Palm Springs, California, has a desert climate with mostly sunny days year-round, little rain, and temperatures that vary sharply between seasons. Winter offers mild days and cool nights, while summer brings extreme heat that can make outdoor activity challenging.
What makes this desert resort city a popular getaway for Californians and travellers is its weather. The weather in Palm Springs, California has lured some celebrities away from the busy streets of dusty LA to a slower lifestyle.
Palm Springs boasts iconic mid-century architecture and boulevards running along their signature palm trees-against-the-desert-backdrop landscape.
Celebrity tours give you a glimpse at the glitter and glamour. A variety of museums and art projects provide you with a taste of the city’s history and creative spirit. Hiking and bike-riding keep you active as one of the must-do activities in Palm Springs.
Various vista points and views of the desert’s grandeur will make you catch your breath. Golf is in high demand here, while high-class casinos and nightlife are a few other things to keep your eyes open for.
If you're a shopping aficionado, this city will pack your suitcase full or make you buy a new one. Design and art shops along with vintage boutiques await your visit.
If you want to get in touch with the local nature, Palm Springs is a good starting point for discovering Joshua Tree National Park. Alternatively, you can ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy sights of Chino Canyon.
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Photo by James May on Flickr[/caption]
Palm Springs, CA offers a wide array of activities and you may wonder when is the best time to plan a visit. Here is what to expect from the weather, how to pick the best season to your taste, and how to pack accordingly.
Weather In Palm Springs
Palms Springs is located in a desert. Clear skies and sunshine will almost certainly greet you whatever the season you choose. On average, this area gets mostly sunny days year-round.
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Photo by Wesley & Brandon Rosenblum on Flickr[/caption]
Desert climate determines the levels of humidity in Palm Springs. Dry air and dry soil prevail in surrounding areas as it rarely rains. At most, you can count on very few rainy days a year. However, some differences in the weather occur throughout the year.
Most people find winter in Palm Springs very warm. Mild weather during low season grants Palm Springs one of the most pleasant winter climates in the USA. The coolest months are December and January.
The average temperature during these days will stay at 15-21°C (60-70F). This makes winter the best season for outdoor activities like golfing or hiking.
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Photo by kristin :: thekitchensink on Flickr[/caption]
Winter nights are the coldest times throughout the year. Once the sun goes over the mountains, temperature slides down to 4-5°C (40F).
Sometimes it may get chilly but no lower than the record low -7°C (19F), recorded on January 22, 1937. When the first sun rays light up the rooftops of Palm Springs, the warmth quickly recovers to its normal mildness.
If you want to catch a true rarity of rain in Palm Springs, winter is the best time. The overall amount of precipitation throughout the year is very low, and winter gets almost all of it.
Winter in Palm Springs gives you a chance to both sunbathe in a bikini during the day and curl up with a cup of hot cocoa during the night.
Spring In Palm Springs
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Photo by jimsawhat on Flickr[/caption]
Spring comes early to Palm Springs. Winter starts losing its grip in mid-February. By mid-March spring is in the air.
In March and April average daily temperature rises to 21-32°C (70-90F). For some travellers from colder parts of the world, this would feel toasty, but for Palm Springs residents, even early May with its 37-40°C (100F) is still low season.
The chance of rain falls from minimum to almost impossible. Days become longer and the sun cuts out a bigger share of the day, easing into its daily toasting routine of the upcoming summer.
Summer In Palm Springs
Californian summer can be challenging. It gets so hot in Palm Springs during summer that you could fry eggs on bare stones. June breaks through with 40+°C (105F+) and begins to warm up the frying pan.
The hottest time of the year comes from July until September.
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Photo by Patrick Enright on Flickr[/caption]
During these months, the daily temperature can reach extreme highs. The historical maximum temperature in Palm Springs has reached extreme levels.
Once the sun goes down, you can crawl out of your AC-ed shelter and enjoy the mellow comfort of the upper 70s to mid-80s °F during the night. Palm Springs is no Death Valley.
Drive a couple of dozen miles north-east of Palm Springs and the air temperature becomes unbearable. If you aren't used to dry hot weather, desert summer might come down on you hard.
Fall In Palm Springs
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Photo by Influence Group on Flickr[/caption]
Unlike spring, fall in Palms Springs is in no hurry to arrive. The average temperature in September is 35-38°C (approx. 100F). Mild warm weather lingers through October and November, at a cooler rate of 25-32°C (75-90F).
Rain is nowhere to be seen in the fall. Palm Springs hardly gets any precipitation in that period. Only days getting shorter and nights longer remind us of the upcoming winter.
Things To Pack If You’re Going To Palm Springs
One thing you can leave behind no matter the season is an umbrella. If you experience rain in Palm Springs, consider it a stroke of luck and enjoy the rare moment. Year-round, the wardrobe you’ll need is the summer one.
Light, loose garments, dresses, shorts, and hats should be on your shortlist. Take your swimsuit and live like a Palm Springs native – chill by the pool, as the majority of accommodation is equipped with at least one.
Bring sunscreen and use it generously, reapplying every couple hours during peak sun hours. Excessive sunlight exposure can result in sunburns or heatstroke. Bring a reusable water bottle and remember to rehydrate.
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Photo by mhextreme on Flickr[/caption]
If you're visiting during winter months, throw in a sweater or a light jacket, a pair of your favourite jeans, and some closed shoes. Those will keep you warm while you take in the starry sky over the Sonoran desert.
In warmer seasons, layering up is a good idea if you plan to stay out long after sundown. The desert takes its toll, and the temperature might drop drastically during the nighttime. Remember to pack your hiking shoes to explore the Palm Springs area on foot.
What Is The Best Time To Go To Palm Springs, California?
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Photo by Paul Reinstein on Flickr[/caption]
If you enjoy long warm days, you can’t pick a wrong time to visit Palm Springs. This region is an all-year-round sunspot. If you're used to cooler climates, the most comfortable time to take a trip would be in winter or spring.
Winter holidays are the most popular time with tourists in Palm Springs, tripling the regular population numbers. Choose a date to your liking, put your sunglasses and sunscreen on, and enjoy your stay in the oasis of the Sonoran desert.
Now that you know what to expect, check out Things To Do In Palm Springs, California!
Related travel guides: 12 Iconic Landmarks To See In Palm Springs, California.
