Palm Springs Climate by Month: What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve probably heard the trope: Palm Springs is just a giant convection oven where people go to bake by a pool. Honestly, that’s only half the story. If you show up in January expecting to roast, you’re going to be sprinting to the nearest boutique for a $100 cashmere sweater. The desert is moody. It’s a place of extremes where the mercury swings 30 degrees the second the sun ducks behind the San Jacinto Mountains.

Understanding the palm springs climate by month is basically the difference between a dream vacation and sitting in your hotel room wondering why you didn't pack a parka—or why the pavement is melting your flip-flops.

The Winter Reality: Sunsets and Shivers (December - February)

Winter is peak season for a reason, but it’s not "tropical." It’s "crisp."

In December, the average high sits around 69°F. Sounds perfect, right? It is, until about 4:30 PM. Once that sun drops, the temperature plummet is real. We’re talking 45°F nights. You’ll see locals in Canada Goose jackets while tourists from Calgary are still in shorts, but don't be fooled—it gets chilly.

January is technically the "wettest" month, though in a desert, that’s a relative term. You might see about 1.25 inches of rain. If you’re lucky, you’ll see snow on the peaks of Mount San Jacinto while you’re sitting in a 90°F heated pool. It’s a trip. February starts the slow climb back up to the mid-70s, and this is when the Coachella Valley starts to get crowded. Modernism Week hits, the traffic picks up, and the weather is, frankly, unbeatable for golf.

The Sweet Spot: When the Desert Blooms (March - May)

If I’m being real, March is the gold standard.

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The palm springs climate by month data shows March hitting a sweet 80°F average. The wildflowers in the Indian Canyons are usually popping by now. It’s warm enough for the pool but cool enough to hike Tahquitz Canyon without needing a liter of electrolytes every twenty minutes.

Then comes April. It’s the month of festivals. Coachella and Stagecoach dominate the vibe. Expect highs of 88°F. It’s starting to feel like "real" California. By May, the training wheels are off. We’re hitting 94°F or 95°F regularly. This is that beautiful bridge where the evenings are still 65°F—absolute perfection for patio dining. You don't even need the misters yet.

The "Low" Season: Survival of the Hydrated (June - September)

June is when the crowds vanish and the prices crater. There’s a reason for that.

The average high jumps to 104°F. Honestly, it’s a dry heat, which people love to joke about, but at 110°F, heat is heat. July and August are the heavy hitters. You’re looking at 108°F averages, with plenty of days spiking to 115°F.

• July: The hottest month. Average high 108°F. Even the nights stay at 78°F.
• August: Similar heat, but with a twist—humidity. This is "monsoon season." You might get a random, violent thunderstorm that lasts twenty minutes and leaves the air feeling like a steam room.
• September: Still sweltering. It’s often 102°F. People think summer is over because the calendar says so, but the desert didn't get the memo.

During these months, the city’s rhythm changes. Everyone is indoors by 10 AM. The pools aren't just for lounging; they’re a necessity. If you’re visiting now, you’re here for the $150-a-night deals at five-star resorts that usually cost $700. Just stay inside between noon and 6 PM. Seriously.

The Secret Season: Fall’s Grand Return (October - November)

October is the "insider" month. The 100-degree days start to taper off, landing around 91°F. It’s still hot, but it’s a "let's go to the street fair" kind of hot.

November is, in my opinion, the best-kept secret of the palm springs climate by month cycle. The highs are a glorious 78°F. The "snowbirds" (seasonal residents) start flying back in, the restaurants are buzzing, and you can finally hike the high-elevation trails again without a death wish. The sun sets early, and the light gets that golden, hazy quality that photographers lose their minds over.

Actionable Tips for Navigating the Climate

• The Layer Rule: Never trust a 75°F forecast. It’s a lie once the sun goes down. Bring a denim jacket or a light puffer for any visit between November and March.
• The 10 AM Cutoff: If you’re hiking in May through September, be off the trail by 10 AM. The local search and rescue teams are busy enough.
• Pool Heating: If you’re renting an Airbnb in the winter, ask if pool heat is included. An unheated desert pool in January is basically a polar bear plunge.
• The "Dry Heat" Myth: It does feel better than humidity, but it dehydrates you faster because your sweat evaporates instantly. Drink double the water you think you need.

The desert doesn't do "mild" very well. It's either a sun-drenched paradise or a rugged, wind-swept landscape that demands respect. Pick your month based on your tolerance for the sun and your budget, and you’ll see why people keep coming back to this oasis.

To make the most of your trip, check the specific sunrise and sunset times for your dates, as the mountains make the "golden hour" much shorter than you'd expect. Pack high-SPF sunscreen regardless of the month; the desert sun at 450 feet above sea level is surprisingly intense even in the dead of winter.