Late summer · Weather & things to do
Joshua Tree in August
Joshua Tree edges cooler than July, with highs of 100°F (38°C), lows of 74°F (23°C) and about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 60/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 100°F (38°C)
- Avg low
- 74°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 0.4 in (11 mm)
- Humidity
- 26%
- Cloud cover
- 22%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 60/100 · Good
What August feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 100°F (38°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 14°C (26°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 26% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 22%.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are January – April and October & November.
- Comfort holds steady from July (60 → 60/100).
- Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 100°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 74°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Joshua Tree in August
Afternoons run hot (100°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Barker Dam
Short loop to a small reservoir and petroglyphs.
Why now August scores 60/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Dense stand of teddy-bear cholla on a short boardwalk.
Why now Highs near 100°F and 0.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Ryan Mountain Trail
3-mile round trip climb to 360° views over the park.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
1-mile loop through a boulder-ringed valley once used by cattle rustlers.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 100°F.
Joshua Tree Saloon
Roadside saloon with burgers, karaoke and live music.
Why now A break from 100°F afternoons.
Nearby in August
- Palm Springs in August~37 mi · highs 108°F, 0.3 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- La Jolla in August~107 mi · highs 76°F, 0.1 in rain · 13°C (24°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in August~108 mi · highs 89°F, 0.2 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in August~130 mi · highs 88°F, 0.0 in rain · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~541 m to Joshua Tree's ~797 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Joshua Tree in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Joshua Tree?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 60/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are January – April and October & November. Expect highs of 100°F (38°C) and 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain. Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Joshua Tree in August?
Average highs are 100°F (38°C) and average lows 74°F (23°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Joshua Tree in August?
Not much: about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 3.8 in (97 mm).
What should I pack for Joshua Tree in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 100°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 74°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Joshua Tree
Planning Joshua Tree in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.