Palm Springs Weather: What Months are Best? (2024)

March and April are certainly the most popular months in Palm Springs but that doesn’t mean that this is the best time to go to Palm Springs for everyone.

The best time of year to visit Palm Springs really depends on your needs and preferences. In this guide, we’ll dive into each month of the year so you can plan the perfect trip to our sunny desert oasis.

Palm Springs is a Year Round Destination

Palm Springs is a beautiful desert city located in Southern California just two hours drive from Los Angeles and San Diego. It is well known for its sunny weather, stunning mountains and therapeutic dry climate. Many people visit Palm Springs to escape the cold winters of the north, but the truth is that Palm Springs is a year round destination. Palm Springs is sunny almost all year, so no matter when you visit you're likely to get some good weather. Here’s our take on the best time of the year to go to Palm Springs.

Spring is Most Popular (And Most Expensive!)

If you're looking to come at the most popular time of year with nearly perfect weather, that would be February, March and April. This is when the average temperature hovers in the 70s and 80s by day with cooler temps rolling in during the dry desert nights.

If that sounds nice to you, you're not the only one. Spring is by far the most popular time of year to book a vacation rental in Palm Springs. That means it's also the most expensive time of year, so if you're on a budget, you might want to consider visiting during another season, which can be equally enjoyable. Read on!

Related: Explore Our Luxury Vacation Rentals for Your Stay

Summer is All About the Pool (And a Great Value.)

In the summer months, it can get quite hot with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, remember, that’s a "dry heat" which feels cooler than the it would in a high humidity location like New York City. The upside of coming in the summertime is that the pool is the perfect place to cool down and stays at a lovely temperature day and night due to the air temperatures. Plus, vacation rentals and hotels have much lower rates, sometimes 50% off the rates during high season. Add a weekday to your trip and your overall cost may drop even further. You can check the rates for Palms at Park right here.

Winter is Sunny With Cool Nights

Palm Springs is an ideal destination for those who love sunny weather, even in the winter. Weather in Palm Springs in December has an average high temperature of a cozy 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The desert nights can be cool, so be sure to pack a sweater or light jacket for the evening hours. Weather in palm springs in january is generally stunning which is why Christmas and New Years are among the most popular times to visit. Here’s our complete guide to the Perfect Christmas in Palm Springs.

Fall is a Well Kept Secret!

One of the best-kept secrets about Palm Springs is that fall is an ideal time to visit. The weather is still sunny and dry, but the desert heat has cooled down a bit, making for perfect hiking weather. And, since school is back in session, you'll find deals on accommodations and activities. Check out our Ultimate guide to Thanksgiving in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Weather by Month

Wondering what is the best month to go to Palm Springs? Here’s our breakdown of the monthly weather in Palm Springs, California.

Palm Springs Activities

Once you’ve decided when to come, you’ll find that Palm Springs and the surrounding area, including Palm Desert, offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. During the day, you can visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features modern and contemporary art, as well as Native American and Western art.

For a bit of nature, you can visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Rancho Mirage, where you can see a variety of desert animals and plants. Another option is to explore the beautiful desert landscapes by visiting Joshua Tree National Park, where you can see the unique Joshua trees and go hiking or rock climbing.

In the evening, there are plenty of options for entertainment. If you visit in April, you can attend a music festival, such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which takes place in the nearby city of Indio. Or, you can visit downtown Palm Springs and check out the various restaurants, bars, and shops.

For a unique experience, you can take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains and offers stunning views of the desert. Overall, there are plenty of things to do in Palm Springs and the surrounding area, whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure.

Book Your Vacation Rental Early

It's important to reserve a luxury vacation rental in Palm Springs as early as possible because the best houses fill up quickly at prime times of year. Palm Springs is a popular vacation destination, especially during the winter months when many people are looking to escape the colder weather in other parts of the country. As a result, the best vacation rentals can book up quickly, especially during holidays and other peak periods. By booking early, you can ensure that you get the vacation rental of your choice and avoid disappointment.

One top choice for vacation rentals in Palm Springs is Palms at Park, which offers three custom built 5 and 6 bedroom luxury homes in one of the most central and historic neighborhoods in Palm Springs. With a wide range of amenities and beautiful desert views, Palms at Park is a top choice for a luxurious and relaxing vacation in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Weather: What Months are Best? (2024)

FAQs

What are the best weather months Palm Springs? ›

If you're looking to come at the most popular time of year with nearly perfect weather, that would be February, March and April. This is when the average temperature hovers in the 70s and 80s by day with cooler temps rolling in during the dry desert nights.

What is the best time of year to stay in Palm Springs? ›

October - December. The back end of the year is (perhaps not so secretly) the best time to visit Palm Springs. It has the preferable average temperatures of January - March (33 degrees in October, 21 degrees by December) but without as much of an influx of tourists and visitors. The best of both worlds, as they say.

What month does Palm Springs cool down? ›

The cool season lasts for 3.2 months, from November 20 to February 28, with an average daily high temperature below 75°F. The coldest month of the year in Palm Springs is December, with an average low of 46°F and high of 69°F.

Is it warm enough to swim in Palm Springs in November? ›

With average temperatures of high 78 and low 50, it's the perfect time to experience Palm Springs to the fullest. Whether you want to play a round of golf or dip in a pool, November is the time to experience it all.

Is September a good time for Palm Springs? ›

September is an excellent month to visit Palm Springs. The average morning temperature is 71 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun rises at 6:29 a.m. Mid-day the temperature hits an average high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit. As the sun sets at 6:51 p.m., the temperature drops back down to a cool 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I swim in Palm Springs in February? ›

Sure, monthly average temperatures in PS in February are around 74(F). That's probably at the low end for swimming, but temperatures can quite conceivably be hotter than that on any given day in February. Palm Springs should be warm and inviting in February.

What is the 2 hour rule in Palm Springs? ›

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Allegedly, Palm Springs became Palm Springs through a quirk in contracts old-time Hollywood bosses used to write for their stars: a “two-hour rule” stipulating that no famous face should be more than 120 minutes away in case it was needed for an urgent film shoot.

What is the nicest part of Palm Springs? ›

Downtown Palm Springs CA is the nicest part of Palm Springs. Palm Springs Canyon Drive is dotted on either side by giant palm trees, a true postcard perspective of the city. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shopping, and bars are found in this convenient downtown area.

Why do people retire in Palm Springs? ›

Situated on Coachella Valley's western edge, Palm Springs sees over 350 days of sunshine each year! There's very little rain and, for most of the year, the weather is simply spectacular. It provides a small-town feeling because about 50,000 people live in the area.

Why is Palm Springs so popular? ›

Palm Springs architecture has long made the town a favored destination of midcentury-modern design lovers, and the biggest names of that era (say, Walt Disney or Frank Sinatra) enjoyed the desert oasis plenty.

Which is hotter Palm Springs or Las Vegas? ›

Summer daytime temperatures frequently reach 100 degrees, and winter days are mild with highs in the low 70s. Las Vegas enjoys a similar desert climate, with sunny skies and seasonal temperatures only a bit cooler than in Palm Springs.

What is shoulder season in Palm Springs? ›

Shoulder Season: Fall (October–November)

The fall season in Palm Springs brings blue skies and summer-like weather, with highs topping 90ºF. Evenings are cooler, but not painfully so, with overnight lows in the 50s and 60s.

How far apart are Palm Desert and Palm Springs? ›

The direct drive from Palm Springs to Palm Desert is 11.8 mi (19 km), and should have a drive time of 21 mins in normal traffic.

Do people go to Palm Springs in the winter? ›

Palm Springs in winter is spectacular, and you'll find numerous opportunities for cultural pleasure and outdoor fun. For the best Palm Springs winter vacation, book a fun stay at Desert Oasis in the Palm Springs area, which is close to all of the best venues and activities.

Is Palm Springs too hot in May? ›

The average temperature in Palm Springs in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 52°F (11°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. For comparison, the hottest month in Palm Springs, August, has days with highs of 99°F (37°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C).

How many days should I stay in Palm Springs? ›

HOW MANY DAYS IN PALM SPRINGS? Length of stay really depends on how much exploring you want to do in the surrounding region. If Palm Springs, Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree and Indian Canyon are all a part of the itinerary, I suggest a minimum four-night stay to give you three full days in the region.

Is it always sunny in Palm Springs? ›

On average 354 days in Palm Springs each year are sunny, and the percentage of available sunshine is about 85; not quite a record, as places a little further east such as Yuma in Arizona have even less clouds, and up to 90% sun.

Is it expensive to live in Palm Springs California? ›

The cost of living in Palm Springs, CA is 14% lower than the state average and 20% higher than the national average. Palm Springs, CA housing is 43% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 6% pricier.

Are Palm Springs pools open year round? ›

About. Located in the Sunrise Plaza complex, the Palm Springs Swim Center is open year round and features an Olympic-size swimming pool.

What is the snowbird season in Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs - The Stunning Snowbird Oasis

Palm Springs is a retirement and winter snowbird destination. It has a population of around 44,500 but that triples between November and March. It is also a popular weekend getaway for folks from Los Angeles and San Diego.

Can you drink faucet water in Palm Springs? ›

Coachella Valley Water District tap water meets all drinking water standards and does not need to be conditioned or filtered.

What time is last call in Palm Springs? ›

West Hollywood and Palm Springs Extend Last Call for Alcohol to 4 A.M. - Eater LA.

What are the 3 hours rules? ›

Does my employer have to give me a schedule or minimum hours of work? If you work a shift that's less than 3 hours, you might still have the right to be paid for 3 hours. The “3-hour rule” says that your employer has to pay you for 3 hours if they ask you to work less than 3 hours.

What is the noise law in Palm Springs? ›

Noise: The city of Palm Springs and all other desert resort cities have a 24hr/day noise ordinance that is strictly enforced. Guests must keep the volume of voices and entertainment to a reasonable level and bring conversations indoors after 9:00 PM and close windows and doors to keep any noise inside.

Is Palm Springs warm all year? ›

Abundant sunshine, low humidity and year round high temperatures are the main characteristics of the weather in Palm Springs. Winter days are among the mildest in the US, and the high temperature is rarely less than 65°F though a few nights each year do fall below zero.

What is Palm Springs high season? ›

High Season: Winter/Spring (December–April)

While many come to hike, winter in Palm Springs is also the season for big marquee cultural events, from film and music festivals (including April's Coachella) to golf tournaments and celebrations of art and architecture. Wildflowers begin to bloom as early as January, too.

What months are windy in Palm Springs? ›

The windy season is April through June. The “wind free” zone is considered to be closest to the mountains and on the south end of town, furthest from the I-10. North of Vista Chino is considered “the windy area” although some say the wind starts as far south as Alejo.

Is it expensive in Palm Springs? ›

Cost of Living in Palm Springs, California by Expense Category. Palm Springs's housing expenses are 43% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 6% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 13% higher than the national average.

Where to avoid in Palm Springs? ›

The area that is known as 'Desert Highland Gateway Estates'. It is probably the worst area in Palm Springs. In terms of good and bad areas, stay out of North Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and parts of Cathedral City. Stay in South Palm Springs and you should be good.

What is low season in Palm Springs? ›

Low season in Palm Springs is summer, a bit reversed from many other destinations. As the heat rises, the prices fall, so you'll find some great values across all hotel and resort properties in the summer. The busiest time of year is January – March, and April weekends are busy with Music Festivals.

Why is Palm Springs so humid? ›

The humidity is a result of the Southwest monsoon weather pattern that occurs when wind blows in from the east and southeast, bringing tropical moisture along with it, according to James Brotherton, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Does Palm Springs get humid? ›

Humidity and Wind

Palm Springs has no months that would be considered humid, with some very dry months. The least humid month is June (13.9% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (30.2%). Wind in Palm Springs is usually calm. The windiest month is May, followed by June and April.

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