Joshua Tree in January: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #3 of 12 months

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Joshua Tree National Park: crowds run 64% of the March peak (264,502 average visits). Weather: highs average 66°F and lows 40°F, with 0.8″ of precipitation and 10.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Planning Joshua Tree? Pack a guidebook: Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases

Crowds in January

Joshua Tree averages 264,502 recreation visits in January — 64% of what March, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 66°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 40°F). It is typically dry (0.8″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.1 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CHIRIACO SUMMIT, CA US (18 mi from park coordinates, 1,706 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of January.

What to pack for Joshua Tree in January

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 40°F
• Headlamp — only 10.1 hours of daylight in mid-January (compare other options)
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime includes fast delivery on eligible items, and eligible new members may be offered a free trial, so gear ordered this week can arrive before you leave. Delivery speed varies by item and address. See if you can try Prime free →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.

Also at their best in January

Other parks whose computed January verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• Channel Islands in January — 35% of peak crowds, highs 66°F, score 76/100
• Zion in January — 23% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 76/100
• Carlsbad Caverns in January — 38% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 73/100
• Big Bend in January — 50% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 71/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in January · Last verified 2026-09-24