California · National Park
Best time to visit Joshua Tree
Checked Oct 26, 2026 · Source: NPS + NOAA
For Joshua Tree, the mild and quiet months are October: average highs of 50 to 85°F at the nearest NOAA station and visits at or below the yearly monthly average. March is busiest, with 14% of 2025 recreation visits. July was quietest, with an average high of 104°F. Sources: NPS IRMA Stats and NOAA normals, checked Oct 26, 2026.
Crowd index by month
Each bar is that month’s NPS recreation visits compared with the average month of 2025 (100 = average). March scored 169; July scored 57.
Source: NPS IRMA Stats, recreation visitors, 2025, pulled Oct 26, 2026. Index = month ÷ average month × 100.
Weather normals by month
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip in | Crowd index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63.3 | 41.8 | 0.50 | 114 |
| February | 67.2 | 44.1 | 0.56 | 122 |
| March | 74.1 | 49.3 | 0.35 | 169 |
| April | 81.1 | 54.5 | 0.12 | 140 |
| May | 89.9 | 62.9 | 0.05 | 94 |
| June | 99.4 | 70.7 | 0.00 | 64 |
| July | 104.0 | 77.4 | 0.40 | 57 |
| August | 102.7 | 76.4 | 0.65 | 58 |
| September | 96.5 | 69.3 | 0.34 | 61 |
| October | 84.7 | 57.8 | 0.15 | 67 |
| November | 71.6 | 47.0 | 0.19 | 121 |
| December | 62.0 | 39.9 | 0.56 | 133 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (monthly), station USC00049099. The station may sit at a different elevation than the places you visit, so expect cooler temperatures higher up.
Mild and quiet months
- October
Our rule, applied to the data above: average high between 50 and 85°F, and recreation visits no higher than the average month. It is arithmetic, not a forecast. Roads, trails and facilities can still be closed in these months.
Closures and seasonal dates
| Campground | Closed from | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Belle Campground | Jun 1, 2027 | Aug 28, 2027 |
| White Tank Campground | Jun 1, 2027 | Aug 28, 2027 |
Park Closure Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed
The park received a significant amount of rain. Due to flooding, Geology Tour Road is temporarily closed. Please use caution while traveling on all other roads in the park. Details on nps.gov
Source: NPS API campgrounds and alerts, checked Oct 26, 2026.
Hours
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.
Source: NPS API operating hours, checked Oct 26, 2026.
More on Joshua Tree: tour or DIY overview. TourOrDIY is independent and not affiliated with the National Park Service. See the accuracy disclaimer and our method.