What is the Best Time to Travel to Palm Springs
A visit to Palm Springs is best enjoyed between January & April when the temperatures are mild.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
A visit to Palm Springs,
California
, is best enjoyed between January and April, when the weather is mild and there is a lot going on. If you don’t mind temps in the triple-digits, though, visiting during the off-season can lower travel costs and make for a more relaxing trip. When we picture California living, a lot of us might imagine something like Palm Springs: broad, sunny avenues lined with palm trees, lush neighborhoods of mid-century modern homes, and plenty of opportunity to adventure in the great outdoors.
From hiking the rippling mountains that wrap Palm Springs in their embrace to lounging in the hot springs, there’s so much to do in Palm Springs—so it can be hard to determine when to go or what to do.
That’s why
car insurance
super app Jerry
has compiled this guide to the best time to travel to Palm Springs. Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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The best times of year to travel to Palm Springs
While Palm Springs is renowned for its nice weather year-round, some months are less hospitable to tourists than others. Timing your visit largely depends on what you’re looking to do in the area, and just how hot you’re willing to get.
Peak season (December to April)
- The good: Lots of festivals and events, nice weather
- The bad: Highest rates on hotels, crowded attractions
- The weather: Mid-70s by day, high 40s by night
The winter months see Palm Springs at its busiest: snowbirds from Canada and colder U.S. states flock to the area to enjoy its local hot springs and outdoor attractions. There’s lots to do in Palm Springs this time of year—from the
International Film Festival
in January to the infamous Coachella
in April. Not to mention it's the ideal season for enjoying outdoor activities like
hiking
and golfing
. Of course, during peak season most attractions and hotel stays come with higher price tags than the off-season. By April, the temperature is also starting to climb, with days hovering in the low to mid-80s. Off-season (May to September)
- The good: Smaller crowds, cheaper rates
- The bad: Fewer activities available, very hot
- The weather: Days reach 100 degrees, and can get as high as 115 with little humidity
If you can handle the heat, the off-season can be a great time to enjoy Palm Springs. Events like
Splash House
, Restaurant Week
, and the Lavender Festival
offer visitors experiences unique to local culture. Alternatively, you can relax poolside at a hotel or
spa
and enjoy the cheaper rates around this time of year.But visitors beware: the heat can be stifling. Triple-digit highs coupled with low humidity (often less than 10%) can make the city unbearable in the long summer months.
Shoulder season (October to December)
- The good: Fewer crowds, lower hotel rates (especially on weekends)
- The bad: Some crowded events, high prices around the holidays
- The weather: High 60s to high 80s
Autumn in Palm Springs offers visitors a reprieve from the stifling heat, with most days hovering in the 70s and 80s.
There’s also tons of events around this time of year: the
Pops & Hops Beer Festival
in October offers an opportunity to experience the Coachella Valley’s beauty from the cockpit of a vintage warbird, and the 6k Tram Run
ends with spectacular views at the Tram’s Valley Station. And as one of the most LGBTQ+ tourist-friendly destinations, Palm Springs offers some large
Pride
events in November for those interested in a parade or festival. MORE: Haunted road trips in California
The cheapest time to travel to Palm Springs
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest time to travel to Palm Springs, then book your flight for early September. At this time of year, the heat is only just beginning to die down, and you’ll catch a lull in tourism crowds prior to the start of fall festivals.
Find the best month for your visit to Palm Springs
Activity | Best month to visit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Hiking | October-December, January-March | These months see the mildest temperatures in Palm Springs, making outdoor sporting comfortable |
Golfing | December-February | As with hiking, the temperatures this time of year are mild and dry |
Running | October | If you’re a runner (or just an avid walker) the Tram Run is a Palm Springs event you won’t want to miss |
Coachella | April | Every April, Coachella kicks off a long season of music festivals in Palm Springs |
Music festivals | April, June | Summer Rap Jam in June and the Idyllwild Songwriters Festival in April are a few examples of the types of concert experiences available in Palm Springs |
Film festivals | January | The International Film Festival is held this month in Palm Springs annually |
How to find savings on car and rental insurance
Whether you’re driving to Palm Springs or renting a car at the airport,
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FAQ
What is the worst time to travel to Palm Springs?
The peak season of January through April offers some of the best weather but the most expensive prices. The off-season (May to September) may have cheaper rates, but the heat during these months is extreme for unacclimated visitors.
4.7
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