Best Time to Visit Palm Springs (From a Repeat Visitor)

If you’ve got your sights on visiting Palm Springs, but you’re not sure when to plan your trip, this guide will clear things up for you. I’ve visited three different times, in three different seasons — and while its weather is pretty perfect most of the year, the only time I will not step foot there is the summertime.

As an East Coaster who grew up with weather ranging from snow and ice to crazy humidity, experiencing the weather in California is something that continues to confuse and perplex me, even after more than eight years of living here.

First of all, it’s a giant state — so even though everyone talks about how the weather here is perfect all year-round, I hate to break it to you, but that’s all a lie. Sure, the temperature changes aren’t as drastic as other places in the country, but it’s definitely not 75 degrees and sunny every single day. 

That couldn’t be more true than in places like Palm Springs, which as you may know, is a couple hours outside of Los Angeles, out in the Colorado Desert. That means the weather basically fluctuates between warm and dry, and really hot and dry.

In my opinion, October through early April are all pretty perfect times to visit. 

But let’s break it down further — from everything you need to know about the weather in each season, to festivals, and other tidbits that will help you plan your trip at the perfect time for what you’re looking for — whether that’s saving the most money or maximizing your sightseeing.

Fall (October-November)

Ok, I hate picking favorites, but if I really had to pick the best time to visit Palm Springs, it’s now.

My very first trip to Palm Springs was this time, and I think weather-wise — and in general — you can’t beat it. It’s already chilly in Long Beach where I live at this point, but in Palm Springs, this time of year is perfect laying out by the pool weather, without it getting too hot to hike or sightsee. 

The weather is ideal for hiking in nearby Indian Canyons, visiting the botanical garden, and exploring Downtown — all musts during your trip to Palm Springs. (Keep in mind that in Joshua Tree, it’s technically within a different desert with its own climate. I visited Joshua Tree during this same trip, and I was surprised by how much cooler it was!)

Technically Palm Springs’ shoulder season, this is also the perfect time for budget-friendly travelers that still want to actually enjoy Palm Springs (can you tell I don’t think you should visit in the summer? 😂) and avoid the crowds of the winter.

Average fall temperature: 

Typically in the 70s, so basically, it’s the perfect California weather I was promised before I moved out here.

Pack this:

• I would pack a sweater and a light jacket just in case, especially for the nighttime. 
• Hiking shoes/gear
• A bathing suit

Events to have on your radar:

Palm Springs keeps a pretty busy calendar throughout the year, and the fall is no exception.

You can catch a LGBTQ+ film festival, Cinema Diverse, sometime in September, and in early November, it’s time for Palm Springs Pride (if you’re unfamiliar with Palm Springs, the town is home to a huge LGBTQ community).

In October, there’s also a four-day event dedicated to modernism and architecture (although the main event, Modernism Week, happens in February). 

Winter (December-February)

Since living out in California, I’m constantly surprised by how drastic the temperature drop can be at night. So while winter is a great time to visit, it’s also a little weird wardrobe-wise. Definitely bring layers. It can be fairly cool, or, it may very well be hot during the day, but then you’ll be bundling up when it drops into the 50s after sundown.

As long as you’re okay with risking some potentially chilly weather, I think this is a great time to make the most of an easy weekend getaway to Palm Springs. It’ll be ideal weather for hiking in nearby Indian Canyons or even out in Joshua Tree, walking around Downtown, or checking out the shops and museums. 

My visit during the winter was primarily spent at a hotel with natural springs. Even though the weather was a bit cool, some of the pools were heated, so it wasn’t a problem at all.

Also note that January into April is considered Palm Springs’ high season, so expect higher hotel prices and more crowds.

Average winter temperature: 

Average temperatures can range from the high 50s to early 70s.

And obviously it’s the desert, so don’t expect any serious rain here (overall, the city gets less than five inches of rain each year). But if it is going to happen, it’s usually from December to February, so check the forecast before your trip.

Pack this:

• Sweaters and other layers, a jacket, long pants
• A bathing suit if you want to visit the springs or your hotel has a heated pool
• Sneakers for hiking

Events to have on your radar:

Palm Springs International Film Festival runs for two weeks in January, and Modernism Week returns for the full-fledged event in February, with tours, educational programs, and other events.

Spring (March-May)

After fall, this would be my second choice for when to visit Palm Springs. The weather is getting much warmer, but hasn’t pushed into unbearable yet (at least not until May), meaning you can still comfortably sightsee and hang out outdoors.

You also get a little bit of shoulder season in April and May, when some of the winter crowds dwindle, and prices lower a bit. 

During my early April visit, the city was a bit busy but not at all overcrowded. There was just the right amount of activity for people looking to experience nightlife or just a lively atmosphere. 

Average spring temperature: 

Temperatures can range from the 70s into early 90s. My most recent trip was in early April, and even that was starting to push it, temperature-wise. Like, we ended up hiking in 90+-degree weather, which I really would not recommend. But just plan to hike earlier in the day (or closer to sunset), and I think you’d be totally good. 

Pack this:

• Bring a light jacket in case you get a little chilly at night
• A bathing suit.
• Sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle are also a good idea.

Events to have on your radar:

Just 20 minutes or so outside of Palm Springs is Coachella, the major celebrity-filled music festival that’s two weekends in April. Soon after is Stagecoach, a country music festival.

The Summer (June-September)

Last, but not least, is the one time I really would not recommend.

The heat, as you can imagine, is brutal at this time (bordering on dangerous), making it hard to even spend time outdoors, unless you’re in a pool, which is kind of a dealbreaker for me, personally. So, this is the one time of year I have yet to visit.

The one caveat is if you can find a great hotel deal (which should not be hard this time of year), and you really are just looking for a trip where you can hang out at the pool and check out Palm Springs’ indoor activities, like the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

Hiking and whatnot is still doable if you’re willing to get up super early (and plan to be back at your hotel by 10 a.m. or so).

Average summer temperature: 

Temperatures are typically in the 90s and can even top 100. If that doesn’t sound too bad, let me remind you, that it is dry. If you’re from a rainier or more tropical climate, it will probably feel even worse.

Pack this:

• Your bathing suit (or multiple), sunscreen, a hat
• Light, loose clothing like linen pants
• A water bottle

Events to have on your radar:

Palm Springs ShortFest, which is considered the biggest short film festival in North America, is in late June. 

Splash House, a summer music festival with pool parties comes to Palm Springs for two weekends in August

Planning your trip to Palm Springs

Hopefully this clears up when the best time to visit Palm Springs is for you! Palm Springs is such a gorgeous and fun place regardless, and the perfect relaxed weekend getaway. 

I’ll have a full accommodation guide coming, but if you’re looking for hotels in the meantime, I’d check out Hyatt Palm Springs for your trip. It’s where I stayed on my most recent visit, and it was perfect for my husband and I, with a pool, spacious rooms (basically a suite), and unbeatable downtown access. 

Alternatively, The Saguaro Palm Springs is where I stayed my first time in Palm Springs, and is another solid budget-friendly option that I’d recommend. It’s a little removed from the main downtown strip, but still accessible. And I’m forever obsessed with how cute and colorful it is!

🌴 More affordable options are all in this guide!