About the Weather in Palm Springs
By Kristen Geil; Updated August 11, 2017Walking on sunshine: weather in Palm Springs
Looking for a getaway where sunshine is practically guaranteed? Look no further than sunny Palm Springs, California. With an average of 350 days of sunshine per year, Palm Springs is one of the sunniest locations in the United States, perfect for a weekend of outdoor adventures or a restorative vacation lying by the pool. The dry, desert climate is adored by tourists and locals alike. Here's what else you can expect from the weather in Palm Springs.
Seasonal temperatures in Palm Springs
As you might expect, the summer months in Palm Springs are hot, hot, hot. From June until September, the average high temperature is over 100 degrees F, with lows averaging in the 70s.
In November, the temperature drops to a more temperate climate. The average high from November to February is in the 70s, so you can enjoy beautiful, crisp days.
However, don't let the mild afternoons fool you. Nights in the California desert get downright cold as the sun quickly sets behind the mountain ranges, with lows in the winter bottoming out in the 40s.
Luckily, March erases the nightly chill, with highs back up in the 80s and lows in the 50s and 60s. The daily average temperature for spring stays in the 70s with little to no rainfall, making spring in the desert a welcome respite from the rest of the country's April showers.
Does temperature change at night in Palm Springs?
The dry desert climate means that no matter how hot it gets during the day, temperatures drop drastically when the sun sets. But don't worry, the cool evenings create a welcome chill following the sweltering afternoons. Layers are key if you have nighttime activities planned during your Palm Springs stay.
Does it ever rain in Palm Springs?
In short, not really. The desert climate means that Palm Springs gets very little rainfall, with most of it coming during late fall and early winter. Even during those times, you'll most likely experience brief showers. In fact, the total rainfall for Palm Springs is usually around five inches for the entire year, so you can skip packing the rain jacket.
When is the most popular time to visit Palm Springs?
For those who live in colder climates, a visit to the desert is extremely tempting during the winter months. But if this sounds like paradise to you, know that you're not alone. The permanent year-round resident population of Palm Springs is 45,000, but this number doubles during the winter seasons. If you visit from November to February, you'll be surrounded by plenty of company.
For a less-crowded alternative, try visiting in early spring. With the warm days and mild evenings, spring is a gorgeous time to visit Palm Springs, and you'll face smaller crowds as well.
So, what should I pack for a Palm Springs vacation?
Besides your bathing suit, pack lightweight, sweat-wicking clothes that can stand up to the desert heat (especially if you have outdoor activities planned, like golf or hiking). A few warmer layers will keep you cozy during cold desert nights. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen will all get frequent use too.