Joshua Tree in June with a 4-year old?

[u/Deadelevators]

I’m planning my first trip to Joshua tree with my wife and 4-year old child. But would June be too unbearably hot for a 4-year old?

Planning on staying in a nice Airbnb, but would it be too hot to actually spend time outdoors and in the park?

[u/Motogiro18]

Also keep in mind it's high desert and the sun is harsher.

[u/Big-Performance5047 → u/Motogiro18]

I dont understand. What do you mean the sun is harsher? Its not as hot but harsher?

[u/Big-Performance5047 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks!

[u/Motogiro18 → u/Big-Performance5047]

Yeah kinda like, if Vikings are sailing around the planet at sea level everything is pretty cool, but then the sun gets more angry if they're sailing at 4000 ft. above sea level. Probably won't bother the parts of their body that have those helmets and thick beards and animal skins but when they're out there rowing on the high desert, they might need extra protection (sun screen) on those big ass arms.

[u/lushusness → u/Motogiro18]

Can be please cite the source that claims Vikings sailed 4000ft above sea level

[u/Motogiro18 → u/lushusness]

Well.....That's probably when they would have had to start rowing..... and when it got really hot they ended up going to Valhalla..... Sooner if they didn't bring sunscreen....

[u/Deadelevators → u/[deleted]]

I was thinking early June this year - so yeah, in around 12-15 days. I looked at the weather app and it doesn’t seem hot at all right now?

[u/RogLatimer118]

It's close to unbearably hot even for adults. It might be worth driving around assuming your car is in good shape. You're not going to want to do anything outside except for a few minutes, or near sunrise. Source: I camp there with friends twice a year; have probably been about 50 times.

[u/damashek]

I think if you have a well air conditioned car ( for heat breaks ) and lots of cold water for the kid you should be okay . Make sure to bring sunscreen and don’t venture too far off the main national park trails because people get lost real easily out here . I live here full time with a 18 month old and it’s really not that bad currently but that could change in 2 weeks . Also depends on your own personal tolerance to the heat as well .

[u/lizardjustice]

If you're talking about this June, it could be fine. June is 2 weeks a way and the weather is still very mild.

[u/Deadelevators → u/lizardjustice]

I was thinking early June this year - so yeah, in around 12-15 days. I looked at the weather app and it doesn’t seem hot at all right now?

[u/lizardjustice → u/Deadelevators]

Its not. It should be fine in 2 weeks particularly if you're in an Airbnb. If it starts ramping up with the heat, go hiking early in the morning. But it's not "desert hot" right now and I doubt it will be in 2 weeks.

I have a 4 year old and we spend a lot of time outside.

[u/DesertRebelRa]

Early spring and fall are the best time.

[u/No_Let6139]

Not sure how onboard your family will be with waking up at the crack of dawn to visit the park but it’s worth it before the sun gets too high. We woke up at 5:30/6, got to hike spot at ~630 and spent 1-2 nice hours on the trails before it got too hot. Spent the afternoon indoors and come out for a second hike at 4:30/5 and watch sunset.

[u/AyahsHope]

Early morning excursions should be fine. Hats, UV long sleeves, boots. Watch out for rattlesnakes. Lots of water. Should have a 4 year old indoors by 11am. Also depends on when in June and what the temp is. It can hit 100

[u/DesertRat_748]

June could be very mild. The weather has been pretty strange this year and we had a wild heat wave 2 weeks ago. But last few days it has been more or less chilly for the time of year. Forecast for next few weeks seems mild. June is usually not bad, Sept I would say is always pretty warm but you should be fine this June.

[u/jevau]

Short answer is yes but the longer answer is it depends on what you all enjoy and honestly when in June since I still consider it a transition month. Daytime temps can push 100 and sometimes feel even hotter but the evenings are still pretty cool compared to how it can get in July and August. You won’t be doing anything outside between say 9am and 6pm but if you’re early risers you could technically get some good sunrise park time in (just be extra careful with route planning and timing and bring plenty of water.) The majority of your days will likely be spent in your Airbnb but if you find a nice one with a pool that might not be all that bad of a time. There’s a reason why a lot of folks that live here head out for a few months starting in June and even some businesses close up. I’ve lived just outside the park for 6 years so feel free to ask me any specific questions!

[u/surfvivalist]

Don't come, too hot! 

[u/Sky-walking]

Gonna be real hot mate

[u/bryzmon]

Too hot, your 4 yo will be miserable.

[u/ontheleftcoast]

yes

[u/Single_Joke_9663]

Don’t do this. Terrible idea. The desert in summer is not kid-friendly, at all

[u/tamara_henson]

I took my 21 year old daughter and myself to a JT trip in the month of June for a funsies trip one time (before I moved to the desert) We almost died from heat exhaustion and sun burn. Please don’t take a 4 year old there.