Joshua Tree & Palm Springs
United States · North America
The best time to visit Joshua Tree & Palm Springs is January–April and October–December, when it is at its strongest for hiking and nature & wildlife. Wildflowers begin blooming across the desert floor as daytime temperatures climb into the ideal low twenties. The BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament draws large crowds to the Coachella Valley. July–August are the months to think twice about.
Plan a trip to Joshua Tree & Palm SpringsMonth by month
| Month | Fit | Weather | Crowds & prices | What it's good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9/10 | 18°C · 3 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Mild daytime temperatures make January prime for exploring Joshua Tree National Park and enjoying outdoor dining in Palm Springs. Nights can be quite chilly in the high desert. |
| February | 9/10 | 19°C · 3 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Modernism Week brings design enthusiasts from across the globe to Palm Springs. Desert hiking conditions remain near perfect with comfortable daytime warmth. |
| March | 10/10 | 22°C · 3 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Wildflowers begin blooming across the desert floor as daytime temperatures climb into the ideal low twenties. The BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament draws large crowds to the Coachella Valley. |
| April | 8/10 | 29°C · 1 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals bring massive crowds and peak accommodation pricing. Days are warm and sunny, making early morning hikes advisable before midday heat builds. |
| May | 7/10 | 32°C · 0 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Afternoons reach summer-like warmth above 30C, prompting visitors to switch to pool lounging and indoor arts. Joshua Tree hiking is best restricted to early morning hours. |
| June | 5/10 | 38°C · 0 rain days | crowds 1/5 · prices 1/5 | Intense desert heat sets in, making mid-day outdoor hiking potentially hazardous. Resort pool culture dominates and tourism drops significantly, offering cheap luxury stays. |
| July | 4/10 | 41°C · 0 rain days | crowds 1/5 · prices 1/5 | Average daily highs exceed 41C, making trail hiking extremely dangerous due to heat exhaustion risks. Visitors stay indoors or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to cooler mountain elevations. |
| August | 4/10 | 40°C · 1 rain days | crowds 1/5 · prices 1/5 | Blistering heat continues through August, though the Perseid meteor shower provides spectacular nighttime stargazing in Joshua Tree. Daytime activities are strictly limited to air-conditioned venues and shaded pools. |
| September | 6/10 | 37°C · 1 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Summer heat gradually begins to wane, though daytime temperatures remain hot well above 35C. Evenings become pleasant for patio dining and stargazing. |
| October | 8/10 | 31°C · 1 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Comfortable autumn weather returns with sunny, clear skies and moderate daytime highs around 30C. Hiking and rock climbing seasons kick off in earnest in Joshua Tree. |
| November | 9/10 | 23°C · 1 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Delightful daytime temperatures in the low twenties create ideal conditions for rock climbing and long desert treks. Palm Springs Pride brings lively festivities downtown. |
| December | 9/10 | 18°C · 3 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 5/5 | Hiking, Nature & wildlife, Road trips. Crisp, clear winter days offer excellent trail visibility and comfortable hiking throughout the desert. Holiday travelers arrive in large numbers for sunny desert winter getaways. |
Getting in
Israeli passport: e-Visa · up to 90 days — ESTA travel authorization required under the Visa Waiver Program.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
