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

Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 62/100 · #8 of 12 months

November is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Joshua Tree National Park: crowds run 76% of the March peak (312,571 average visits). Weather: highs average 74°F and lows 46°F, with 0.3″ of precipitation and 10.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in November

Joshua Tree averages 312,571 recreation visits in November — 76% of what March, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Days are mild (highs average 74°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 46°F). It is typically dry (0.3″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 10.4 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 November.

What to pack for Joshua Tree in November

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

• A light layer you can shed by midday (long sleeve or windbreaker) — a 28°F swing between the average low of 46°F and high of 74°F
• Headlamp — only 10.4 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Joshua Tree are January and May.

Also at their best in November

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

• Canyonlands in November — 35% of peak crowds, highs 55°F, score 72/100
• Mammoth Cave in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 72/100
• New River Gorge in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 72/100
• Petrified Forest in November — 45% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 72/100

Common questions

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