Desert, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Desert, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Desert, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Desert, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Desert, California, United States of America, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Desert, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Desert, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Desert, California, United States of America by month

January

If you visit Desert during January, you will probably see that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

If you are traveling to Desert in February, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in this region is cool and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

April

April in Desert is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

May

If you visit Desert during May, you may notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

June is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

Traveling to Desert in July, you will notice that it is sizzling and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you vacation in Desert during August, you are likely to notice that it can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September for Desert is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

October

If you go to Desert in October, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

November

If you are traveling to Desert in November, you will notice that it can be chilly and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

December

If you visit Desert during December, you are likely to notice that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Desert, California, United States of America

Desert, California is a unique and vibrant destination for tourists. Located in Southern California, this desert region is known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences. Here are some of the top tourist attractions to look out for when visiting Desert, California.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

One of the most popular attractions in Desert, California is Joshua Tree National Park. This park is known for its unique terrain and rock formations, and it is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, take a guided tour, or simply relax and take in the stunning natural beauty of the area.

2. Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a vibrant city located in the heart of the desert, and it offers a wide range of activities for tourists. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and art galleries in the downtown area, or take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains. The city is also home to a number of world-class golf courses, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.

3. Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is a large, man-made body of water that offers a unique natural setting for visitors. The sea is home to a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, and it is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Niland and Bombay Beach, which offer a glimpse into the history of this unique region.

4. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This park is the largest state park in California, and it features a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park to explore its many natural wonders, including the stunning wildflower displays that occur in the spring.

5. Coachella Valley Preserve

The Coachella Valley Preserve is a unique natural preserve that is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the many species that call this area home, or explore the park on their own. The preserve is also home to a popular hiking trail that leads to an oasis, providing a refreshing break from the desert heat.

Overall, Desert, California is a unique and exciting destination for tourists. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and wide range of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this desert region. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Desert, California is definitely worth a visit.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Jindo, South Korea, Voronezh, Russia, Courchevel, France, Mardana, India, Hungerford, Queensland, Australia, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States of America, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, Pirenópolis, Goiás, Brazil, Samal, Philippines, Montpelier, Vermont, United States of America, and Charklik, China.