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Joshua Tree · August

Joshua Tree in August

August is a good time to visit Joshua Tree — about as busy as July, about as busy as September.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

4/10
Moderate

A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.

About 35% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical August visits vs. the year

August (typical)147,338
Peak — March415,876
Quietest — July135,957

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

August weather

Avg high
103°F
Avg low
76°F
Precipitation
0.7"
Sunrise
5:05 AM
Sunset
6:29 PM
Daylight
13.4h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA US

What's open

Joshua Tree in August: access

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • Caution

    Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure

    Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.

  • Information

    Annual Summer Closures and Restrictions in Effect

    The 49 Palms trail along with some campgrounds, facilities, and areas have adjusted availability during the summer. For the full list of changes, please visit our Summer Closures page.

    Details on nps.gov →

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Caution

    Inaccurate Third-Party Apps

    Some third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Caution

    Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure

    Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.

  • Information

    Annual Summer Closures and Restrictions in Effect

    The 49 Palms trail along with some campgrounds, facilities, and areas have adjusted availability during the summer. For the full list of changes, please visit our Summer Closures page.

    Details on nps.gov →

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Joshua Tree crowds across the year

JanFebMarAprMayJunJul4AugSepOctNovDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in August

FAQ

Joshua Tree in August

How busy is Joshua Tree in August?

August rates 4/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Joshua Tree National Park — about 35% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 147,338.

What is the weather like at Joshua Tree in August?

In August, Joshua Tree averages a high of 103°F and a low of 76°F, with about 0.7 inches of precipitation.