When to Visit Palm Springs, CA & Other Travel Tips

January is the second to the coldest month in Palm Springs. Average high temperatures peak at 71°F (22°C) while average low temperatures can sink to 45°F (7°C). Despite being one of the coldest months in Palm Springs, the climate is pleasant and will typically require only a light sweater.

In February, the temperatures remain quite cool but go up by a few degrees. High temperatures and low temperatures range between 74°F (23°C) to 48°F (9°C). February also ties with January as the months with the highest precipitation rates with an average that rises just a bit over an inch (29 mm).

Palm Springs Weather in March: The coming of March means the the transition of winter to spring for this city. During this month, average high temperatures will breach the 80’s. Meanwhile, average low temperatures are typically around 52°F (11°C).

April, along with the following 2 consecutive months, is one of the driest months in Palm Springs. The average precipitation rate goes just a bit over 0 inches (1 mm). The dry weather is mirrored by an increase in temperatures as the short spring weather nears its end. High temperatures are 88°F (31°C) while low temperatures are 57°F (14°C).

In May, high temperature averages will breach the 90’s, typically peaking at 96°F (35°C). The average low temperature is 64°F (18°C).

Palm Springs Weather in June: The third warmest month in Palm Springs is in June, as average high temperatures leap into the hundreds. Average high temperatures will hit 104°F (40°C).

July is the peak of Palm Spring’s summer and the hottest month in the whole year. Average high and low temperatures range between 108°F (40°C) and 78°F (22°C).

In August, temperatures go down, but not by much. Average high temperatures are still well over the hundreds at 107°F (42°C), while average low temperatures are 78°F (25°C). It’s also a great time to work on your tan at the nearby beaches.

September offers a bit more respite from the heat as high temperatures decrease to an average of 102°F (39°C). Evenings and early mornings will see low temperatures of 72°F (22°C). This month also marks the beginning of fall in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Weather in October: The climate continues to cool in October as fall goes into full swing. Average high temperatures just breach the 90’s at 91°F (33°C) while low temperatures decrease to 62°F (17°C).

November is typically the last month of the fall season. Average high and low temperatures range between 78°F (26°C) and 52°F (11°C).

December is the coldest month of the year in Palm Springs and is the first month of winter. Winters in Palm Springs are comfortable with high temperatures averaging a cool 69°F (21°C). Low temperatures aren’t too frigid, dropping to 44°F (7°C) only on average.

The high season in California is June through August and is typically when the main attractions are busiest and accommodations more expensive. Thus, the most ideal time to visit California for beaches and water activities is during the shoulder seasons of April through May and September through October. The best time in the year to explore the deserts of California is November through March, as rates are low and temperatures are chillier. Late April and May is the best time to go hiking and explore the mountains, along with the Redwood Forests. Verified Resource: National Weather Service

Travel Tips:

The Palm Springs International Airport is served by many of the major airlines from cities across the country. It is located just a few minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Train lovers can use Amtrak’s services that connect Palm Springs with San Francisco, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles. Many visitors drive to Palm Springs from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and many other cities. Palm Springs is approximately 100 miles from Los Angeles. Arriving by bus is another option. For people who don’t want to drive, Greyhound has a service that runs from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, and another service from San Diego.

There is an information desk conveniently located near the baggage claim area inside the terminal of the Palm Springs International Airport. The staff helps visitors with transportation needs and other questions. There are many ways to get from the airport into Palm Springs. These include coaches, limousines, luxury sedans, and vans.

There are also quite a few shuttle companies at the airport. Some hotels provide their own shuttles for arriving guests. Three taxi companies operating at the airport include American Cab, Desert City Cab, and Yellow Cab of the Desert. There are also three companies that help seniors and people with disabilities get from the airport into the city.

In addition to the Information Desk at the Palm Springs International Airport, the Palm Springs Visitor Information Center is the official information center for the city. It is housed in a Palm Springs landmark: the Albert Frey’s Tramway gas station.

This building has a high roof and is quite easy to spot. Staff members at the information center help visitors with such things as accommodations, attractions, events, museums, restaurants, and shopping. The center offers maps, gift items, and souvenirs. It is located at 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive.

There are several ways to get around Palm Springs. The city center and Palm Canyon Drive are easy to visit on foot. There are many shops and restaurants here. If you want to venture out of this area, a car is your best option.

Many people explore Coachella Valley by car, and a car is needed to reach the golf courses and the hiking trails. There are car rental agencies at the airport as well as in the city center. SunLine is a bus service that consists of 14 routes as well as a commuter route. These routes run throughout Palm Springs and Coachella Valley. Taxis are another option.

Since Palm Springs hosts travelers from all over the world, it is no surprise that the city offers a wide variety of restaurants. Many of the restaurants are chef-owned so visitors can enjoy the chef’s talents and tasty meals. There are upscale gourmet restaurants, small-town diners, and plenty of ethnic restaurants.

For a romantic dinner complete with a star-studded desert night sky, visitors can dine outside at the base of the well-known San Jacinto Mountains. There are many cafes where delicious breakfasts are served. And don’t forget happy hour! Many hotels offer afternoon drinks at their poolside lounges.

Palm Springs is a shopper’s dream! Starting at North Palm Canyon Drive there are shopping centers, souvenir shops, and art galleries. North Palm Canyon Drive is a wide one-way pedestrian street with many shops: some are set back from the street, but are worth exploring.

The Antique and Heritage Gallery District is located in the northern section of Palm Canyon which is known for its collectibles. Antiques Collector is a mall-style store hosting over 30 dealers selling a variety of things such as jewelry, African crafts, vintage linens, and much more. El Paseo is the home of many upscale boutiques and other shops and salons.

Palm Springs is more than just North and South Palm Canyon Drive. Palm Springs is a typical city with many diverse neighborhoods. The City Council began recognizing neighborhood organizations starting in 2005. These organizations have a strong connection with City Hall. At this time there are 40 organized neighborhoods.

The names of many of these neighborhoods reflect the desert landscape, history, culture, and historic figures. Some of the neighborhoods include Andreas Hills, Canyon Corridor, El Rancho Vista Estates, Gene Autry, Indian Canyons, Movie Colony East, Old Las Palmas, Tahquitz River Estates, and many more. While in Palm Springs, it’s worth exploring some of these interesting neighborhoods.

Palm Springs is the perfect place for weddings. With its bright sunny blue skies, its many palm trees, and its unforgettable backdrop of the mountains, Palm Springs is a popular place for special desert weddings. For an evening wedding, add a beautiful star-studded sky. Some hotels are popular locations for weddings.

These include the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn and the O’Donnell House, the Colony Palms Hotel, and the La Quinta Resort and Club. Other venues are the Moorten Botanical Garden, Smoke Tree Ranch, Wally’s Desert Turtle, and many more.

There is a huge variety of accommodations in Palm Springs. Expect room rates to be considerably higher during the peak season, and much more affordable during the non-peak season. There are large hotels and resorts complete with golf courses, spas, tennis courts, on-site restaurants, and things for children to enjoy. There are also cottage complexes that date from the 40s to the 60s.

Many of these have been renovated and offer charming accommodations with plenty of character. One of the best known of these is the Twin Palms Sinatra Estate built in 1947 for the famous singer. Like many others, this cottage retains its historic atmosphere. The Parker is a great option too.