Late spring · Weather & things to do
Joshua Tree in May
Joshua Tree warms up: highs climb to 88°F (31°C), from 78°F in April, with lows of 57°F (14°C) and less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain.
It scores 84/100 for comfort, 8th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 88°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 57°F (14°C)
- Rain
- less than 0.1 in (3 mm)
- Humidity
- 27%
- Cloud cover
- 19%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 84/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 88°F (31°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 57°F (14°C), about 17°C (30°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 27%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is scarce: less than 0.1 in (3 mm) for the whole month.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 19%.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (January – April and October & November).
- Comfort slips from 100/100 in April to 84/100.
- Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes88°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 57°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Joshua Tree in May
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Barker Dam
Short loop to a small reservoir and petroglyphs.
Why now May scores 84/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pappy & Harriet's
Pioneertown barbecue joint and live music venue in an old Western set.
Why now A break from 88°F afternoons.
Crossroads Cafe
Joshua Tree's go-to diner for breakfast before hiking.
Why now Highs near 88°F and 0.0 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.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
1-mile loop through a boulder-ringed valley once used by cattle rustlers.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 88°F.
Nearby in May
- Palm Springs in May~37 mi · highs 94°F, 0.1 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- La Jolla in May~107 mi · highs 67°F, 0.3 in rain · 12°C (21°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in May~108 mi · highs 76°F, 0.3 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in May~130 mi · highs 76°F, 0.4 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Joshua Tree?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 84/100 against a best of 100 in January – April and October & November. Expect highs of 88°F (31°C) and less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain. Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Joshua Tree in May?
Average highs are 88°F (31°C) and average lows 57°F (14°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Joshua Tree in May?
Not much: less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 3.8 in (97 mm).
What should I pack for Joshua Tree in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (88°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 57°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Joshua Tree
Planning Joshua Tree in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.