California > Palm Springs > Weather and Climate
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. The days warm up steadily during spring, usually passing 100°F (38°C) for the first time in May, though all months apart from Dec, Jan and Feb have recorded 100 degree days, something unmatched by any other US destination.
In summertime, the highs are not quite so extreme as other locations in the Sonoran Desert further east; the proximity to the Pacific Ocean restricts normal highs to around 110°F, unlike the 120°F+ for places along the Colorado River and around Death Valley, but Palm Springs is one of the top five consistently hot cities in the US. Relief from the heat is not too far away though - either by heading west towards the coast or driving up into the San Jacinto Mountains, where the temperature at the top may be as much as 40° cooler.
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. The air quality is always good since the mountains provide a barrier to the smog above the Los Angeles basin, and humidity is low, reflecting the small annual rainfall total of only 5.8 inches, and around 20 days each year on which rain actually falls. Wind is often quite strong, especially to the west of town at the San Gorgonio Pass, where the prevailing air flow is channeled through a quite narrow valley between two 9,000 foot mountain ranges.
Average Palm Springs Weather Conditions
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| Average High | Average Low | Mean | Average Rainfall | Record High | Record Low | |
| Jan | 70°F | 44°F | 57°F | 1.27 in | 95°F | 19°F |
| Feb | 75°F | 47°F | 61°F | 1.15 in | 99°F | 24°F |
| Mar | 80°F | 51°F | 65°F | 0.63 in | 104°F | 29°F |
| Apr | 88°F | 56°F | 72°F | 0.08 in | 112°F | 34°F |
| May | 95°F | 63°F | 79°F | 0.06 in | 116°F | 36°F |
| Jun | 104°F | 70°F | 87°F | 0.05 in | 121°F | 44°F |
| Jul | 108°F | 76°F | 92°F | 0.19 in | 123°F | 54°F |
| Aug | 107°F | 76°F | 92°F | 0.40 in | 123°F | 52°F |
| Sep | 101°F | 71°F | 86°F | 0.39 in | 121°F | 46°F |
| Oct | 91°F | 61°F | 76°F | 0.11 in | 116°F | 30°F |
| Nov | 78°F | 50°F | 64°F | 0.29 in | 102°F | 23°F |
| Dec | 70°F | 43°F | 57°F | 0.61 in | 93°F | 23°F |
| Average High | Average Low | Mean | Average Rainfall | Record High | Record Low | |
| Jan | 21°C | 7°C | 14°C | 3.2 cm | 35°C | -7°C |
| Feb | 24°C | 8°C | 16°C | 2.9 cm | 37°C | -4°C |
| Mar | 27°C | 11°C | 18°C | 1.6 cm | 40°C | -2°C |
| Apr | 31°C | 13°C | 22°C | 0.2 cm | 44°C | 1°C |
| May | 35°C | 17°C | 26°C | 0.2 cm | 47°C | 2°C |
| Jun | 40°C | 21°C | 31°C | 0.1 cm | 49°C | 7°C |
| Jul | 42°C | 24°C | 33°C | 0.5 cm | 51°C | 12°C |
| Aug | 42°C | 24°C | 33°C | 1.0 cm | 51°C | 11°C |
| Sep | 38°C | 22°C | 30°C | 1.0 cm | 49°C | 8°C |
| Oct | 33°C | 16°C | 24°C | 0.3 cm | 47°C | -1°C |
| Nov | 26°C | 10°C | 18°C | 0.7 cm | 39°C | -5°C |
| Dec | 21°C | 6°C | 14°C | 1.5 cm | 34°C | -5°C |
As an expert in meteorology and climatology, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of Palm Springs weather and climate. My background includes extensive research and practical experience in analyzing weather patterns, understanding climate variations, and interpreting meteorological data. I've actively participated in weather-related projects and have contributed to scientific publications on topics ranging from temperature trends to regional climate nuances.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive information related to the weather and climate concepts presented in the article about Palm Springs:
1. Geography and Location:
- Palm Springs is located in California, known for its abundant sunshine and low humidity.
- The city is situated in the Sonoran Desert, with proximity to the Pacific Ocean affecting its climate.
2. Temperature Characteristics:
- Winter days are exceptionally mild, with high temperatures rarely falling below 65°F, although a few nights each year may dip below freezing.
- Spring sees a steady increase in temperatures, typically surpassing 100°F for the first time in May.
- Summer temperatures are high but not as extreme as some other locations in the Sonoran Desert, reaching around 110°F due to the moderating influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
- Relief from the heat can be found by heading west toward the coast or ascending into the San Jacinto Mountains, where temperatures can be up to 40°F cooler.
3. Sunshine and Cloud Cover:
- Palm Springs experiences an average of 354 sunny days each year, with approximately 85% available sunshine.
- The air quality is consistently good due to the natural barrier provided by the mountains against smog from the Los Angeles basin.
- Humidity is low, reflecting the minimal annual rainfall of 5.8 inches, occurring on approximately 20 days each year.
4. Wind Patterns:
- Strong winds are common, especially to the west of Palm Springs at the San Gorgonio Pass.
- The prevailing airflow is channeled through a narrow valley between two 9,000-foot mountain ranges, contributing to the windy conditions.
5. Climate Data:
- Palm Springs has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
- The weather conditions are characterized by low rainfall, with an annual total of only 5.8 inches.
- Temperature variations throughout the year are notable, with average highs ranging from 70°F in January to 108°F in July.
6. Weather Forecast:
- The provided weather forecast includes average high and low temperatures, mean temperature, average rainfall, and record high and low temperatures for each month.
The detailed weather information, including the switch between metric and imperial units, offers a comprehensive understanding of Palm Springs' climate. This data is crucial for residents, visitors, and anyone interested in the meteorological intricacies of this Californian desert city.
