Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs is famous for its year-round sunshine, dramatic mountain backdrops, and warm desert climate. Whether you’re planning a winter escape or a summer adventure, understanding Palm Springs weather by month will help you choose the perfect time to visit.
Palm Springs has a hot desert climate, meaning very low rainfall, abundant sunshine (over 300 sunny days per year), and dramatic temperature swings between seasons.
Palm Springs Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High (°F / °C) | Avg Low (°F / °C) | Rainfall (inches) | Avg Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 71°F / 22°C | 46°F / 8°C | 1.2 in | 45% |
| February | 75°F / 24°C | 49°F / 9°C | 1.1 in | 42% |
| March | 82°F / 28°C | 54°F / 12°C | 0.8 in | 38% |
| April | 89°F / 32°C | 60°F / 16°C | 0.3 in | 30% |
| May | 97°F / 36°C | 68°F / 20°C | 0.1 in | 25% |
| June | 106°F / 41°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0.0 in | 20% |
| July | 111°F / 44°C | 82°F / 28°C | 0.3 in | 28% |
| August | 109°F / 43°C | 81°F / 27°C | 0.5 in | 35% |
| September | 103°F / 39°C | 74°F / 23°C | 0.3 in | 30% |
| October | 91°F / 33°C | 62°F / 17°C | 0.2 in | 32% |
| November | 79°F / 26°C | 51°F / 11°C | 0.4 in | 40% |
| December | 71°F / 22°C | 45°F / 7°C | 0.9 in | 45% |
January
- Average High: 68–72°F (20–22°C)
- Average Low: 45–48°F (7–9°C)
- Rainfall: Light and occasional
January is one of the most comfortable months in Palm Springs. Days are sunny and mild, while evenings are cool. It’s peak tourist season thanks to ideal hiking and golf weather.
Best for: Outdoor activities, hiking, snowbirds escaping cold climates.
February
- Average High: 72–75°F (22–24°C)
- Average Low: 48–50°F (9–10°C)
February brings slightly warmer temperatures and continued sunshine. Wildflowers may begin blooming in the surrounding desert areas.
Best for: Poolside relaxation without extreme heat.
March
- Average High: 78–82°F (25–28°C)
- Average Low: 52–55°F (11–13°C)
Spring arrives with beautiful, warm days and comfortable evenings. This is one of the most popular months for visitors.
Best for: Festivals, hiking, outdoor dining.
April
- Average High: 85–90°F (29–32°C)
- Average Low: 58–62°F (14–17°C)
April offers near-perfect weather before the intense summer heat begins. Expect bright sunshine and very little rain.
Best for: Resort stays and desert tours.
May
- Average High: 95–100°F (35–38°C)
- Average Low: 65–70°F (18–21°C)
Heat builds quickly in May. Mornings and evenings remain pleasant, but afternoons can feel quite hot.
Best for: Early morning activities, lower hotel rates before summer.
June
- Average High: 105–110°F (40–43°C)
- Average Low: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Summer officially begins with intense desert heat. Humidity remains very low, which makes the heat more tolerable for some visitors.
Best for: Pool time and spa resorts.
July
- Average High: 108–115°F (42–46°C)
- Average Low: 80–85°F (27–29°C)
July is extremely hot. Occasional monsoon moisture may bring brief thunderstorms, but rain is rare.
Best for: Budget travelers (off-season rates).
August
- Average High: 106–112°F (41–44°C)
- Average Low: 78–83°F (26–28°C)
Similar to July, August remains very hot. Afternoon cloud buildups are possible due to desert monsoon patterns.
Best for: Indoor attractions, luxury resorts.
September
- Average High: 100–105°F (38–41°C)
- Average Low: 72–76°F (22–24°C)
Temperatures begin to ease slightly toward the end of the month, though it still feels like summer.
Best for: Shoulder-season deals.
October
- Average High: 88–95°F (31–35°C)
- Average Low: 60–65°F (16–18°C)
October marks the return of ideal desert weather. Warm days and cooler evenings make this a favorite month for many visitors.
Best for: Outdoor adventures and photography.
November
- Average High: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- Average Low: 50–55°F (10–13°C)
November is calm, sunny, and comfortable. Rainfall remains minimal.
Best for: Quiet getaways and golf trips.
December
- Average High: 68–72°F (20–22°C)
- Average Low: 45–48°F (7–9°C)
December brings mild winter sunshine. Nights are cool but rarely freezing.
Best for: Holiday vacations with pleasant daytime weather.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Palm Springs?
- Best Overall Weather: March, April, October, November
- Hottest Months: June through September
- Most Affordable Travel: July and August
- Coolest Months: December and January
If you prefer mild temperatures for outdoor activities, spring and fall are ideal. If you love intense heat and great hotel deals, summer might be surprisingly appealing.
20 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about weather in Palm Springs
1. What type of climate does Palm Springs have?
Palm Springs has a hot desert climate, characterized by very hot summers, mild winters, low humidity, and minimal rainfall.
2. How hot does Palm Springs get in summer?
Summer temperatures often exceed 110°F (43°C) in June, July, and August.
3. What is the hottest month in Palm Springs?
July is typically the hottest month of the year.
4. Is Palm Springs humid?
No, Palm Springs has low humidity most of the year, especially in late spring and early summer.
5. Does it ever snow in Palm Springs?
Snow is extremely rare in the city itself, though it can snow in the nearby mountains.
6. What is the coldest month in Palm Springs?
December and January are usually the coldest months.
7. How cold does it get in winter?
Winter nights can drop into the mid-40s°F (7–9°C), but freezing temperatures are uncommon.
8. When is the best time to visit Palm Springs for good weather?
March, April, October, and November offer the most comfortable temperatures.
9. Does Palm Springs get a lot of rain?
No, annual rainfall averages only about 5 inches (127 mm) per year.
10. What are monsoon storms in Palm Springs?
During late summer, monsoon moisture can bring short thunderstorms, gusty winds, and brief heavy rain.
11. How many sunny days does Palm Springs have?
Palm Springs enjoys over 300 sunny days per year.
12. Is it safe to visit during summer heat?
Yes, but visitors should stay hydrated, avoid midday outdoor activities, and use sun protection.
13. Does the heat feel different because it’s dry?
Yes. The low humidity makes the heat feel less sticky, but temperatures are still extreme.
14. What is the average temperature in Palm Springs in spring?
Spring temperatures range from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C).
15. Is fall a good time to visit Palm Springs?
Yes, fall offers warm days, cooler nights, and fewer crowds compared to peak season.
16. Are there dust storms in Palm Springs?
Occasionally, strong winds can cause dust or sand to blow through the area.
17. What month has the lowest humidity?
June typically has the lowest humidity levels.
18. Can you swim year-round in Palm Springs?
Yes. Many resorts heat their pools during winter months.
19. Does Palm Springs have hurricane risk?
No, Palm Springs is inland and not affected by hurricanes.
20. Is Palm Springs weather good for outdoor activities?
Yes, especially from October through April when temperatures are mild and comfortable.