Palm Springs is where stunning mountain vistas frame luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses stretch across desert landscapes, and the glamour of old Hollywood still sparkles under endless blue skies.
And if you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a desert paradise, this oasis transforms throughout the year, offering visitors unique experiences based on when they choose to explore its sun-soaked terrain. Palm Springs and the greater Coachella Valley present an exceptional destination that perfectly balances relaxation with adventure.
The best time to visit Palm Springs is during winter and spring (November-April) when temperatures are comfortable and skies are consistently clear. However, each season offers distinct advantages in this desert playground, from festival excitement to peaceful summer solitude.
If you’re seeking championship golf, poolside relaxation, or exploring the artistic culture that defines this desert gem, here’s your complete guide to choosing the best time to visit Palm Springs and creating your perfect desert escape.
We’ll walk you through Palm Springs’ seasonal characteristics, monthly weather patterns, signature events, and outdoor activities, while helping you find the perfect desert retreat for your getaway.
About Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs sits in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California, where dramatic mountain ranges create a stunning backdrop for this resort destination. This remarkable city basks in 300 days of sunshine, featuring world-renowned golf courses, luxury spas, and distinctive mid-century modern architecture that has made it an icon of style and sophistication.
The city’s desert location creates a climate where summers are sweltering, arid, and mostly clear while winters are cool and partly cloudy, with temperatures typically varying from 45°F to 106°F throughout the year. The surrounding communities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells offer additional luxury resorts, dining, and cultural attractions that extend the desert experience.
Palm Springs Travel Seasons at a Glance
Understanding Palm Springs’ seasonal rhythms helps you plan the ideal desert vacation. Here’s your essential seasonal overview.
High Seasons: November to April
These months deliver perfect weather conditions with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall, attracting peak crowds and premium accommodation rates. Winter brings ideal golfing conditions, while spring offers perfect poolside weather without extreme heat.
Shoulder Seasons: May and October
These transitional months provide excellent weather with moderate crowds and reasonable pricing. May offers warm, pleasant conditions before summer heat, while October brings relief from summer temperatures with beautiful desert weather.
Low Season: June to September
Summer’s extreme heat creates challenging conditions with most days having temperature highs of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but also offers the lowest prices and smallest crowds. Summer appeals to heat-lovers and budget travelers willing to embrace desert intensity.
Why Visit Palm Springs?
Palm Springs’ appeal extends beyond its famous sunshine and celebrity history. This desert sanctuary offers transformative experiences that blend luxury with natural beauty. The city serves as a playground for golf enthusiasts, featuring over 100 championship courses designed by legendary architects against stunning mountain backdrops.
The destination presents world-class spa experiences utilizing natural hot springs and desert minerals, while the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports visitors from desert floor to alpine wilderness in minutes. The city’s mid-century modern architecture creates an outdoor museum of design, with Frank Sinatra’s former home and other celebrity estates adding Hollywood glamour.
Palm Springs’ vibrant arts scene flourishes year-round, with galleries, sculpture gardens, and cultural events celebrating both contemporary and classic desert lifestyles. The city’s dining scene has evolved into a culinary destination, featuring farm-to-table restaurants, rooftop lounges, and innovative chefs who highlight desert ingredients.
The consistently beautiful weather in Palm Springs provides abundant sunshine, clear blue skies, low humidity, warm temperatures, and rarely a hint of rain, with sun shining more than 350 days a year, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities and poolside relaxation that define the ultimate desert vacation experience.
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Palm Springs
- Palm Springs in January: Perfect temperatures, peak season crowds, ideal golfing weather
- Palm Springs in February: Comfortable climate, festival season, excellent outdoor conditions
- Palm Springs in March: Warm, pleasant days, spring break visitors, perfect pool weather
- Palm Springs in April: Beautiful spring weather, moderate crowds, ideal for all activities
- Palm Springs in May: Increasing warmth, fewer crowds, the last month of perfect conditions
- Palm Springs in June: Heat builds significantly, summer pricing begins, pool becomes essential
- Palm Springs in July: Extreme desert heat, lowest crowds, serious sun protection required
- Palm Springs in August: Peak summer intensity, budget-friendly rates, early morning activities only
- Palm Springs in September: Heat continues, shoulder season begins, gradual crowd increase
- Palm Springs in October: Perfect weather returns, excellent conditions, autumn beauty
- Palm Springs in November: Ideal temperatures resume, peak season starts, and outstanding weather
- Palm Springs in December: Cool, comfortable days, holiday atmosphere, perfect winter escape
When Is the Best Time to Visit Palm Springs?
The absolute best time to visit Palm Springs is during the winter and spring months, specifically November through April. These periods offer optimal combinations of comfortable daytime temperatures in the 70s to 80s, pleasant evenings, minimal precipitation, and excellent conditions for all outdoor desert activities.
October through December offers opportunities to beat the crowds while still enjoying beautiful weather. Winter provides the added benefit of perfect golfing conditions and comfortable spa experiences, while spring delivers ideal poolside weather and hiking conditions in nearby desert areas.
Visiting in Spring (March to May)
Spring showcases Palm Springs at its most appealing, when desert landscapes bloom and weather conditions reach perfection for outdoor activities. This season offers the ideal balance of warm days perfect for poolside relaxation and comfortable evenings ideal for outdoor dining and entertainment.
Spring weather creates perfect circumstances for experiencing Palm Springs’ signature activities, from championship golf to desert hiking. The comfortable temperatures allow for full days of outdoor exploration without the extreme heat that characterizes summer months.
Palm Springs Weather in Spring
- March: 54°F (low) / 78°F (high) | Avg precip: 1.1 in
- April: 60°F (low) / 84°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.3 in
- May: 67°F (low) / 91°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.1 in
Things to Do in Palm Springs During Spring
Spring weather makes every Palm Springs activity more enjoyable. Golf courses provide perfect playing conditions with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Pool areas become ideal for full-day relaxation, while hiking trails in nearby Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Canyons offer comfortable exploration opportunities.
The Pleasant evenings create perfect conditions for exploring downtown Palm Springs, visiting art galleries, and enjoying rooftop dining. Spring’s comfortable temperatures also make it ideal for day trips to nearby attractions and scenic drives through desert landscapes.
Palm Springs Events in Spring
- Modernism Week (February-March) – Celebrating mid-century architecture and design
- BNP Paribas Open (March) – World-class tennis tournament at Indian Wells
- Palm Springs International Film Festival (January-February) – Prestigious cinema celebration
- Coachella Valley Music Festival (April) – Iconic music festival in nearby Indio
Local Eats in Palm Springs During Spring
Spring brings perfect weather for outdoor dining throughout Palm Springs. Restaurant patios showcase desert mountain views, while poolside dining at resort hotels provides luxury experiences. The comfortable temperatures make it ideal for exploring Palm Springs’ diverse culinary scene without weather constraints.
Palm Springs Travel Tips During Spring
Spring attracts many visitors, so book accommodations and tee times well in advance. Pack layers for temperature variations between warm days and cooler evenings. This is prime time for golf, so reserve popular courses early and consider sunrise tee times for optimal conditions.
Visiting in Summer (June to August)
Summer in Palm Springs presents extreme conditions with most days reaching at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with nights remaining above 70. This season offers the most challenging weather but provides unique opportunities for those prepared to handle desert heat intensity.
Summer temperatures create potentially dangerous conditions for unprepared visitors, requiring careful planning and respect for desert climate extremes. However, this season offers dramatic savings, minimal crowds, and authentic desert experiences for heat-tolerant travelers.
Palm Springs Weather in Summer
- June: 74°F (low) / 103°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.1 in
- July: 81°F (low) / 107°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.2 in
- August: 82°F (low) / 106°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.3 in
Things to Do in Palm Springs During Summer
Summer activities require strategic planning around extreme heat. Pool areas become essential rather than optional, while air-conditioned spas provide necessary cooling relief. Early morning activities work best, with golf courses opening before dawn and hiking limited to sunrise hours.
Indoor attractions like museums, shopping centers, and restaurants with excellent air conditioning become primary destinations during peak heat periods.
Palm Springs Events in Summer
- Pride Festival (November, moved from summer) – Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community
- Summer Concert Series (Various venues) – Indoor performances during the heat
- Spa Specials (June-September) – Resort spa packages during low season
- Pool Parties (June-August) – Hotel and resort pool events
Local Eats in Palm Springs During Summer
Summer dining focuses on air-conditioned restaurants and cool, refreshing cuisine. Many establishments offer special summer menus featuring light, cooling dishes. Resort dining becomes particularly valuable, providing quality meals without heat exposure.
Palm Springs Travel Tips During Summer
Summer requires serious heat preparation. Carry excessive water, plan indoor activities during peak hours, and ensure accommodations have reliable air conditioning and pools. Book spa treatments and indoor experiences in advance, as they become essential rather than a luxury during extreme heat periods.
Visiting in Fall (September to November)
Fall provides transitional conditions in Palm Springs, with early fall still experiencing summer heat, while October and November offer some of the year’s most pleasant weather. Fall temperatures range from the 70s to around 90 degrees with bright blue skies, though nights in later fall can require a sweater.
This season offers excellent value as crowds remain manageable while weather improves dramatically from summer’s intensity. Fall represents Palm Springs’ “secret season” with comfortable conditions perfect for all outdoor activities.
Palm Springs Weather in Fall
- September: 75°F (low) / 100°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.3 in
- October: 65°F (low) / 90°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.3 in
- November: 55°F (low) / 79°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.4 in
Things to Do in Palm Springs During Fall
Fall provides ideal conditions for every Palm Springs activity. Golf courses offer perfect playing weather, while pool areas remain comfortable without summer’s extreme heat. Hiking becomes enjoyable again, with comfortable temperatures for desert exploration.
The pleasant conditions make it perfect for exploring Palm Springs’ cultural attractions, art galleries, and architectural tours that might be uncomfortable during the summer heat.
Palm Springs Events in Fall
- Desert X (Various dates) – Contemporary art installation in desert landscape
- Palm Springs Pride (November) – Major LGBTQ+ celebration
- Golf Tournament Season (October-November) – Various championship events
- Art Gallery Tours (October-November) – Comfortable weather for cultural exploration
Local Eats in Palm Springs During Fall
Fall dining combines excellent weather with harvest-inspired menus. Restaurant patios reopen for comfortable outdoor dining, while special seasonal menus highlight autumn ingredients and comfortable evening dining experiences.
Palm Springs Travel Tips During Fall
Fall offers excellent weather-crowd combinations. October through November provide ideal conditions with manageable visitor levels. Pack layers for temperature variations, and take advantage of shoulder season pricing for accommodations and activities.
Visiting in Winter (December to February)
Winter delivers Palm Springs’ most consistently perfect weather conditions. Average high temperatures rarely drop below 65°F during the coolest winter months, though a few nights each year dip into the mid-to-low 40s. This season represents peak season for good reason, offering ideal conditions for all outdoor activities.
Winter provides the perfect escape from harsh climates elsewhere, with sunny days and comfortable temperatures that make Palm Springs a premier winter destination for travelers seeking warmth and sunshine.
Palm Springs Weather in Winter
- December: 46°F (low) / 68°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.6 in
- January: 45°F (low) / 69°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.7 in
- February: 49°F (low) / 73°F (high) | Avg precip: 0.9 in
Things to Do in Palm Springs During Winter
Winter offers perfect conditions for all Palm Springs activities. Golf courses provide ideal playing weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Pool areas offer pleasant daytime enjoyment, while evening temperatures require light layers for outdoor dining.
The excellent weather makes winter perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring desert attractions without heat concerns.
Palm Springs Events in Winter
- Palm Springs International Film Festival (January) – Prestigious annual cinema event
- Modernism Week (February) – Architecture and design celebration
- La Quinta Arts Festival (March) – Regional arts and crafts celebration
- Indian Wells Tennis Tournament (March) – Professional tennis championship
Local Eats in Palm Springs During Winter
Winter brings perfect outdoor dining weather to Palm Springs restaurants. Patios offer comfortable year-round dining, while special winter menus feature seasonal specialties. The pleasant weather makes restaurant exploration easy and enjoyable.
Palm Springs Travel Tips During Winter
Winter represents peak season with the highest prices and the largest crowds. Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance. Pack light layers for temperature variations between warm days and cool evenings.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Palm Springs (By Interest)
Palm Springs’ desert climate and seasonal variations make timing important for optimizing your experience. Understanding your priorities helps determine the perfect timing for your desert getaway:
- For Smallest Crowds: June-September and weekdays year-round
- For Perfect Weather: November-April
- For Golf: November-April
- For Pool/Spa Time: March-May & October-November
- For Festivals/Events: January-March
- For Best Value: June-September
- For Photography: November-April
For Less Crowd: June to September and Weekdays Year-Round
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs for Smallest Crowds
Summer months provide maximum solitude despite extreme heat, while visiting on weekdays, any season helps avoid weekend crowds at popular golf courses and attractions.
For Perfect Weather: November to April
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs for Perfect Weather
These months deliver ideal temperatures, minimal precipitation, and excellent conditions for all outdoor activities without extreme heat or uncomfortable conditions.
For Golf: November to April
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs for Golf
Comfortable temperatures and reliable, clear weather make these months perfect for championship golf, with courses at optimal playing conditions and comfortable walking weather.
For Pool/Spa Time: March to May and October to November
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs for Pool and Spa Experiences
Warm, pleasant temperatures create perfect conditions for poolside relaxation and spa treatments without extreme heat or cool weather concerns.
For Festivals/Events: January to March
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs for Festivals and Events
Peak cultural season brings film festivals, modernism celebrations, and tennis tournaments during ideal weather conditions.
For Best Value: June to September
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs for Best Value
Summer heat creates challenging conditions but offers significant savings on luxury accommodations and activities for heat-tolerant travelers.
For Photography: November to April
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs for Photography
Perfect lighting conditions, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures create ideal circumstances for capturing Palm Springs’ desert beauty and architectural significance.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Discover accommodations that perfectly capture Palm Springs’ luxury desert lifestyle while providing modern comfort and stunning mountain views. Here are five exceptional Palm Springs vacation homes available to rent with AvantStay:
- Villa Toscana – Mediterranean villa with views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
- Park View – Contemporary home offering a saltwater pool and complete amenities.
- Villa Valentina – Sophisticated and luxurious retreat near downtown Palm Springs.
- Palo Verde – Beautifully appointed oasis that has an authentic Southwestern vibe.
- Azul Oasis – Made for groups, a stunning desert home for a weekend getaway.
Create Your Palm Springs Itinerary
Ready to plan your desert escape? Let our experienced team handle every detail of your Palm Springs experience! Our concierge service can arrange golf reservations, spa appointments, and unique desert adventures.
Simply contact us or download the AvantStay App to book additional experiences, receive insider desert tips, and manage your entire stay through one convenient platform.
For more inspiration on desert activities, explore our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs.
Ready to Plan Your Palm Springs Adventure?
No matter when you choose to visit, Palm Springs’ stunning desert landscape and luxurious resort atmosphere will create lasting memories. The city’s perfect blend of natural beauty and sophisticated amenities ensures every visit offers relaxation and discovery.
We have the perfect desert sanctuary waiting for your arrival. Book with AvantStay today and discover how extraordinary desert vacations can be when you experience Palm Springs’ timeless elegance and endless sunshine.
FAQs
Is Palm Springs expensive to visit?
Palm Springs can be costly during peak season (November-April) when accommodations command premium prices due to perfect weather conditions. However, budget-friendly options exist during summer months (June-September) when extreme heat keeps crowds away but offers significant savings on luxury resorts and activities.
How busy does Palm Springs get?
Peak seasons (November-April) see the largest crowds, particularly during major events like film festivals and tennis tournaments. For quieter experiences, consider visiting during summer months or weekdays throughout the year for the most peaceful desert conditions.
When to avoid Palm Springs?
Summer months (June-September) present potentially dangerous heat conditions that can reach over 110°F. If you’re not prepared for extreme desert heat, avoid summer unless you plan early morning activities and midday air-conditioned relaxation. Otherwise, Palm Springs’ mild climate makes it accessible year-round with proper preparation.