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Joshua Tree · January
January is a busy time to visit Joshua Tree — quieter than December, quieter than February.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 63°F, about 10.2 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 65% 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
January draws about 9% 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
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA US
What's open
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:
Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
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
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 →Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
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
Alternatives
FAQ
January rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Joshua Tree National Park — about 65% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 271,796.
In January, Joshua Tree averages a high of 63°F and a low of 42°F, with about 0.5 inches of precipitation.
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.).
Joshua Tree is quietest in July and August. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-January, Joshua Tree gets about 10.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:48 AM and sunset around 4:57 PM.