Joshua Tree, 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 Joshua Tree, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Joshua Tree, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Joshua Tree, California, United States of America

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you vacation in Joshua Tree during January, you are likely to see that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy 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 should work in most locations.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you visit Joshua Tree during February, you might find that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s 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
  • 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 Joshua Tree. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Joshua Tree is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is 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. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Joshua Tree during April, you will probably find that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

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 help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Joshua Tree. 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 choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Joshua Tree during May, you will probably see that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s 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 airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Joshua Tree. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right type. Many adapters available online are just 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 places.

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

Traveling to Joshua Tree in June, you will notice that it is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (high 30s 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 constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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 neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Joshua Tree in July, you will notice that it is unbearably hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 100s F (low 40s 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 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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you are traveling to Joshua Tree in August, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (low 30s 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Joshua Tree. 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 airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you visit Joshua Tree during September, you may find that it is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

Traveling to Joshua Tree in October, you will notice that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Joshua Tree. 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 airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Joshua Tree is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you vacation in Joshua Tree during December, you are likely to see that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find 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 Joshua Tree. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply 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.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the World Famous Crochet Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Joshua Tree, California, United States of America

Nestled in Southern California's Mojave Desert lies Joshua Tree, a town rich in natural beauty and cultural history. With its stunning national park, unique desert flora and fauna, and diverse arts and music scene, Joshua Tree is a hidden gem that attracts tourists from all over the world. Here's a guide to the top tourist attractions in Joshua Tree, California:

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Spanning over 1,200 square miles, Joshua Tree National Park is undoubtedly the main attraction in Joshua Tree. Known for its iconic Joshua trees and rock formations, the park offers hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and stargazing experiences. Visitors can also explore the park's different ecosystems, from the high desert to the low desert, and witness the diverse flora and fauna that call the park home.

2. Integratron

Integratron is a unique structure in Joshua Tree that was built in the 1950s and is said to have healing properties. Visitors can book sound baths, where they lie in the Integratron's dome-shaped structure and listen to a powerful 30-minute sound session. According to the creators of the Integratron, the sound waves that are produced help to balance and realign the body's energy.

3. Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum

Noah Purifoy was an African American artist who spent the latter years of his life in Joshua Tree. The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum showcases over 100 of his artworks, made from found objects and junk that he collected over the years. The museum is an outdoor sculpture park, and visitors can explore the art pieces while also learning about Purifoy's life and legacy.

4. Pappy & Harriet's

Pappy & Harriet's is a legendary saloon and live music venue that has hosted some of the most iconic musicians, such as the Rolling Stones and Arctic Monkeys. The venue has a rustic charm and serves up delicious BBQ dishes that visitors can enjoy while catching a show. With its intimate atmosphere and impressive lineups, Pappy & Harriet's is a must-visit for music lovers.

5. Mojave Desert Land Trust

For visitors interested in preserving the natural beauty of Joshua Tree, the Mojave Desert Land Trust offers tours and volunteering opportunities. The trust aims to protect the Mojave Desert's fragile ecosystem and habitats through conservation efforts and education programs. Visitors can learn about the importance of preserving the desert while also enjoying hikes and exploring the landscape.

In conclusion, Joshua Tree offers a variety of attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, art and culture lovers, and music fanatics. Whether you're looking to explore the wilderness of the national park or immerse yourself in the arts and music scene, Joshua Tree has something to offer for everyone.

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: Lacey, Washington, United States of America, Uster, Switzerland, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia, Omo National Park, Ethiopia, Somerville, Massachusetts, United States of America, Kisii, Kenya, Killarney, Ireland, Dronninglund, Denmark, Cividale del Friuli, Italy, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America, and Palakollu, India.