Wondering when’s the best time to visit Palm Springs? This guide is filled with everything you need to know.
With its never-ending list of spas, chic restaurants, and seemingly limitless sunshine, how could anyone not love Palm Springs?
Each season offers something different: music festivals, foodie events, hiking opportunities, and plenty more. I fell head over heels for Palm Springs on a recent trip. And not just because I spent 50% of my time in a spa (though, that certainly swayed my opinion).
But before you discover all the best things to do in Palm Springs, let me help you figure out when to visit the city.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Palm Springs: At A Glance
Winter’s the golden child of Palm Springs, and you can bet I’m part of the crowd letting out some oohs and aahs. Between December and February (and early March at times), PS boasts fantastic temperatures and plenty of sunshine, so there’s no need to pull out those jackets.
However, I can’t discard the other seasons because they each offer something. Fall/autumn has the same conditions as winter but fewer tourists.
Spring has this obscure musical festival called Coachella — have you heard of it before?
And summer is, well, hot, hot, hot — with spas, pools, and indoor activities all at the ready.
The Best Time to Visit Palm Springs
What is the Best Month to Travel to Palm Springs?
Uptown Design District
The best time to be in the Uptown Design District is between October and November. This region is perfect for art lovers, spa enthusiasts, and those who want to shop ‘til they drop.
The Mesa
This natural recluse is best for nature lovers. As such, March leaves other months in the dust when the flowers bloom, and the weather is mild enough to warrant a hike through its many natural havens.
Cathedral City
This region isn’t as holy as the name suggests, as it’s the mecca of nightlife fun and seemingly has a pool party every day. Therefore, the best time to travel to Palm Springs for evening activities is July and August.
Indio
Indio is Palm Springs’ musical festival capital, with Coachella being the best of the bunch. As a result, you’ll want to be here in April as that’s when the world-renowned event takes place. Or not.
When’s the High Season in Palm Springs?
In case you hadn’t guessed, the high season in Palm Springs is between January and early March. These months feature amazing weather with mild temperatures, sunny days, and cool evenings.
This opens up the opportunity for hiking, and there are several festivals and events.
The Cheapest Time to Visit Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a magnificent year-round destination, but the prices don’t follow suit as they vary depending on the time of year.
The best time of year to visit Palm Springs to save is September: This is the sweet spot between the heat dying down and the crowds starting to trickle in.
Best Time to See the Coachella Music Festival
The Coachella Music and Arts Festival is one of the most anticipated annual events in the music world. Held in Indio, California, the two-weekend festival brings the biggest artists and fans to the same space in April.
It’s not just music that makes it fun. Coachella also features an impressive catalogue of art installations.
To See the Coachella Valley Preserve
The Coachella Valley Preserve is one of the more unique places in SoCal. It’s a palm-lined oasis in the desert and home to various plants and animals. Your best chance of seeing these is via the hiking trails that lead to incredible vistas.
It’s best visited in March when you can hide from the sun and end your visit with a mellow sunset.
To See Palm Springs from an Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the most popular attractions in Palm Springs. It takes you 610m (2000ft) above ground, offering panoramic views of the desert landscape.
Palm Springs’ best time to visit the Tramway is August, when you can enjoy clear days that won’t obstruct your view from the many vistas here. Plus, you can see the desert’s natural beauty without sweating bullets on the ground.
Note: While it’s cooler in the skies, the tram doesn’t feature air conditioning to keep you even cooler.
To Take on the Best Trails
Palm Springs has a ton of hiking trails that lead to incredible vistas, including the famed Cactus to Clouds Trail. This popular path passes through mountain meadows and lush forestry, meaning it’s quite challenging (don’t say I didn’t warn you).
The best time to visit Palm Springs, California, for hiking is in November when the weather won’t burn you to a crisp.
Palm Springs by Season
Spring in Palm Springs
March – May
Key Events and Things to Do in Palm Springs in Spring
- One of the biggest music festivals, Coachella, takes place in April with a diverse lineup across multiple stages.
- The White Party Palm Springs is an annual LGBTQI+ Pride event that includes pool parties by day and dance parties by night.
Pros to Travelling to Palm Springs in Spring
- Has longer days, and the sun sets later for some epic sunset views.
- Perfect time for seeing the Palm Spring flora bloom.
Cons to Travelling to Palm Springs in Spring
- While cooler than summer, it can still be pretty hot towards late May, with highs ranging from 79°F to 94°F (26°C to 35°C).
Summer in Palm Springs
June – August
Key Events and Things to Do in Palm Springs in Summer
- Splash House is a weekend summer festival that features plenty of water, drinks, and good music.
- The Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week offers visitors and locals some of California’s best food.
Pros to Travelling to Palm Springs in Summer
- There are pool parties galore to combat the heat, which can often reach highs of 107°F (42°C).
- Best time to explore indoor attractions like the Palm Springs Art Museum.
- The city’s tourist crowds mostly disappear.
Cons to Travelling to Palm Springs in Summer
- It’s extremely hot, leading to shortened operating hours for some attractions.
- It’s almost as expensive as winter.
Autumn / Fall in Palm Springs
September – November
Key Events and Things to Do in Palm Springs in Fall
- You should never pass up the opportunity to serenade your ears with soothing sounds. That’s why the Palm Springs Jazz Fest is a must-do in fall.
- Bottoms up! Head to the Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival to celebrate all things beer with brewers from across the nation showcasing their unique creations.
Pros to Travelling to Palm Springs in Fall
- Features similar weather to winter but without as much rain as temperatures range from 92°F to 77°F (35°C to 25°).
- It’s the shoulder season that offers a ton of activities without too many tourists.
Cons to Travelling to Palm Springs in Fall
- Some attractions close down, so check ahead of time before heading to a point of interest.
Winter in Palm Springs
December – February
Key Events and Things to Do in Palm Springs in Winter
- The Palm Springs International Film Festival is a utopia for movie fans. It showcases new films from around the world. Why wait for a “chance” encounter with Hollywood royalty when you can manufacture it yourself?
- The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade celebrates the festive season with signature floats that bring holiday cheer to the city.
Pros to Travelling to Palm Springs in Winter
- Has the best weather of the year, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures.
- Allows for exploration of the outdoors without melting in the sun.
Cons to Travelling to Palm Springs in Winter
- It is the most expensive and most crowded period.
- January tends to be the wettest month.
Best Time to Go to Palm Springs: Practical Tips + Tricks
- Since you can expect warm weather all year round, pack sunscreen and wear light, breathable clothing.
- Palm Springs is mostly a walkable city, so I recommend bringing comfortable shoes as well as hiking shoes for the outdoors.
