Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Joshua Tree in January
The year's rain peaks now, with about 0.6 in (15 mm) falling in Joshua Tree, alongside highs near 59°F (15°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C).
January opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 88/100 (6th of 12).
- Avg high
- 59°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 35°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 0.6 in (15 mm)
- Humidity
- 44%
- Cloud cover
- 38%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 88/100 · Great
What January feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 59°F (15°C), good for long walks.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 35°F (2°C), about 13°C (23°F) below the afternoon high.
Rain is scarce: about 0.6 in (15 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around January
January is one of Joshua Tree's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: January – April and October & November.
- Comfort improves from 85/100 in December to 88/100.
- January sits inside the Oct – Apr window our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 35°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Joshua Tree in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Joshua Tree National Park
Granite boulder piles and Joshua trees across two deserts.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Oct–Apr.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
1-mile loop through a boulder-ringed valley once used by cattle rustlers.
Why now January scores 88/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Barker Dam
Short loop to a small reservoir and petroglyphs.
Why now Highs near 59°F and 0.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Crossroads Cafe
Joshua Tree's go-to diner for breakfast before hiking.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Keys View
Lookout over the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault.
Nearby in January
- Palm Springs in January~37 mi · highs 67°F, 0.9 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- La Jolla in January~107 mi · highs 63°F, 2.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in January~108 mi · highs 67°F, 1.6 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Pasadena in January~130 mi · highs 65°F, 2.9 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, wetter
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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Joshua Tree?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 88/100. Expect highs of 59°F (15°C) and 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain. January is inside the Oct – Apr window our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends.
How cold is Joshua Tree in January?
Average highs are 59°F (15°C) and average lows 35°F (2°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Joshua Tree in January?
Not much: about 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 3.8 in (97 mm).
What should I pack for Joshua Tree in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 35°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Joshua Tree
Routes in season in January
- Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Oct – Apr
Planning Joshua Tree in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.