Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Joshua Tree in September
Joshua Tree cools off: highs slip to 94°F (35°C), from 100°F in August, with lows of 67°F (20°C) and about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 70/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 94°F (35°C)
- Avg low
- 67°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (6 mm)
- Humidity
- 26%
- Cloud cover
- 20%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What September feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 94°F (35°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 67°F (20°C), about 15°C (27°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 26%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is scarce: about 0.2 in (6 mm) for the whole month.
Clear skies are common, with cloud cover averaging only 20%.
Plan around September
September sits mid-table; the best months are January – April and October & November.
- Comfort improves from 60/100 in August to 70/100.
- Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes94°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 67°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Joshua Tree in September
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Crossroads Cafe
Joshua Tree's go-to diner for breakfast before hiking.
Why now September scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Keys View
Lookout over the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault.
Why now Highs near 94°F and 0.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
10 acres of large assemblage sculptures in the desert.
Why now A break from 94°F afternoons.
Pappy & Harriet's
Pioneertown barbecue joint and live music venue in an old Western set.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Barker Dam
Short loop to a small reservoir and petroglyphs.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in September
- Palm Springs in September~37 mi · highs 101°F, 0.2 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- La Jolla in September~107 mi · highs 76°F, 0.2 in rain · 10°C (18°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in September~108 mi · highs 88°F, 0.2 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in September~130 mi · highs 86°F, 0.1 in rain · 4°C (8°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Joshua Tree?
It's middling, scoring 70/100. The best months are January – April and October & November, at up to 100. Expect highs of 94°F (35°C) and 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain. Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so September is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Joshua Tree in September?
Average highs are 94°F (35°C) and average lows 67°F (20°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Joshua Tree in September?
Not much: about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 3.8 in (97 mm).
What should I pack for Joshua Tree in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (94°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 67°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Joshua Tree
Planning Joshua Tree in September?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.