Joshua Tree in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #4 of 12 months
February is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Joshua Tree National Park: crowds run 72% of the March peak (294,966 average visits), days average 67°F with 11 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in February
Joshua Tree averages 294,966 recreation visits in February — 72% of what March, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 67°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 42°F). It is typically dry (0.9″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 11 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CHIRIACO SUMMIT, CA US (18 mi from park coordinates, 1,706 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of February.
What to pack for Joshua Tree in February
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 42°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Joshua Tree are January and May.
Common questions
Is Joshua Tree crowded in February?
Yes — February runs 72% of Joshua Tree's peak, averaging 294,966 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Joshua Tree in February?
Average highs of 67°F, lows of 42°F, 0.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CHIRIACO SUMMIT, CA US station).
What should I pack for Joshua Tree in February?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-07-16