Joshua Tree · May
Joshua Tree in May
May is a busy time to visit Joshua Tree — quieter than April, busier than June.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 60% 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 May visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
May weather
- Avg high
- 90°F
- Avg low
- 63°F
- Precipitation
- 0.1"
- Sunrise
- 4:41 AM
- Sunset
- 6:38 PM
- Daylight
- 13.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA US
What's open
Joshua Tree in May: 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
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Joshua Tree in May
How busy is Joshua Tree in May?
May rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Joshua Tree National Park — about 60% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 251,372.
What is the weather like at Joshua Tree in May?
In May, Joshua Tree averages a high of 90°F and a low of 63°F, with about 0.1 inches of precipitation.