours
Extended Forecast
16-day outlook for Joshua Tree National Park
NWS Detailed Forecast
Official narrative forecast from the National Weather Service
Sunny. High near 100, with temperatures falling to around 98 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Mostly clear. Low around 77, with temperatures rising to around 80 overnight. West southwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunny. High near 98, with temperatures falling to around 95 in the afternoon. West wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Clear, with a low around 71. West southwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Clear, with a low around 70. West southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Clear, with a low around 67. West southwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Source: weather.gov
Sunrise & Sunset
Plan your hikes and photography around the light
This Week's Sun Times
What to Pack Right Now
Personalized recommendations based on the current forecast
Clothing
- Lightweight, light-colored moisture-wicking shirts
- Shorts and breathable hiking pants
- Multiple layers for big temperature swings
- Comfortable hiking socks (wool blend)
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (desert sun is intense)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Polarized sunglasses
- UV-protective lip balm
- Cooling neck gaiter or bandana
Hydration & Nutrition
- Minimum 1 gallon (4L) water per person per day
- Electrolyte powder or tablets
- Insulated water bottle to keep water cool
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Grippy shoes for granite scrambling and sandy washes
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if hikes run long)
- Emergency cooling towel
- First aid kit with blister care
- Trail map or downloaded offline maps
Seasonal Guide
What to expect each season at Joshua Tree National Park
Spring
Spring is the prime window at Joshua Tree, with mild, comfortable days perfect for hiking Ryan Mountain, scrambling Hidden Valley, and rock climbing the monzogranite around Jumbo Rocks. In a good water year, desert wildflowers bloom across the park from March into May — first in the lower, warmer Colorado Desert near the Cholla Cactus Garden and Cottonwood, then later among the Joshua trees of the higher Mojave Desert. Days warm steadily from the 70s in March toward 90°F by late May, while nights stay cool, so big day-to-night temperature swings are the rule. Spring break and wildflower weekends draw the year's largest crowds, so arrive early to beat the heat and the lines at the west entrance.
- Layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons
- Wide-brim sun hat and sunscreen
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Multiple liters of water per person
Summer
NowSummer is dangerously hot at Joshua Tree, with daytime highs routinely topping 100°F in the open Mojave sun and very little shade on the granite. Heat illness is a real risk — the Park Service urges visitors to hike before mid-morning, carry far more water than feels necessary, and turn back rather than push on in the afternoon. Higher spots like Keys View (5,185 ft) and Ryan Mountain (5,457 ft) run a little cooler, and the lower Colorado Desert near Cottonwood is hotter still. From July into September, isolated monsoon thunderstorms can build fast, dropping brief heavy rain that triggers flash floods through the park's washes and dips on Park Boulevard. The reward for braving the heat is some of the darkest, most star-filled night skies anywhere in Southern California.
- Wide-brim sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Extra water (1+ gallon per person per day)
- Electrolytes
- Cooling neck towel or bandana
Fall
Fall is the second prime window at Joshua Tree, as the brutal summer heat breaks and days settle into the comfortable 70s and 80s through October and November. Skies are clear, the monsoon flash-flood risk fades after September, and the climbing and hiking conditions on the monzogranite turn ideal. Nights cool quickly, dropping into the 40s by November, so the day-to-night temperature swing stays large. This is one of the best stretches of the year for stargazing in the International Dark Sky Park, and crowds are noticeably lighter than the spring rush, making it a favorite season for campers chasing Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Park Boulevard sunrises.
- Warm layers for cold mornings and nights
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Hiking boots
- Plenty of water (2–3 liters per person)
Winter
Winter is mild and sunny by day at Joshua Tree, with highs in the low 60s, but nights turn genuinely cold, often dropping below freezing among the Joshua trees of the higher Mojave Desert. Light snow occasionally dusts the boulder piles and higher elevations like Keys View and Ryan Mountain, usually melting within a day, while the lower Colorado Desert around Cottonwood stays warmer. The cold, crisp air and long nights make winter the clearest stargazing season of all in the Dark Sky Park. Pleasant midday hiking, near-empty trails, and frosty granite sunrises are the trade-off for bundling up after dark and watching for occasional winter storms that can briefly slick the roads.
- Insulated jacket, warm hat, and gloves for cold nights
- Layers for big day-to-night swings
- Sun hat and sunscreen for bright days
- Sturdy hiking boots
Historical Monthly Averages
Typical conditions by month at Joshua Tree National Park
🌡️ Average Temperature (°F)
🌧️ Average Precipitation (inches)
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month ratings for planning your trip
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Activities | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| JunNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for Joshua Tree National Park's trails
Extreme Summer Heat & Dehydration
From late spring through early fall, daytime temperatures routinely exceed 100°F with almost no shade on the open granite, and heat illness is the leading cause of search-and-rescue calls at Joshua Tree. Hike before mid-morning, carry at least one gallon of water per person per day plus electrolytes, and turn back rather than push on in the afternoon. On the hottest days, save exposed trails like Ryan Mountain and the Boy Scout Trail for dawn, or skip them entirely.
Flash Floods in Washes & Road Dips
Isolated thunderstorms from July into September can build fast and drop intense rain that sends flash floods roaring through the park's sandy washes and across low dips on Park Boulevard — even when skies overhead look clear. A storm miles away can flood a wash with little warning. Never camp, hike, or park in a wash when storms are forecast, and never drive into water flowing across the road.
Big Day-to-Night Temperature Swings
The high desert cools off dramatically after dark year-round, and a pleasant 80°F afternoon can drop into the 40s or below freezing overnight. Stargazers, climbers, and campers are often caught underdressed once the sun goes down. Pack warm layers, a hat, and a jacket even on hot days, especially at higher elevations like Keys View and around the Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert.
Cold Nights & Occasional Winter Snow
Winter days are mild and sunny, but nights regularly fall below freezing among the boulder piles, and light snow can briefly dust the higher elevations such as Keys View and Ryan Mountain. Snow usually melts within a day but can slick shaded granite and the roads, so carry warm layers, watch for ice on early-morning climbs and hikes, and check road conditions after a winter storm.
Intense Sun & Limited Shade
At elevation in the clear desert air, the UV index runs high nearly year-round and most trails offer no shade among the boulders and Joshua trees. Sunburn and eye strain come fast, even in winter. Wear a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses, cover up with light long sleeves, and take breaks in any shade you can find on longer routes.
Sudden Thunderstorms & Lightning
Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in late summer, bringing lightning, gusty winds, and brief downpours. Exposed boulder summits and high points like Ryan Mountain and Keys View are dangerous during lightning. Plan to be off high, exposed terrain and granite by early afternoon during monsoon season, and watch the sky for building clouds.
Joshua Tree National Park Weather FAQ
Common questions about Joshua Tree National Park's weather, seasons, and forecast
What is the best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park?
The best times to visit Joshua Tree are spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 70s to 80s°F and the rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing are at their best. Spring can bring desert wildflowers in a good water year and draws the largest crowds, while fall offers clear skies and lighter crowds. These shoulder seasons avoid both the dangerous 100°F+ summer heat and the freezing winter nights.
How hot does Joshua Tree get in summer?
Summer is dangerously hot at Joshua Tree, with average July highs around 104°F and August highs near 102°F, and temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F in the open sun with very little shade. The lower Colorado Desert near Cottonwood runs even hotter, while higher spots like Keys View (5,185 ft) and Ryan Mountain are a few degrees cooler. Heat illness is a serious risk, so hike before mid-morning, carry at least a gallon of water per person per day, and avoid exposed trails in the afternoon.
Does it snow at Joshua Tree National Park?
Snow is rare but possible at Joshua Tree. A few times each winter, light snow can dust the boulder piles and higher elevations of the Mojave Desert, such as Keys View and Ryan Mountain, usually melting within a day. The lower Colorado Desert around Cottonwood almost never sees snow. Even without snow, winter nights regularly drop below freezing, and a winter storm can briefly slick the granite and the roads.
When is the flash-flood risk at Joshua Tree?
The flash-flood risk at Joshua Tree is highest during the summer monsoon, roughly July through September, when isolated thunderstorms can build quickly and drop intense rain. That runoff sends flash floods through the park's sandy washes and across low dips on Park Boulevard, sometimes under clear skies overhead. Never hike, camp, or park in a wash when storms are forecast, and never drive into water flowing across a road.
How big are the day-to-night temperature swings at Joshua Tree?
Day-to-night temperature swings at Joshua Tree are large year-round because of the dry high-desert air. A pleasant afternoon can drop 30°F or more after sunset — a warm spring day in the 80s often falls into the 40s overnight, and winter nights routinely dip below freezing. Always pack warm layers and a jacket for stargazing, climbing, or camping, even when the daytime feels hot.
How cold does Joshua Tree get in winter?
Winter days at Joshua Tree are mild and sunny, with average highs around 61°F in December and January, but nights turn genuinely cold and often fall below freezing among the Joshua trees of the higher Mojave Desert. It is the clearest stargazing season of the year and great for midday hiking and climbing in the sun, but you should pack an insulated jacket, hat, and gloves for the cold nights.