Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Joshua Tree National Park, this is 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
- Activities 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

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.
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 essentials 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 ESSENTIALS
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear away. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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.
Airplane or car necessities
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
For families with young children
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Activities for Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Joshua Tree National Park.
If you go to Cholla Cactus Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Binoculars
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
We also recommend these top tours in and around Joshua Tree National Park.
What to wear/what to pack for Joshua Tree National Park, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Joshua Tree National Park can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
February
If you visit Joshua Tree National Park during February, you might find 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:
March
March in Joshua Tree National Park is a perfect temperature. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
April
If you are traveling to Joshua Tree National Park in April, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Bug repellent
Skirts
May
If you vacation in Joshua Tree National Park during May, you are likely to find that it is a scorcher. 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:
Bug repellent
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring extra, as these get wet or dirty.
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Light linen shorts
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Personal cooling fan
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Insulated water bottle
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to help you stay cool:
Sunglasses
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
June
June in Joshua Tree National Park is blindingly hot. Temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
UV protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Sarong
Lightweight 'harem' pants
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light skirts
Thin tank or crop tops
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Personal cooling fan
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
Waterproof sandals
Insects may be an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
Insulated water bottle
July
July for Joshua Tree National Park is a scorcher. Temperatures average in the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Personal cooling fan
Thin tank or crop tops
Insulated water bottle
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
Sarong
Bugs can be a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Waterproof sandals
Light skirts
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
August
August here can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures average in the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Thin tank or crop tops
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Personal cooling fan
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Sarong
Waterproof sandals
Light skirts
Protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Bugs may be a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
September
September here can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lightweight 'harem' pants
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring additional, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
Insulated water bottle
Sunglasses
Skirts
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Waterproof sandals
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Personal cooling fan
Bug repellent
Light linen shorts
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to keep you cool and offer UV protection.
October
If you vacation in Joshua Tree National Park during October, you are likely to find that it can be sweltering. 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:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
Waterproof sandals
November
If you go to Joshua Tree National Park in November, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
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