Weather Forecast and Radar for Joshua Tree National Park

Routes Running Nearby to Joshua Tree National Park

• The I-10 runs east-west just south of Joshua Tree National Park.

Weather in Joshua Tree National Park

In Joshua Tree National Park, the summers are sweltering, the winters are cold, and it is dry and mostly clear year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 35°F to 99°F and is rarely below 28°F or above 105°F.

The hot season lasts for 3 months, from June to September, with an average daily high temperature above 91°F. The hottest month of the year in Joshua Tree National Park is July, with an average high of 99°F and low of 73°F.

The cool season lasts for 3 months, from November to February, with an average daily high temperature below 66°F. The coldest month of the year in Joshua Tree National Park is December, with an average low of 36°F and high of 59°F.

This part of southeastern California is in a rain shadow desert, a place where the topography controls climate. As moist air moves inland from the Pacific Ocean, mountains block its path, forcing the air to rise. As the air rises, it cools. Cool air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air can, so precipitation falls on the western flanks of the mountains before traveling eastward. By the time the air gets to the eastern side of the mountains, there is very little moisture left. When it does rain in the desert, most rain evaporates before hitting the ground (virga) or runs off before the dry soil can soak it up, which can also lead to dangerous flash floods. Although all species have adapted to the limited water resources, most of them cannot survive without any water. Severe drought challenges Joshua Trees, the desert tortoise, desert bighorn sheep, and other species to shift ranges to higher elevations in the park with greater rainfall.

Fast Facts About Joshua Tree National Park

The park was established in 1994.

Major Cities Nearby Joshua Tree National Park

• Los Angeles, California (roughly 118 miles to the southwest)
• San Diego, California (roughly 130 miles to the southwest)

This map shows the current & 7-day weather forecast, weather alerts, and weather radar for Joshua Tree National Park.