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Weather in Joshua Tree in mid/late december

Original Post
Colton Meyers · · Conifer · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 10

Hey All, 

Planning on doing a short trip to Joshua Tree around the 20th of December. I've tried finding other forum posts, but couldn't find any specifics. Is this area climbable during this time of year, or is it quite miserable?  

Hson P · · Berkeley, CA · Joined Nov 2017 · Points: 54

I would say it’s just about perfect. It’s cold at night though so bundle up.  

Colton Meyers · · Conifer · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 10

Thanks man. 

Sean · · Oak Park, CA · Joined Dec 2004 · Points: 4,747

JT winter days often nice while frigid across many other states.  JT does have its stretches of rain, high winds, extreme cold, or even the rare snow.  just plan according to forecast.  easy to do that if coming by car from out of town, esp w backup options in mind.  if you have to book plane tickets wks ahead, then who knows.  there's no guarantee of the often balmy weather bec foul stretches do happen

James Jen · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 115

Google "Josha Tree Weater + <Month>"-- it'd link to weather sites with average and historical weather,
https://www.google.com/search?q=Joshua+Tree+December+weather&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS908US913&oq=Joshua+Tree+December+weather&aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199i433j0i433l3j69i60l3.4327j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Probably a good first step in planning.

I'd also google weather projections about 1 week out. Weather projections become more accurate about 3 days out. Also account for average wind speeds and gusts-- the wind chill can be a bitch and can become a serious issue for partner-communication on multi-pitches.

Also account for sun/shade on routes based on wall/route aspect and time-of-day (probably a bigger factor for enjoyability than day-of-weather).

Indian Cove should be about 3 degrees warmer than central JTree (due to it being about 1,000 ft lower in elevation).

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

It can be nice. It can be snowing and too cold. You really won't know until you are within that 7-day forecast window. Be prepared to change plans.

Matt N · · CA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 425

It can be nice. If it says 'breezy' in the forecast - prepare for strong, cold, winds. When the forecast mentions 0 about wind, prepare for breezy, cold wind. 

jt newgard · · San Diego, CA · Joined Jul 2016 · Points: 446

You can really pick and choose your "climatological adventure level" in joshua tree. I would argue that no type of weather would really stop you from climbing in some way or another.

Last New Year's we waded through puddles to get to Conan's Corridor, then dug through snow drifts to top out the cracks. It's called "alpine training" and you won't find anyone else on the popular routes in these conditions.

Rappelling with rope-loop-saddlebags a good call if it's windy.

Otherwise, head to warm area like Steve Canyon. Or ..... go bouldering ?! omg !

Mark Webster · · Tacoma · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 235

I've been going to jtree for 3 weeks at xmas for decades. On average I lose 2 days to bad weather each trip. It can be rain or snow. Some years  we get several days where it's almost too hot to climb in the sun (2018). Last year it snowed 14 inches and stayed around for a week, seeping down all the cracks. We took one rest day, then climbed in the winter conditions...but it was climbing in puffy jackets with hand warmers. A more relevant question is whether Covid might shut down the national parks. Keep an eye on the news, it does not look promising.

Matt N · · CA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 425

^agreed - CA might be locking down again. With the way 2020 is going, it wouldn't surprise me. 

Our last Jtree trip was during the first [March] shutdown - we had the car all packed, ready to leave Fri at 4am... Thu evening the shutdown was announced. 

Now we have a trip planned 11-13th -- I'm almost betting that we'll have a combo CA Covid + Federal Gov't shutdown. Just to send 2020 out with a bang. 

dino74 · · Oceanside, CA · Joined Sep 2016 · Points: 70

Same boat, have 18-20 trip plan. Going to suck to lose my campsite reservation :(

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern California
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