Palm Springs Weather by Month: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Palm Springs, California, is known for its hot, dry desert climate, abundant sunshine, and very little rainfall. Summers are extremely hot, with average daytime temperatures rising above 100°F from June through September, while winters are much milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Rainfall is generally limited throughout the year, with the wettest months occurring in January and February. Palm Springs also enjoys long daylight hours, ranging from about 10 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in June.
Palm Springs Weather by Month
You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Palm Springs.
January – Mild Winter Days and Light Rainfall
Average high: 72°F (22°C)
Average low: 46°F (8°C)
Rainfall: 1.3 inches
Rainy days: 2
Daylight: 10 hours
January is one of the coolest and most comfortable months in Palm Springs. Days are generally mild and sunny, while mornings and evenings can feel cool. With an average high of 72°F, the weather is ideal for spending time outdoors without the intense summer heat.
January is also one of the wetter months of the year, although rainfall remains relatively low at about 1.3 inches. Rain typically occurs on only a couple of days, so prolonged wet weather is uncommon.
Best for:
- Hiking and outdoor activities
- Golf
- Exploring downtown Palm Springs
- Desert sightseeing
- Winter getaways
February – Mild Temperatures and Occasional Rain
Average high: 73°F (23°C)
Average low: 48°F (9°C)
Rainfall: 1.1 inches
Rainy days: 2
Daylight: 11 hours
February continues the mild winter weather in Palm Springs. Afternoon temperatures average around 73°F, making it one of the best months for walking, hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the surrounding desert.
Rainfall is slightly lower than in January, with about 1.1 inches recorded during the month. Most days remain dry and sunny, while daylight increases to around 11 hours.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Golf
- Scenic drives
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Comfortable desert travel
March – Warm Spring Weather and Very Little Rain
Average high: 81°F (27°C)
Average low: 52°F (11°C)
Rainfall: 0.5 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 12 hours
March marks the beginning of warmer spring conditions in Palm Springs. Average daytime temperatures reach 81°F, while nighttime temperatures remain comfortable at around 52°F.
Rainfall drops significantly compared with winter, averaging only about 0.5 inches. With approximately 12 hours of daylight, March provides plenty of time for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Joshua Tree day trips
- Poolside relaxation
- Golf
- Desert photography
April – Warm and Dry Spring Days
Average high: 88°F (31°C)
Average low: 57°F (14°C)
Rainfall: 0.1 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 13 hours
April brings warm, dry weather to Palm Springs. Average highs reach 88°F, but mornings and evenings remain relatively pleasant. Rainfall is almost nonexistent, with only about 0.1 inches during the month.
With 13 hours of daylight, April is an excellent time to explore the desert before the extreme summer heat arrives.
Best for:
- Hiking in the morning
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Golf
- Desert excursions
- Pool days
May – Hot and Extremely Dry Weather
Average high: 95°F (35°C)
Average low: 64°F (18°C)
Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 14 hours
May marks the transition into Palm Springs’ hot season. Average afternoon temperatures reach 95°F, while nighttime temperatures remain mild at around 64°F.
Rainfall is virtually nonexistent, and the city receives about 14 hours of daylight. Outdoor activities are still possible, but hiking and sightseeing are best planned for the morning or later in the afternoon.
Best for:
- Resort stays
- Swimming
- Poolside relaxation
- Early-morning hiking
- Scenic drives
June – Extremely Hot Summer Weather
Average high: 104°F (40°C)
Average low: 72°F (22°C)
Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 14.5 hours
June brings extreme summer heat to Palm Springs. Average daytime temperatures rise above 100°F, reaching about 104°F, while nighttime temperatures average 72°F.
Rainfall is essentially nonexistent, and June has the longest daylight of the year at approximately 14.5 hours. Because of the intense heat, visitors often focus on pools, resorts, indoor attractions, and outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
Best for:
- Resort vacations
- Swimming
- Poolside relaxation
- Indoor attractions
- Early-morning activities
July – Peak Summer Heat
Average high: 109°F (43°C)
Average low: 79°F (26°C)
Rainfall: 0.2 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 14 hours
July is the hottest month in Palm Springs. Average highs reach an extreme 109°F, while nighttime temperatures remain warm at around 79°F.
Rainfall is still very limited, with only about 0.2 inches. Although daylight remains long, the combination of extreme heat and warm nights makes July one of the least comfortable months for extended outdoor activities.
Best for:
- Luxury resort stays
- Swimming
- Indoor attractions
- Spa vacations
- Travelers comfortable with extreme heat
August – Extreme Heat and Mostly Dry Conditions
Average high: 108°F (42°C)
Average low: 79°F (26°C)
Rainfall: 0.4 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 13.5 hours
August remains extremely hot in Palm Springs, with an average high of 108°F and an average low of 79°F. It is slightly cooler than July during the day, but the difference is small.
Rainfall increases slightly to about 0.4 inches, although August remains overwhelmingly dry. Visitors should plan outdoor activities around sunrise or sunset and take advantage of air-conditioned attractions during the hottest part of the day.
Best for:
- Resort vacations
- Swimming
- Spa experiences
- Indoor attractions
- Early-morning sightseeing
September – Hot Late-Summer Weather
Average high: 102°F (39°C)
Average low: 73°F (23°C)
Rainfall: 0.3 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 12.5 hours
September brings a gradual decline in temperatures, although Palm Springs remains very hot. Average highs are still around 102°F, while nighttime temperatures fall to approximately 73°F.
Rainfall remains minimal at only 0.3 inches, and there are typically no rainy days in the monthly average. As daylight decreases to about 12.5 hours, conditions slowly begin to become more manageable toward the end of the month.
Best for:
- Resort stays
- Swimming
- Poolside relaxation
- Early-morning activities
- Indoor sightseeing
October – Warm Days and Dry Desert Weather
Average high: 91°F (33°C)
Average low: 63°F (17°C)
Rainfall: 0.2 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 11.5 hours
October is one of the more comfortable months to visit Palm Springs after the extreme summer heat. Average highs drop to 91°F, while evenings become noticeably cooler at around 63°F.
Rainfall remains very low, with only about 0.2 inches during the month. With 11.5 hours of daylight, October offers a good balance of warm weather and comfortable evenings.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Golf
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Pool days
- Desert excursions
November – Pleasant Autumn Weather and Minimal Rain
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 52°F (11°C)
Rainfall: 0.3 inches
Rainy days: 0
Daylight: 10.5 hours
November brings pleasant autumn weather to Palm Springs. Afternoon temperatures average around 79°F, while mornings and evenings are cooler at approximately 52°F.
Rainfall remains minimal, and the month averages no rainy days despite receiving around 0.3 inches of rain overall. The combination of mild temperatures and dry weather makes November an excellent month for outdoor activities.
Best for:
- Hiking
- Golf
- Sightseeing
- Outdoor dining
- Desert exploration
December – Cool Winter Weather and Light Rainfall
Average high: 70°F (21°C)
Average low: 45°F (7°C)
Rainfall: 0.8 inches
Rainy days: 1
Daylight: 10 hours
December is one of the coolest months in Palm Springs, with average daytime temperatures around 70°F and nighttime lows near 45°F. The weather is generally sunny and dry, although evenings can feel chilly.
Rainfall increases to about 0.8 inches, but only around one rainy day is typical. With comfortable daytime temperatures and relatively short daylight hours, December is a popular period for exploring Palm Springs and enjoying outdoor attractions.
Best for:
- Winter getaways
- Hiking
- Golf
- Sightseeing
- Holiday travel
Palm Springs Weather by Month at a Glance
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F (22°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.3 in | 2 | 10 hrs |
| February | 73°F (23°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 1.1 in | 2 | 11 hrs |
| March | 81°F (27°C) | 52°F (11°C) | 0.5 in | 1 | 12 hrs |
| April | 88°F (31°C) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.1 in | 0 | 13 hrs |
| May | 95°F (35°C) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.0 in | 0 | 14 hrs |
| June | 104°F (40°C) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.0 in | 0 | 14.5 hrs |
| July | 109°F (43°C) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.2 in | 0 | 14 hrs |
| August | 108°F (42°C) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.4 in | 0 | 13.5 hrs |
| September | 102°F (39°C) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.3 in | 0 | 12.5 hrs |
| October | 91°F (33°C) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.2 in | 0 | 11.5 hrs |
| November | 79°F (26°C) | 52°F (11°C) | 0.3 in | 0 | 10.5 hrs |
| December | 70°F (21°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 0.8 in | 1 | 10 hrs |
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs
The best time to visit Palm Springs is generally from October through April, when temperatures are much more comfortable for hiking, sightseeing, golf, and other outdoor activities.
October and November offer warm but manageable daytime temperatures, while December through February brings the coolest conditions. March and April are particularly attractive for visitors who want warm weather without the extreme summer heat.
The summer months from June through September are extremely hot, with average highs above 100°F. These months can still work well for travelers who prefer resort vacations, swimming, spas, and indoor attractions, but outdoor activities should be planned carefully around the heat.
Palm Springs Weather Overview
Palm Springs has a classic desert climate characterized by hot summers, mild winters, very low rainfall, and abundant sunshine. The hottest period is June through September, with July averaging the highest temperature at 109°F.
The coolest month is December, when average highs are around 70°F and lows fall to about 45°F. Rainfall is limited throughout the year, with January receiving the most at approximately 1.3 inches.
For comfortable outdoor exploration, fall, winter, and early spring are the best seasons, while summer is better suited to travelers who are prepared for extreme desert heat.
20 FAQs About Palm Springs Weather
1. What is the weather like in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has a hot desert climate with very sunny, dry conditions for most of the year. Winters are mild and comfortable, while summers are extremely hot, with average highs exceeding 100°F from June through September.
2. What is the best month to visit Palm Springs for good weather?
October through April are generally the most comfortable months for visiting Palm Springs. Temperatures are much milder than in summer, making it easier to enjoy hiking, golf, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities.
3. What is the hottest month in Palm Springs?
July is typically the hottest month. Average high temperatures are around 109°F (43°C), while average lows are close to 79°F (26°C). August is almost as hot.
4. How hot does Palm Springs get in summer?
Palm Springs regularly experiences extreme summer heat. Average highs are approximately 104°F in June, 109°F in July, 108°F in August, and 102°F in September.
5. Does Palm Springs get cold in winter?
Palm Springs can feel cool during winter mornings and evenings, but daytime temperatures are generally mild. December and January have average lows in the mid-40s°F and daytime highs around 70°F.
6. What is Palm Springs weather like in January?
January is one of the coolest and wetter months. Average temperatures are around 72°F (22°C) for the high and 46°F (8°C) for the low, with roughly 1.3 inches of rainfall in the data provided.
7. Is February a good time to visit Palm Springs?
Yes. February offers mild daytime temperatures, cool evenings, limited rainfall, and increasing daylight. It is a good month for hiking, golf, sightseeing, and exploring the desert.
8. Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs?
No. Palm Springs is very dry throughout the year. NOAA 1991–2020 normals show approximately 4.61 inches of precipitation annually, with January and February being among the wettest months.
9. What is the rainiest month in Palm Springs?
January is typically the wettest month, with about 1.14 inches of average precipitation in the NOAA 1991–2020 normals. February follows closely at about 1.11 inches.
10. Does Palm Springs get rain in summer?
Summer is generally very dry, although some precipitation can occur during July and August. NOAA normals show about 0.25 inches in July and 0.14 inches in August.
11. Does Palm Springs ever get snow?
Snow is extremely rare in Palm Springs itself because of its low desert elevation and warm climate. Snow is more likely in the surrounding higher elevations than in the city.
12. Is Palm Springs humid?
Palm Springs is generally very dry compared with many other U.S. destinations. Its desert climate means low humidity is common, particularly during the hottest part of the year.
13. What is Palm Springs weather like in spring?
Spring brings rapidly warming temperatures and very little rainfall. March averages around 81°F, April around 88°F, and May around 95°F, making early spring particularly comfortable for outdoor activities.
14. What is Palm Springs weather like in fall?
Fall starts hot but becomes progressively more comfortable. September can still reach average highs around 102°F, while October drops to about 91°F and November to approximately 79°F.
15. Is October a good month to visit Palm Springs?
Yes. October is one of the better months for outdoor activities because temperatures become much more manageable after the extreme summer heat. Average highs are around 91°F (33°C), with very little rainfall.
16. What is Palm Springs weather like in November?
November is generally warm and dry. Average highs are around 79°F (26°C) and lows are near 52°F (11°C), making the month particularly pleasant for hiking, golf, sightseeing, and outdoor dining.
17. What is Palm Springs weather like in December?
December is one of the coolest months of the year. Average highs are around 70°F (21°C) and lows are approximately 45°F (7°C). Rainfall remains limited, although December is wetter than most summer months.
18. How many hours of daylight does Palm Springs get?
Daylight varies considerably by season. Palm Springs receives about 10 hours of daylight in January and December, increasing to approximately 14.5 hours in June before gradually decreasing again. (NCEI)
19. When is the best time for hiking in Palm Springs?
The cooler months from October through April are generally best for hiking. During summer, temperatures can exceed 100°F, so strenuous hikes are better avoided during the hottest part of the day.
20. Is Palm Springs a good year-round destination?
Yes, but the experience varies significantly by season. Winter, spring, and fall are generally better for outdoor exploration, while summer is best suited to travelers who enjoy very hot weather and resort activities such as swimming, spas, and relaxing by the pool.
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