Joshua Tree · December
Joshua Tree in December
December is the busiest time to visit Joshua Tree — busier than November, busier than January.
Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 62°F, about 9.9 hours of daylight, and 3 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 81% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 11% of Joshua Tree’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 62°F
- Avg low
- 40°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6"
- Sunrise
- 6:41 AM
- Sunset
- 4:36 PM
- Daylight
- 9.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA US
What's open
Joshua Tree in December: 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.
- Park Closure
Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed
The park received a significant amount of rain. Due to flooding, Geology Tour Road is temporarily closed. Please use caution while traveling on all other roads in the park.
- Caution
Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop
There is a partial trail closure of West Side Loop trail in the Black Rock area to allow for trail crew and volunteers to conduct trail repairs. Sections of West Side will be closed to all forms of traffic, Equestrians and hikers will have to take one of the connector trails along Black Rock Canyon to bypass the planned work. Estimated reopening date is November.
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 →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Joshua Tree crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Joshua Tree in December
How busy is Joshua Tree in December?
December rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Joshua Tree National Park — about 81% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 336,584.
What is the weather like at Joshua Tree in December?
In December, Joshua Tree averages a high of 62°F and a low of 40°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Joshua Tree?
Entrance to Joshua Tree costs $30 (7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.).
When is Joshua Tree least crowded?
Joshua Tree is quietest in July and August. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Joshua Tree get in December?
In mid-December, Joshua Tree gets about 9.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:41 AM and sunset around 4:36 PM.