Skip to content

Joshua Tree · February

Joshua Tree in February

February is a busy time to visit Joshua Tree — busier than January, quieter than March.

Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 67°F, about 11 hours of daylight, and 3 seasonal closures in effect.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

8/10
Busy

Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.

About 71% 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 17, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical February visits vs. the year

February (typical)295,436
Peak — March415,876
Quietest — July135,957

February draws about 10% 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

February weather

Avg high
67°F
Avg low
44°F
Precipitation
0.6"
Sunrise
6:27 AM
Sunset
5:27 PM
Daylight
11h

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

What's open

Joshua Tree in February: 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

January: 7/10 crowdJanFebruary: 8/10 crowd8FebMarch: 10/10 crowdMarApril: 9/10 crowdAprMay: 7/10 crowdMayJune: 5/10 crowdJunJuly: 4/10 crowdJulAugust: 4/10 crowdAugSeptember: 4/10 crowdSepOctober: 5/10 crowdOctNovember: 8/10 crowdNovDecember: 9/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in February

FAQ

Joshua Tree in February

How busy is Joshua Tree in February?

February rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Joshua Tree National Park — about 71% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 295,436.

What is the weather like at Joshua Tree in February?

In February, Joshua Tree averages a high of 67°F and a low of 44°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 February?

In mid-February, Joshua Tree gets about 11 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:27 AM and sunset around 5:27 PM.