Palm Springs Weather by Month: A Year-Round Guide for Planning

Palm Springs weather is dry and sunny most of the year: winter days usually reach about 70 degrees, spring runs from the low 80s into the 90s, summer afternoons top 100, and fall cools back into the 80s and 70s. The city averages under 5 inches of rain and only about 17 days with measurable rain a year. Use the monthly guide below to plan a Palm Springs weekend getaway around the weather you want, or jump to our Palm Springs in March guide for the busiest month of all.

A small hotel with a very good pool. Here's when to use it.

What is the weather like in Palm Springs by month?

These are rounded NOAA climate normals for Palm Springs (1991 to 2020). Any single week can run hotter or cooler, so check the forecast before you pack.

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Avg rain
January	71°F	48°F	1.1 in
February	74°F	50°F	1.1 in
March	81°F	54°F	0.5 in
April	87°F	59°F	0.1 in
May	95°F	66°F	under 0.1 in
June	104°F	73°F	almost none
July	109°F	79°F	0.3 in
August	108°F	80°F	0.1 in
September	102°F	74°F	0.2 in
October	91°F	65°F	0.2 in
November	79°F	53°F	0.2 in
December	69°F	46°F	0.7 in

Most of the year's rain falls from December through February. June is usually the driest month, and July and August are the hottest.

What is Palm Springs like in winter (December, January and February)?

Winter is mild and bright. Days usually reach the upper 60s to mid 70s, and nights drop into the 40s, so you'll want a real jacket after sunset. December and January are the coolest months. January and February also bring most of the year's rain, though even then most days are dry.

Palm Springs in January means sunny afternoons, clear mountain views and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which usually lands early in the month. February brings Modernism Week and slightly warmer days. Our film festival guide and Modernism Week guide have the details.

Winter is hiking season, golf season and long-lunch-outside season. Pool days depend on the sun, so plan them for the warmest part of the afternoon. At The Muse, the six-person hot tub and the outdoor fireplace earn their keep on cool nights.

What is Palm Springs like in spring (March, April and May)?

Spring is peak season for a reason. March highs land in the low 80s, April in the upper 80s, and May pushes into the mid 90s. Nights stay comfortable, rain is rare, and wildflowers can show up in the surrounding desert after a wet winter.

It's also the busiest stretch of the year. The BNP Paribas Open fills Indian Wells in March, and Coachella and Stagecoach take over Indio in April. Afternoon wind is common in spring, so tie down the pool floats. Book rooms and dinner reservations early.

What is Palm Springs like in summer (June through September)?

Hot. Average highs run above 100 from June through September, and July and August afternoons often reach 108 or more. The record high is 124 degrees. Summer here is about rhythm: hike or run errands at dawn, retreat to the pool and air conditioning midday, and head out again after sunset.

From July into September, monsoon moisture can bring muggier days and brief afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, wind and blowing dust. Flash floods can fill canyons and washes fast, so skip canyon hikes when storms are in the forecast.

For a real break from the heat, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet, where it's typically 30 to 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. Our tramway guide has tickets and tips. Summer is also the quietest season in town, which means easier reservations and more pool time.

What is Palm Springs like in fall (October and November)?

Fall is the locals' favorite. October still starts warm, with highs around 90 that fade as the month goes on. November settles into the upper 70s with nights in the 50s. The summer crowds are gone, the light turns golden, and the evenings are made for dinner outside. October is still pool weather; November pool days depend on the sun.

When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?

For weather alone, March, October and November are hard to beat: warm days, cool nights and little rain. Late fall and early spring are also easier to book than the peak weekends of March and April. If you want the lowest crowds and don't mind heat, summer is the quiet season. If you want cool mornings for hiking, go December through February.

Whatever the month, The Muse keeps it simple: nine suites around a courtyard pool, a six-person hot tub, pergola swings and an outdoor fireplace, minutes from downtown Palm Springs by car. Grab-and-go breakfast from Aspen Mills, parking and Wi-Fi are included.

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Palm Springs weather FAQ

What is the weather like in Palm Springs?

Dry and sunny most of the year. Winter days average about 70 degrees, spring runs from the 80s into the 90s, summer afternoons top 100, and fall cools back into the 80s and 70s.

How many days a year does it rain in Palm Springs?

About 17 days a year see measurable rain, based on NOAA normals, with annual rainfall under 5 inches. Most of it falls from December through February.

What is Palm Springs weather like in January?

Mild and sunny, with average highs around 71 degrees and lows in the upper 40s. Bring a jacket for the evenings.

What is the hottest month in Palm Springs?

July, with average highs around 109 degrees. August is nearly as hot.

What is the best month to visit Palm Springs?

March, October and November offer the most comfortable mix of warm days and cool nights. March is the busiest, so book early.