Early spring · Weather & things to do
Joshua Tree in March
Joshua Tree warms up: highs climb to 71°F (22°C), from 63°F in February, with lows of 43°F (6°C) and about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain.
At 99/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 43°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 0.3 in (7 mm)
- Humidity
- 38%
- Cloud cover
- 32%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 99/100 · Great
What March feels like
Highs settle around 71°F (22°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 43°F (6°C), about 15°C (28°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 38%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is scarce: about 0.3 in (7 mm) for the whole month.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 32%.
Plan around March
March is one of Joshua Tree's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 71°F, up from 63°F in February.
- Comfort improves from 95/100 in February to 99/100.
- March sits inside the Oct – Apr window our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends.
What to pack for March
- Light, breathable clothes71°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 43°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Joshua Tree in March
March 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.
Barker Dam
Short loop to a small reservoir and petroglyphs.
Why now March scores 99/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Crossroads Cafe
Joshua Tree's go-to diner for breakfast before hiking.
Why now Highs near 71°F and 0.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Keys View
Lookout over the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Joshua Tree Saloon
Roadside saloon with burgers, karaoke and live music.
Nearby in March
- Palm Springs in March~37 mi · highs 78°F, 0.4 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- La Jolla in March~107 mi · highs 64°F, 1.3 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in March~108 mi · highs 71°F, 1.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Pasadena in March~130 mi · highs 68°F, 1.7 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler 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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Joshua Tree?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 99/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain. March is inside the Oct – Apr window our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends.
How hot is Joshua Tree in March?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 43°F (6°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Joshua Tree in March?
Not much: about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 3.8 in (97 mm).
What should I pack for Joshua Tree in March?
Bring light, breathable clothes (71°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 43°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Joshua Tree
Routes in season in March
- Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Oct – Apr
Planning Joshua Tree in March?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.