Palm Springs Weather in March: What to Expect and What to Do

Palm Springs weather in March is about as good as the desert gets: daytime highs usually land in the upper 70s to low 80s, nights drop into the 50s, and rain is rare. That's why March is peak season for a Palm Springs weekend getaway, with long pool afternoons, easy hiking and a packed events calendar. Want the numbers? Our average March temperatures guide breaks them down.

The whole hotel. Just your group. Here's how to plan March around it.

Palm Springs in March at a glance

What	What to expect
Weather	Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, lows in the 50s, mostly sunny and dry
Crowds	Peak season, with spring break, tennis and festival traffic
Costs	High-season demand, so book rooms and dinners early
Best for	Pool days, morning hikes, girls trips, bachelorettes and couples

Why is March the best time to visit Palm Springs?

It's the sweet spot. Winter's chilly mornings are gone and summer's 100-degree afternoons haven't arrived yet. You can hike at 9AM, float at 2PM and eat dinner outside at 7PM without changing your plans for the heat.

Expect warm, bright afternoons and cool evenings. Late in the month, a few days can push toward 90. Spring can also bring wind, especially in the afternoon, so pin down the float before it sails into the hot tub.

The catch is popularity. March is one of the busiest months of the year, so the best rooms, dinner tables and tee times go early. If you're planning a group trip, book months ahead, not weeks.

What events happen in Palm Springs in March?

BNP Paribas Open. The big pro tennis tournament at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden usually runs through the first half of March, bringing the top men's and women's players to the desert. Indian Wells is a short drive from Palm Springs. Our BNP Paribas Open guide covers tickets and timing.

VillageFest. Every Thursday night, a stretch of Palm Canyon Drive downtown closes to cars for the city's street fair, with local artists, food vendors and live music. It's the easiest evening plan in town.

Desert X. The Coachella Valley's outdoor art exhibition places large installations across the desert. Its next edition runs from October 30, 2027 through May 7, 2028, so a March 2028 trip lines up with it.

Festival season warm-up. Coachella and Stagecoach take over Indio in April, so late March is when the valley starts to fill up. If your dates are flexible, early March is calmer.

What are the best things to do in Palm Springs in March?

• Hike Tahquitz Canyon. A loop of about two miles to a seasonal waterfall that's often at its best after winter rain. Check the visitor center's hours before you go.

• Explore Indian Canyons. Palm oases and shaded canyon trails, with Andreas Canyon an easy favorite. More ideas are in our easy hikes guide.

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The rotating tram car climbs to the Mountain Station at about 8,500 feet in Mount San Jacinto State Park, where it's noticeably cooler and miles of trails start at the top station. Our tramway guide has tickets and tips.

• Tour mid-century neighborhoods. Drive or bike past the modern homes in the Movie Colony and Twin Palms, then browse vintage shops in the Uptown Design District.

• Spend an afternoon at the pool. It's March in the desert. This is the main event.

Where should a girls trip stay in Palm Springs in March?

For a Palm Springs girls trip or a bachelorette, you want everyone in one place with a pool that isn't shared with strangers. The Muse is an adults-only boutique hotel with nine suites, each named for a famous muse, around a courtyard pool with a six-person hot tub, an outdoor fireplace and pergola swings.

Four king suites (Brigitte, Audrey, Marilyn and Taylor) have private fenced yards and full kitchens. Kate has two queens. On a full buyout, all nine suites and nine bathrooms sleep up to 22 overnight guests, nobody fights over the shower, and the pool is private to your group. Glam, massages and private yoga can all come to you through Muse Experiences.

TAKE OVER THE MUSE

Why should you book early for March?

March weekends are some of the hardest to book all year. Spring break, tennis fans and early festival crowds all want the same dates. With only nine suites, The Muse doesn't have many rooms to go around, and a full buyout needs every one of them free. Lock in rooms first, then dinner reservations for your big nights, then any add-ons like glam or massages.

What should you pack for Palm Springs in March?

For the day: two swimsuits (one is always drying), breathable dresses or shorts, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. The sun is stronger than it feels.

For the evening: a light jacket, a cozy sweater or wrap for the fireplace, and one outfit for a dressed-up dinner downtown.

For your feet: sandals for the pool and real sneakers for the trail. Don't hike Tahquitz in slides.

Extras: a refillable water bottle, lip balm for the dry air and a portable charger. Grab-and-go breakfast from Aspen Mills is included at The Muse, so pack snacks for the hike, not the morning.

Palm Springs in March FAQ

What is the weather like in Palm Springs in March?

Warm and sunny. Daytime highs usually reach the upper 70s to low 80s, nights fall into the 50s, and rain is rare.

Is March a good time to visit Palm Springs?

Yes. It's one of the most popular months of the year thanks to comfortable temperatures and a full events calendar, so book early.

Is Palm Springs crowded in March?

It's peak season, with spring break and the BNP Paribas Open in nearby Indian Wells. Expect busy weekends and reserve dinners ahead.

Is it warm enough to swim in Palm Springs in March?

Most afternoons are warm enough for pool time. Mornings and evenings are cool, so pack a cover-up.

Is The Muse Hotel adults-only?

Yes. The Muse is adults-only, and every guest must be 21 or older, including on full hotel buyouts.