Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Joshua Tree National Park, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Joshua Tree National Park
- Important essentials for Joshua Tree National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Joshua Tree National Park in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Joshua Tree National Park, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important esssentials for Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America
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.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most areas, but check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- 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. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Old Dale travelers will do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America by month
January
January for Joshua Tree National Park is cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Light gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Standard footwear
February
If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during February, you will probably see that it is balmy.
Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Dresses
- Pants or jeans
- Long skirts
- Light jacket or fleece
- Standard footwear
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
March
If you are traveling to Joshua Tree National Park in March, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sandals
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Dresses
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Bug repellent
April
If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during April, you might see that it is pretty consistently hot.
Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Skirts
- Bug repellent
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof sandals
- Insulated water bottle
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Dresses
- Shorts
- Short sleeve shirts
May
May for Joshua Tree National Park is sizzling. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight 'harem' pants
- Personal cooling fan, such as this
- Bug repellent
- Sun protecting legwear will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. These are our favorites:
- Light dresses
- Skirts
- High-SPF sunscreen lotion:
- Thin short sleeve shirts
- Insulated water bottle
- Tank tops
- Light linen shorts
June
Traveling to Joshua Tree National Park in June, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (high 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insects may be an issue here. We recommend these bug repellents:
- Sarong like this one
- High protection sunglasses; we suggest:
- Light skirts
- UV protecting legwear will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. These are our favorites:
- Personal cooling fan our recommendation
- Waterproof sandals
- Thin tank or crop tops
- Lightweight 'harem' pants
- High-SPF sunscreen lotion like one of these
- Insulated water bottle
- Thin short sleeve shirts
July
If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during July, you may see 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 high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated water bottle
- Insects can be a problem here. We recommend these bug repellents:
- Sarong like this one
- Light skirts
- Waterproof sandals
- High-SPF sunscreen lotion like one of these
- Lightweight 'harem' pants
- Personal cooling fan our recommendation
- UV protecting pants will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. These are our favorites:
- High protection sunglasses; we suggest:
- Thin tank or crop tops
- Thin short sleeve shirts
August
If you are traveling to Joshua Tree National Park in August, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 100s F (low 40s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Thin tank or crop tops
- Insulated water bottle
- Thin short sleeve shirts
- Light skirts
- High-SPF sunscreen lotion like one of these
- Lightweight 'harem' pants
- High protection sunglasses; we suggest:
- Personal cooling fan our recommendation
- Waterproof sandals
- Sarong like this one
- Bugs are a problem here. We recommend these bug repellents:
- Sun protecting pants/skirts will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. These are our favorites:
September
If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during September, you may notice that it is sweltering.
Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lightweight 'harem' pants
- Thin short sleeve shirts
- Light linen shorts
- Sandals
- Protecting pants will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. These are our favorites:
- Sunglasses
- Skirts
- Insulated water bottle
- Light dresses
- Tank tops
- High-SPF sunscreen lotion:
- Personal cooling fan, such as this
- Bug repellent
October
October here is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Skirts
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Insulated water bottle
- Dresses
- Short sleeve shirts
- Waterproof sandals
- Shorts
- Bug repellent
November
November in Joshua Tree National Park is warm. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Bug repellent
- Sandals
- Shorts or short pants
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Dresses
December
December here is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Lip balm
- Light gloves or mittens
- Fleeces
- Jacket or coat
- Socks
- Standard footwear
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