Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Joshua Tree National Park, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Joshua Tree National Park is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Joshua Tree National Park. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Joshua Tree National Park is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s 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 stuff.

  • 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 National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

If you vacation in Joshua Tree National Park during March, you might find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s 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 National Park. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • 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. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

Traveling to Joshua Tree National Park in April, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s 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 National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require 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.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option 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

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during May, you will probably notice that it is scorchingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 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
  • 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 National Park. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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. Take care to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during June, you might notice that it can be blisteringly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 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
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Joshua Tree National Park. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you vacation in Joshua Tree National Park during July, you may see that it is blindingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you 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 National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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 excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers 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.

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you vacation in Joshua Tree National Park during August, you are likely to notice that it is sizzling. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Joshua Tree National Park. 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 always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you are traveling to Joshua Tree National Park in September, you will notice that it is sizzling. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find 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 Joshua Tree National Park. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during October, you may see that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s 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 National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can 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.

  • 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. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast 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 is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent 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

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November here is warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s 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 Joshua Tree National Park. 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 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you go to Joshua Tree National Park in December, you will notice that it is chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Joshua Tree National Park. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

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

Joshua Tree National Park in California, United States of America is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The park, located in southeastern California, is named after the unique Joshua trees that are native to the region. It covers an area of over 790,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here are the top tourist attractions in Joshua Tree National Park:

1. Hidden Valley: A popular destination for rock climbers, Hidden Valley is a beautiful valley surrounded by massive boulders. The valley was once used by cattle rustlers and is now a popular spot for picnics, hikes, and rock climbing.

2. Keys View: Located on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, Keys View offers stunning panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and the Salton Sea. It is a great spot to catch a sunset or sunrise.

3. Skull Rock: A unique rock formation that resembles a skull, Skull Rock is a popular spot for hiking and photography. It is located in the Jumbo Rocks area of the park and is easily accessible by car.

4. Barker Dam: A historic dam built in the early 1900s to provide water for cattle and mining operations, Barker Dam is now a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The dam is home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and black-tailed jackrabbits.

5. Cholla Cactus Garden: The Cholla Cactus Garden is a unique garden that is home to thousands of cholla cactus plants. The garden is located in the Pinto Basin and is a popular spot for hiking and photography.

6. Ryan Mountain: At 5,461 feet, Ryan Mountain is the highest peak in the park. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert and is a popular destination for hiking.

7. Cottonwood Spring: A historic oasis that was once used by Native Americans and early settlers, Cottonwood Spring is now a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The spring is home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert tortoises.

In conclusion, Joshua Tree National Park offers a range of attractions for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you are interested in hiking, rock climbing, or photography, there is something for everyone. So, next time you are in California, be sure to visit Joshua Tree National Park and experience its unique attractions.

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.

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