Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Joshua Tree offers a unique desert experience with daily temperatures ranging from a brisk -1°C (31°F) at night to a pleasant 23°C (74°F) during the day, making it essential for visitors to dress in layers. The average temperature settles at a cool 10°C (49°F), providing a refreshing contrast to the often sweltering summer months. Rainfall is minimal this time of year, with only 22 mm (0.9 in) typically spread over just two days, contributing to a crisp humidity level of 75%. This combination of weather conditions creates a serene landscape perfect for exploring the stunning natural beauty of the region.
In December, Joshua Tree experiences a slight chill as temperatures dip, with minimums averaging -1°C (31°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 23°C (74°F). This month marks a transition from the milder autumn temperatures, with the average dipping to 10°C (49°F), creating pleasantly crisp days and cooler nights. Visitors can expect to enjoy the stunning desert landscapes under a bright sun, perfect for hiking and sightseeing, while bringing layers for the brisk evenings. Overall, December offers a delightful mix of invigorating cold and comfortable warmth, setting the stage for memorable outdoor adventures in this unique desert locale.
In December, Joshua Tree experiences a notable increase in precipitation, receiving 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain over 2 days, marking one of the wetter periods of the year. This uptick contrasts sharply with the preceding months, where rainfall is sparse, particularly from June to November, which sees little to no precipitation. As the year draws to a close, the shift in weather patterns not only replenishes the arid landscape but also sets the stage for the vibrant blooms and invigorated wildlife that follow in the spring. December's rainfall encapsulates the resilience of the desert, demonstrating how essential these brief, wet spells are to sustaining the region's unique ecosystem.
In December, Joshua Tree experiences a notable increase in humidity, peaking at 75%, a figure that resonates with the moist winter air following the drier summer months. As the year progresses, a clear trend emerges: from June to August, humidity levels drop significantly, reaching a low of just 28% in August, marking the desert's arid peak. However, as fall transitions into winter, the humidity gradually rises, reflecting the cooler temperatures and increased precipitation typical of the season. This cyclical pattern not only enhances the desert's enchanting landscapes but also provides a stark contrast to the sweltering heat of summer, making December a particularly unique time in Joshua Tree, where the air is imbued with a refreshing freshness, enticing visitors to explore its breathtaking vistas.
As December rolls into Joshua Tree, the UV Index dips to 4, signaling a moderate exposure level. This means locals and visitors alike can enjoy about 30 minutes of sun before needing to take protective measures. Notably, this marks a decline from November's UV Index of 5, hinting at a seasonal pattern in which the sun's intensity eases as winter approaches. The summer months peak dramatically with extremes of 12 to 13, offering a stark contrast to December's more forgiving rays. For those looking to plan their outdoor activities wisely, it's essential to monitor these changes and prioritize skin protection when the sun's exposure rises. For more detailed information, check out the Joshua Tree UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In December, Joshua Tree basks in the glow of 235 hours of sunshine, marking a gentle dip from the vibrant heights of summer when the sun shines nearly every hour of the day. This month's sunshine, while lower than the peak in June and July, still offers a warm embrace, inviting visitors to explore the park’s stunning desert landscape. As the year winds down, each day gradually becomes shorter, yet the seasonal charm persists, blending crisp air with radiant blue skies. The sunshine trend reveals a consistent increase from the dreary months of January to the summer’s peak, culminating in a final burst of brightness before winter settles in, making December in Joshua Tree a delightful time to experience its unique beauty.
In December, the likelihood of sunny weather in Joshua Tree drops to 59%, marking it as one of the less favorable months for sunshine in this desert paradise. After a consistent rise in sun-chance from February’s 74% to May’s peak of 89%, the summer months see a decline, with July taking a noteworthy dip to 56%. As temperatures cool down into late fall, November maintains a respectable 77%, but December’s forecast indicates a shift towards cloudier conditions. This trend suggests that while the area enjoys a mild winter, visitors should be prepared for a higher chance of overcast skies as the year draws to a close.
In December, daylight in Joshua Tree drops to approximately 9 hours, marking the shortest days of the year. This decline follows a gradual pattern observed since October, where daylight shifts from 11 hours, demonstrating the waning light as winter approaches. Interestingly, this reduction contrasts sharply with the summer months, peaking in June and July with 14 hours of bright sunshine. As the year progresses, sunlight gradually increases from the 9 hours in December to a more illuminating 10 hours in January and February, creating a seasonal rhythm that highlights the stark beauty of this desert landscape throughout the year. The trends illustrate not only the natural ebb and flow of daylight but also emphasize the unique character of Joshua Tree’s desert environment during the winter months.
As December settles over Joshua Tree, the wind whispers a gentle farewell to the year, with an average speed of 2.1 m/s (5 mph)—the lightest breeze of the year. This decline marks a noticeable trend as the wind speeds gradually taper off through the fall months, from November's 2.2 m/s (5 mph) down to December's calm. Interestingly, the winds have shown a consistent ebb since their peak in spring, where the monthly average touched 3.1 m/s (7 mph) in April. As the landscape transitions into winter, this serene environment invites visitors to appreciate the tranquility that comes with cooler temperatures and softer winds, making December a soothing time to experience the unique beauty of Joshua Tree.
The weather in Joshua Tree changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Joshua Tree and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather features a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 10°C (49°F), with a maximum of 23°C (74°F). The month sees about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over only 2 days, with humidity levels around 75%. In comparison, January experiences slightly cooler conditions, with a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F) while maintaining the same average and maximum temperature as December. Precipitation decreases to 19 mm (0.7 in) but occurs over 3 days, and humidity levels slightly rise to 76%. For more details on January weather, you can explore Joshua Tree weather in January.
December and February showcase mild yet varied weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 10°C (49°F) and relatively low precipitation of 22 mm (0.9 in) over just two days. The humidity stands at 75%. In contrast, February brings slightly cooler nights with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) but warmer days, peaking at 25°C (77°F) and averaging 11°C (52°F). Precipitation remains similar at 21 mm (0.8 in) over two days, but the humidity increases to 80%. This slight variation highlights February's cooler nights alongside slightly higher humidity. For more specific details, check out Joshua Tree weather in February.
December's weather showcases a range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of 10°C (49°F). The month receives about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, and the relative humidity hovers around 75%. In contrast, March brings slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum reaching up to 31°C (88°F), averaging 14°C (58°F). The precipitation decreases to 17 mm (0.7 in) spread over 3 days, and humidity drops to 69%. For a detailed look at March weather specifics, visit Joshua Tree weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Joshua Tree range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant average of 10°C (49°F), with highs reaching up to 23°C (74°F). The month sees about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over two days and a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, April brings warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures around 5°C (41°F), an average of 19°C (67°F), and highs soaring to 35°C (96°F). The precipitation decreases significantly to 10 mm (0.4 in) over just one day, accompanied by a lower humidity of 57%. For more insights into April weather, check Joshua Tree weather in April.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at their lowest to a pleasant 23°C (74°F) at their peak, with an average temperature of 10°C (49°F). The month experiences moderate humidity at 75% and sees about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over just two days. In contrast, May offers a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 6°C (44°F) and soaring to a maximum of 39°C (103°F). The average temperature is a comfortable 23°C (73°F), and humidity drops to 45%, making it a drier month with only about 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation occurring on just one day. For more details on May weather, check out Joshua Tree weather in May.
The weather in December features a much cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant average of 10°C (49°F) and maximum highs reaching 23°C (74°F). This month experiences moderate precipitation of 22 mm (0.9 in) over just two days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 75%. In contrast, June presents a starkly different scenario, with warm temperatures starting at a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and soaring to an average of 29°C (84°F), peaking at a sweltering 44°C (111°F). Notably, June is dry, with no recorded precipitation across the month and a significantly lower humidity level of 34%. For more detailed information, check out Joshua Tree weather in June.
When comparing the weather in December and July, a stark contrast emerges. December features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F), an average of 10°C (49°F), and a maximum of 23°C (74°F). It also experiences more humidity at 75%, along with two days of light precipitation totaling 22 mm (0.9 in). In sharp contrast, July boasts much warmer weather, with a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) and an average high of 32°C (89°F), peaking at an intense 45°C (113°F). This month sees significantly less rain, with only 1 day of precipitation and just 8 mm (0.3 in) total, alongside a much lower humidity level of 29%. For more information about July weather in Joshua Tree, visit Joshua Tree weather in July.
December and August display strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a mild maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 10°C (49°F). With 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over two days and a humidity level of 75%, the month tends to be much wetter and cooler. In contrast, August experiences significantly warmer temperatures, boasting a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and soaring to a maximum of 43°C (109°F), with an average temperature of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is scarce, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) over just one day and a low humidity of 28%. For those interested in more specific details, you can check Joshua Tree weather in August.
In December, the weather in Joshua Tree experiences much cooler temperatures, with averages around 10°C (49°F) and a maximum reaching 23°C (74°F). In contrast, September boasts significantly warmer conditions, with average temperatures hitting 27°C (81°F) and a maximum soaring to 43°C (110°F). December also sees about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over two days, while September enjoys a drier climate with only 2 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall and no precipitation days at all. The humidity is notably higher in December at 75%, compared to a more comfortable 41% in September. For a more detailed look at September conditions, check out this link: Joshua Tree weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, it is evident that October experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching up to 36°C (98°F) compared to December's maximum of 23°C (74°F). Additionally, December has a notably colder minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F), whereas October's minimum is 2°C (36°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 22 mm (0.9 in) falling over 2 days, while October boasts a dry spell with only 5 mm (0.2 in) and no recorded precipitation days. Finally, December's humidity is higher at 75%, compared to 54% in October. For more detailed insights, check out the Joshua Tree weather in October.
In comparing the weather between December and November, December features a cooler average temperature of 10°C (49°F) compared to November's warmer average of 15°C (59°F). While both months experience a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F), December's maximum temperature is significantly lower at 23°C (74°F) than November's high of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation also differs notably, with December receiving 22 mm (0.9 in) over 2 days, whereas November is remarkably drier with only 6 mm (0.2 in) and no recorded rainy days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in December at 75%, compared to November's 68%. For more details on November's climate, you can visit Joshua Tree weather in November.
As December rolls into Joshua Tree, visitors can expect a notable shift in weather compared to the warmer months. With average temperatures settling around a cool 10°C (49°F) and maximums reaching up to a comfortable 23°C (74°F), the days are perfect for outdoor exploration without the sweltering heat that defines summer. However, nights can get quite chilly, with temperatures dipping to -1°C (31°F), so bundling up is a must for stargazing after sunset. December also brings a bit of moisture, with about 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over just a couple of days, contributing to a refreshing, albeit humid, atmosphere. For those seeking a peaceful desert retreat with unique seasonal charm, December stands apart from the other months. Discover more about this dynamic seasonal weather in our detailed Joshua Tree Climate overview.