The best time to visit Palm Springs is between January and April. These prime months of the year offer ideal weather with mild, sunny days reaching 70°F (21°C) and crisp evenings in the mid-40s °F (5 to 9°C). It’s a fantastic time to enjoy everything from lounging by the pool to hiking in the mountains.
Wildflowers begin to bloom in February as outdoor enthusiasts flock to hike in the mountains. Palm Springs comes alive in the spring with big marquee cultural events like the world-renowned Coachella and big-name golf tournaments. With the influx of travelers, peak hotel rates and airfares can soar at this time, so be sure to book early.
Summer in Palm Springs is long and very hot. Daytime temperatures in this desert oasis regularly climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit but wane slightly in the evenings. Locals escape the city, and tourists from colder northern climes travel here to bask in the heat. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring see the return of pleasant weather and better rates on hotels and airfares.
Not sure when to head to Palm Springs for your holidays? Find out the best times to go with this in-depth Palm Springs weather guide by season and month!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our California Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Weather in Palm Springs, CA
By season
Spring
Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Palm Springs. The weather is glorious, with daytime temperatures averaging in the mid-70s °F (mid-20s °C) and beautiful, blue-sky days. It’s warm enough to enjoy being outdoors, whether hiking, biking, playing golf, or relaxing by the pool.
In January and February, evenings can be quite chilly, with temperatures hanging around the mid-40s °F (5 to 9°C). Be sure to pack warm clothing for the cooler nights.
Temperatures begin to rise in March through to April with long, sunny days averaging between 78°F (25°C) and 84°F (28°C). Dry desert evenings are a cool 55°F (12°C), the perfect climate for dancing the night away at a festival.
The social calendar in this popular destination comes alive in the spring with a myriad of events and festivals happening every weekend. From the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January to the famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April, there’s tons of entertainment on offer.
Spring is a peak tourist season, with airfares, hotel rates, and golf fees at their highest. Our advice? Book early, or be prepared to open your wallet wide!
Summer
Summer in Palm Springs is hot. Swelteringly hot. Bright sunny days bake with temperatures reaching triple digits between June and August.
If you’re a heat seeker or a budget traveler, then summer is an enjoyable season to visit Palm Springs, as hotel rates and golf course fees are lower than in the spring months. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for getting out and about, with sunrise hikes and outdoor dining being de rigueur.
During July and August, day temperatures reach 107°F (41°C), and many outdoor attractions and restaurants shorten their operating hours to beat the heat.
Balmy evening temperatures of between 71°F (21°C) and 77°F (24°C) see many resorts hosting after-hours events and pool parties with live DJs. If you’re a night owl who enjoys warm weather after dark, summer in Palm Springs could be perfect for you!
Fall
The fall season in Palm Springs between October and December brings blue skies and idyllic weather. Daytime temperatures have cooled down significantly to the mid-80s °F (high-20s °C), while nights are still comfortable at around 62°F (16°C). Crowds tend to thin out around this time, and weekend hotel deals abound.
Fall is a fantastic time for hiking in the surrounding mountains and hot-air ballooning over the valley. Spa days and lounging by the pool with the kids are also on the cards, and there are some big festivals like the annual Pride to enjoy. Palm Springs is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, and there’s no better time than the fall to practice your swing with mountain views in the shade of palm trees!
Palm Springs gets into the festive spirit in December with the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade. You’ll also find plenty of excellent choices for ringing the New Year in around town.
Winter
Winter is one of the best seasons of the year to plan a journey to this desert city. The weather is perfect for getting out into nature, hitting the golf course, and enjoying lounging by the pool. Temperatures range between 67°F (19°C) in December and January to 78°F (25°C) towards the end of March.
The pleasant weather in winter brings the crowds and, with them, higher hotel rates; be sure to book early. The top Palm Springs tourist attractions and restaurants are busy, and there are plenty of events and festivals on the go. January sees the stars arriving for the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Modernism Week kicks off in February.
If you’re looking for beautiful weather, plenty of things to do, and a lively, energetic vibe, then the winter months are a fantastic time to go to the Golf Capital of the World.
By Month
January
January is a beautiful month to holiday in Palm Springs. The sun rises just before 7:00 am, and crisp mornings of around 44°F (6°C) gradually warm up to highs between 65°F (18°C) and 70°F (21°C) during the day. This weather is ideal for heading into the mountain to hike and climb or hit the golf course for a game. Afternoons are made for lounging by the pool.
Evenings cool down to 57°F (13°C), so it’s best to pack some warm clothing for after sunset, which is at around 5:00 pm. Rainfall is rare, and if any does fall, it’s only about an inch.
Famous golfers from around the world come to the city for the American Express Golf Tournament. The Palm Springs International Film Festival also kicks off, so you might see one or two of your favorite celebrities strolling around town!
Festivals & events in January
- Palm Springs International Film Festival
- American Express Golf Tournament
February
The pleasant weather continues into February, warming up slightly during the day but still perfect for enjoying outdoor recreational activities. Mornings are still quite chilly at 47°F (8°C), with the sun rising at around 6:45 am.
You’ll enjoy bright, blue skies and sunny days with the mercury hanging around 75°F (23°C). With little or no rainfall at all, Palm Springs is a fantastic place to escape the cold winters further north and soak up some sunshine with the entire family.
February is the time for exploring—and Modernism Week is the way to do it! Wander around some of the city’s most beautiful homes and marvel at this stunning architecture on guided tours, admire vintage autos at classic car shows, go shopping in cool boutiques, and dance the night away at evening events.
Festivals & events in February
- Tour de Palm Springs
- Modernism Week
March
Gloriously sunny days, balmy temperatures, and blooming wildflowers are some of the reasons why March is one of the best times of the year to visit Palm Springs. Dawn breaks at around 6:30 am and develops into spectacular days with average temperatures of 75°F (26°C).
March is peak wildflower season, and the desert landscapes are blanketed with colorful carpets of wildflowers. Visitors flock to national and state parks like Joshua Tree National Park to see the flowers, marvel at spectacular desert views, and enjoy nature at its finest. The sun sets at about 6:35 pm with some spectacular sunsets, and evening temperatures cool down to 65°F (18°C).
In March, equestrians prepare for The Desert Circuit, and Palm Springs Fashion Week comes to town.
Festivals & events in March
- Palm Springs Fashion Week
- Desert Circuit (equestrian events)
April
April is one of the busiest months in Palm Springs. The beautiful weather is ideal for outdoor events, and this optimal month sees some of the biggest festivals in the country taking place. Long, sunny days offer warm temperatures of between 80°F (26°C) and 88°F (31°C) and lovely balmy evenings of 72°F (22°C).
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is the highlight of the month. Thousands of visitors flock to Palm Springs to enjoy the music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in nearby Indio. The best hotels in Palm Springs are usually booked up, and if you’re lucky enough to find a room, you’ll pay remarkably high rates, so book your accommodation early! Flight prices will also likely be more elevated than usual.
Other great outdoor events and music festivals during April include the Stagecoach Festival, a massive country music gig, and Desert X, a celebration of arts and culture in the Coachella Valley. There’s truly something for everyone!
Festivals & events in April
- White Party Palm Springs
- Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
- Stagecoach Festival
- Desert X
May
The beautiful weather of April continues into May with warm sunny days and balmy nights. The sun climbs over the horizon at 5:44 am and sinks at 7:46 pm, so days are long enough to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Temperatures in May are becoming hot during the day, and they average around 95°F (35°C). Hit the hiking trails or the golf courses in the morning before the heat of the day and laze by the pool in the afternoons.
Starry night skies at 79°F (26°C) are perfect for outdoor dining and stargazing. Events-wise, the arts and cultural Desert X festival continue into May. The annual Palm Springs Air Museum flower drop is held on Memorial Day Weekend, and the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival attracts movie buffs to the city.
Festivals & events in May
- Desert X
- Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
- Palm Springs Air Museum Flower Drop
June
Things are beginning to heat up in June, and temperatures reach triple digits by midday. Mornings are comfortable and range between 70°F (21°C) and 75°F (23°C). As the sun rises into the sky, temperatures rise with it and by lunchtime, it can be a sweltering 104°F (40°C).
If you plan on hitting the tennis court or golf course, do it before noon to avoid the hottest time of the day. The best way to escape this heat is to spend the day in the pool or wandering around air-conditioned shops, museums, and art galleries.
In the cooler evenings, visit some of the participating restaurants in Restaurant Week or catch a few movies at the Shortfest Film Festival.
Festivals & events in June
- Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
- Shortfest Film Festival
July
Historically the hottest month of the year, July blazes with days of 108°F (42°C) and nights of 92°F (33°C). The sky is bright and cloudless and there isn’t a speck of rain in sight. Hotels are packed with visitors escaping the Northern Hemisphere for hotter climes and young people who flock to the valley for poolside parties.
Days are wonderfully long, with the sun rising at 5:47 am and setting at 7:52 pm. Most resorts host pool-centric events all day and into the evening. Independence Day celebrations abound with loads of events, from outdoor music concerts to free museum visits for families.
Festivals & events in July
- Desert Classic Dancesport Championships
- Palm Springs VillageFest
- National Ice Cream Day
August
As July rolls into August, the hot weather doesn’t abate, and August is another scorching month. Mornings begin at 75°F (23°C) and heat up to between 102°F (39°C) and 107°F (41°C) around midday.
Splash House is a popular event held in August where DJs spin the decks next to the pools of three hotels and party well into the night. Hotels are quite busy during these hot months, with visitors wanting poolside vacations and room rates at a premium.
Festivals & events in August
- Splash House
- Taste of Summer Restaurant Program
September
The sizzling weather breaks in September and temperatures cool down significantly, making it a fantastic time to visit the desert city.
Pleasant mornings of 71°F (21°C) are perfect for getting outdoors to hike, horseback ride, or enjoy a game of golf. Days are still fairly hot in September, with the mercury hanging around 101°F (37°C) at midday and cooling down to 86°F (30°C).
Evenings are magical for alfresco dining under the stars as temperatures begin to cool down to seasonal lows.
Festivals & events in September
- Night Sky Festival
October
October is another fantastic month to travel to Palm Springs. The rising sun at 6:13 am brings cool temperatures of around 61°F (16°C). Hiking into the desert to watch the sunrise is a must!
By midday, the sun has warmed the air enough to enjoy a day at the pool with temperatures of between 85°F (29°C) and 91°F (32°C). Evenings are a lovely 76°F (24°C).
October sees many conventions in & around Palm Springs, so hotels may be full of businesspeople. Outdoor lovers will delight in this time of the year as the weather is perfect for being outside.
Festivals & events in October
- World Team Tennis
- Joshua Tree Music Festival
November
The heat of summer is waning, and temperatures are cooling down as Palm Springs heads into winter. But don’t expect the icy winters of the north – winter in the desert is pleasant and mild.
Mornings in November are now a chilly 50°F (10°C) but warm up to around 78°F (26°C) during the day. The sun sets earlier at 4:46 pm, and temperatures drop to 78°F (17°C) in the evenings.
PRIDE comes to town in November, and there’s a lively, vibrant energy in the air. If you want to escape the wild partying for a while, head to the Joshua Tree National Park for some peace and tranquility surrounded by spectacular scenery.
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Hotels are usually full around the time of the Greater Palm Springs LGBT Pride with high room rates, but they tend to drop when the party people have gone home. Flights also tend to be pricier during these dates.
Other must-do experiences in November include the Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts in Rancho Mirage, the Desert Arts Festival in Palm Desert, and the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Cathedral City.
Festivals & events in November
- Greater Palm Springs LGBT Pride
- Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival
- Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Indio BBQ State Championship
- Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts
- Desert Arts Festival
December
Palm Springs in December is sunny and beautiful, with cloudless skies and no sign of rain. Rise with the sun at 6:44 am and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or horseback riding.
Day temperatures in December average around 70°F (21°C) and are perfect for playing golf, relaxing by the pool, shopping, or enjoying food & drinks at cool restaurants and bars in the heart of town. Watch the sun set against a spectacular backdrop of mountain vistas at 4:39 pm.
The cool weather in December is superb for hiking in the canyons of the Sonoran Desert. Head into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area on a day trip from Palm Springs and take in the beauty of the Whitewater Canyon Preserve, one of the coolest nature destinations in the area.
Festivals & events in December
- Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
- Desert Air Festival
