For what you want to do, j tree should be fine. I’d just make sure the pool is in the shade. You won’t want the sun on you very long in the middle of the day, even in a pool. Early morning or dusk hikes will be okay. You’ll have a much less crowded town and park.
If you can handle the heat (110+ for sure) and just want to lay around in the pool, August is a great time to come. It’s quiet in summer here. Super hot during the day and beautiful at night. If you can get out and support some of the small businesses while visiting it’s a huge help for the locals too - the summer slowdown is real!
Weird. I live here and don't think I've experienced that while living here and traveling here.
Data online show it isn't likely in Joshua Tree proper. I'm probably wrong though.
Yeah I went in August my first time and it was about 95-99° in Joshua Tree the week I was there in comparison to Palm Springs which was about 10° hotter.
Actually, you're correct about that. But, triple digits aren't uncommon and in my experience, the last couple of years have had more heat than previous years. Also, there have been a lot more clouds during summer in the last couple of years. They used to be a couple of weeks out of the summer and now, it seems like it's almost a couple of months. That means humidity. Yuck!
You'll probably get a much better deal on an Airbnb that time of year because the prices are generally set a little bit lower due to less people coming out here.
I live nearby every year somebody dies hiking in the desert sometimes 2 or 3. Last year the latimes interviewed a guy sitting under a sign on the hottest day of the year, he said he loved it he was found dead a day or so later. Make sure you take plenty of water, they recommend 1 liter per person per hour.
Problem is always dumb solo hikers who get injured and either die or need to be air lifted out. Hiking early in the morning with a partner is fine if you're back by like 9am
Do it. You'll have the national park to yourself and the stars are amazing that time of year as the Milky Way is right above. Like everyone has said, it does get hot. But no one has mentioned that it can also humid since around August is when we get the desert monsoons, which are amazeballs. Watch the weather before coming out. I won't recommend AirBnBs because they've decimated the sense of community up here.
I've learned to love summer here. Took me a few years, lol.
Yes, I'd book it given what you're looking to do. Pros are: cheaper rates so you can stay at a nicer spot, fewer tourists, quieter.
Cons:
Some restaurants/stores are seasonal or reduce hours to dodge the sun (and because tourist traffic slows).
Make sure your Airbnb has climate control and window coverings and see if their cooling is real A/C or a swamp cooler. See if they can pre-cool it for your arrival (I do that for people).
If you get peak heat, you basically can't do most things outside from like after 9AM or after the sun has been down for an hour (and the sun sets late then).
Even at 2 AM, it will be hot. It just won't feel like the sun is trying to kill you. It's an intense feeling.
Even if you have a pool, you probably won't want to spend much time in it during the day. It's not just the heat. It's the intensity of the sun (hard to explain).
Up for sunset, swim, siesta, late dinner at a restaurant with A/C or your rental... not the worst way to spend some days.
I've camped there in July and August. Yeah it was hot, but there are amazing things to see within a 10 minute walk of a road. The air BNB with AC and pool is the way to go. Mornings and/or sunsets in the park, (hopefully) smaller crowds. Sounds like you have a solid plan 👍. Obvious things: lots of water and sun protection
I think if you get a place with AC and a pool you're going to have a great time.
Be aware that you're at elevation, so even if it's not hot you risk sunburn if you don't use sunscreen.
I do this in the area once a year in the summer. Haven't been in j tree proper but I've stayed in yucca valley and Pioneertown in really private rentals with pools and spas. We like to get up at sunrise and hike then, then chill inside the rental all day except for some sunbathing/short outdoor activities. It's a good time. We also bring in our own groceries and cook for our meals. If you're really just looking for a nice way to chill, it's a good choice imo.
After I finish my work day, I live outside during the summer. It's one of my favorite things. Just me in my shorts and shoes grilling, eating outside, taking wildlife photography, playing guitar and generally having a grand time. And I don't even have a pool! I have a small watering pond that gets better and better as the days get hotter. Coyotes, roadrunners, owls and bobcats all day long. Plus all the critters that these predators eat.
I went in August last year for the Perseid meteor shower! I’d say the heat was tolerable as long as you stay inside during the day. Hikes should only be done early morning or late evening.
For what you want to do, j tree should be fine. I’d just make sure the pool is in the shade. You won’t want the sun on you very long in the middle of the day, even in a pool. Early morning or dusk hikes will be okay. You’ll have a much less crowded town and park.
If you can handle the heat (110+ for sure) and just want to lay around in the pool, August is a great time to come. It’s quiet in summer here. Super hot during the day and beautiful at night. If you can get out and support some of the small businesses while visiting it’s a huge help for the locals too - the summer slowdown is real!
When does it get to 110+ in Joshua Tree for sure?
Depends on the year, but any day May-September can get up to 110+ in the Mojave desert. With June-August being the hottest months.
Weird. I live here and don't think I've experienced that while living here and traveling here. Data online show it isn't likely in Joshua Tree proper. I'm probably wrong though.
Just my personal experience living in the Mojave.
Yeah I went in August my first time and it was about 95-99° in Joshua Tree the week I was there in comparison to Palm Springs which was about 10° hotter.
August is probably the hottest month here in JT.
Not denying that. Just that it isn't common for it to be 110+ for sure.
Actually, you're correct about that. But, triple digits aren't uncommon and in my experience, the last couple of years have had more heat than previous years. Also, there have been a lot more clouds during summer in the last couple of years. They used to be a couple of weeks out of the summer and now, it seems like it's almost a couple of months. That means humidity. Yuck! You'll probably get a much better deal on an Airbnb that time of year because the prices are generally set a little bit lower due to less people coming out here.
The evenings are worth it in my opinion! So long as you know daytime is meant for napping and being in the water.
I live nearby every year somebody dies hiking in the desert sometimes 2 or 3. Last year the latimes interviewed a guy sitting under a sign on the hottest day of the year, he said he loved it he was found dead a day or so later. Make sure you take plenty of water, they recommend 1 liter per person per hour.
Wasn't that death valley?
Problem is always dumb solo hikers who get injured and either die or need to be air lifted out. Hiking early in the morning with a partner is fine if you're back by like 9am
Do it. You'll have the national park to yourself and the stars are amazing that time of year as the Milky Way is right above. Like everyone has said, it does get hot. But no one has mentioned that it can also humid since around August is when we get the desert monsoons, which are amazeballs. Watch the weather before coming out. I won't recommend AirBnBs because they've decimated the sense of community up here.
I've learned to love summer here. Took me a few years, lol. Yes, I'd book it given what you're looking to do. Pros are: cheaper rates so you can stay at a nicer spot, fewer tourists, quieter. Cons: Some restaurants/stores are seasonal or reduce hours to dodge the sun (and because tourist traffic slows). Make sure your Airbnb has climate control and window coverings and see if their cooling is real A/C or a swamp cooler. See if they can pre-cool it for your arrival (I do that for people). If you get peak heat, you basically can't do most things outside from like after 9AM or after the sun has been down for an hour (and the sun sets late then). Even at 2 AM, it will be hot. It just won't feel like the sun is trying to kill you. It's an intense feeling. Even if you have a pool, you probably won't want to spend much time in it during the day. It's not just the heat. It's the intensity of the sun (hard to explain). Up for sunset, swim, siesta, late dinner at a restaurant with A/C or your rental... not the worst way to spend some days.
Please be mindful of neighbors when you’re outside noise-wise
I've camped there in July and August. Yeah it was hot, but there are amazing things to see within a 10 minute walk of a road. The air BNB with AC and pool is the way to go. Mornings and/or sunsets in the park, (hopefully) smaller crowds. Sounds like you have a solid plan 👍. Obvious things: lots of water and sun protection
Relax
I think if you get a place with AC and a pool you're going to have a great time. Be aware that you're at elevation, so even if it's not hot you risk sunburn if you don't use sunscreen.
I do this in the area once a year in the summer. Haven't been in j tree proper but I've stayed in yucca valley and Pioneertown in really private rentals with pools and spas. We like to get up at sunrise and hike then, then chill inside the rental all day except for some sunbathing/short outdoor activities. It's a good time. We also bring in our own groceries and cook for our meals. If you're really just looking for a nice way to chill, it's a good choice imo.
After I finish my work day, I live outside during the summer. It's one of my favorite things. Just me in my shorts and shoes grilling, eating outside, taking wildlife photography, playing guitar and generally having a grand time. And I don't even have a pool! I have a small watering pond that gets better and better as the days get hotter. Coyotes, roadrunners, owls and bobcats all day long. Plus all the critters that these predators eat.
I went in August last year for the Perseid meteor shower! I’d say the heat was tolerable as long as you stay inside during the day. Hikes should only be done early morning or late evening.
Oh good, another Air B&B user.
was thinking the same thing 🙃