Mojave Desert, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
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Ready to pack for Mojave Desert, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Mojave Desert, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Mojave Desert
- Important essentials for Mojave Desert
- Activities for Mojave Desert
- Mojave Desert in January: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in February: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in March: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in April: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in May: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in June: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in July: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in August: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in September: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in October: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in November: weather and what to pack
- Mojave Desert in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Mojave Desert, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Mojave Desert, California, United States of America, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Mojave Desert, California, United States of America
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Mojave Desert, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Mojave Desert, California, United States of America by month
January
Traveling to Mojave Desert in January, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mojave 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.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, 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
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.
Travel neck pillow
Our favorite is this one
February
February in Mojave Desert is crisp. Temperatures average in the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Fleece
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
Jacket or coat
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
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 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 Mojave Desert. 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
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive 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. Be careful to find the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
March
March in Mojave Desert is chilly 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
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mojave 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 repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
A versatile 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
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.
April
Traveling to Mojave Desert in April, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light and heavy skirts
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing things nowadays, 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.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mojave Desert. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel pillow
What we like is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
May
If you vacation in Mojave Desert during May, you are likely to notice that it is warm 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
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Sandals
Extra socks
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
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 Mojave Desert. 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 help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
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 neck pillow
A versatile choice is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.
June
If you visit Mojave Desert during June, you will probably see that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 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
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans harmful contaminants:
thisCool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Skirts
Bug repellent
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mojave 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.
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 neck pillow
A great choice is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
July
July in this region can be blisteringly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
- this
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important bring additional, since these get wet or dirty.
Insulated water bottle
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Safety + Security
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 Mojave Desert. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.
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. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
August
If you vacation in Mojave Desert during August, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot 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
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans harmful contaminants:
thisLoose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
Waterproof sandals
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, 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 Mojave 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 things.
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. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
September
September is extremely 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
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
thisBug repellent
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
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 stuff.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mojave Desert. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Comfort + Essentials
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel pillow
An excellent option 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
October
October in this region is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Extra socks
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mojave 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.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
November
November here is chilly and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
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 Mojave Desert. 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 find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
December
December in Mojave Desert is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Fleece
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
Light gloves or mittens
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mojave 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 belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing bags 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.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel pillow
Our fave is 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 find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to do in Mojave Desert, California, United States of America
The Mojave Desert in California, United States of America, is a popular tourist destination filled with iconic landmarks, natural wonders, and historic sites. With its diverse landscape and unique attractions, it's no surprise that the Mojave Desert is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions you can explore in the Mojave Desert.
1. Joshua Tree National Park
Named after the distinctive Joshua trees that populate the park, Joshua Tree National Park is a natural wonder and one of California's most popular destinations. The park covers over 1,200 square miles and contains both the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Visitors come to explore the unique rock formations, hiking trails, and desert landscapes that make Joshua Tree National Park so special.
2. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a desert wonderland that covers over 3.4 million acres. It's the hottest and driest national park in the country and is home to unique geological features such as the Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America. Visitors can hike through colorful canyons, explore abandoned mines, and marvel at the unique rock formations in this stunning desert oasis.
3. Red Rock Canyon State Park
Located just outside the town of Mojave, Red Rock Canyon State Park is a stunning natural beauty. The park features unique red rock formations that have been eroded by wind and water over time. Visitors can explore the many hiking trails or enjoy the stunning vistas of the park from one of the picnic areas.
4. Mojave National Preserve
Covering over 1.6 million acres, Mojave National Preserve is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. This vast desert wilderness is home to unique plants and animals, and it's also brimming with historic sites and landmarks. Visitors can explore ancient lava flows, hike through the Mojave Desert, or visit the Kelso Depot Visitor Center to learn more about the region's history.
5. Route 66
Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road," is a historic highway that runs through the Mojave Desert. This iconic roadway was once a major route for travelers heading towards Los Angeles, and it's still a popular destination for road trip enthusiasts. Visitors can stop at the many roadside attractions and historic sites that line the route, such as the famous Bagdad Cafe and the Route 66 Museum in Barstow.
In conclusion
Whether you're interested in exploring stunning natural beauty, historic sites or want to experience a classic American road trip, the Mojave Desert has plenty of tourist attractions to offer. From national parks and state parks to historic landmarks and iconic highways, the Mojave Desert is a destination worth visiting in California, United States of America.
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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