Palm Springs weather has a reputation, and yes, parts of it are earned. It gets hot. Sometimes absurdly hot. But the desert climate has a few surprises that catch visitors and new residents off guard every year.

If you are planning a trip, thinking about moving here, or just trying to understand why locals lose their minds when it rains, here’s what to expect from Palm Springs weather throughout the year.

Palm Springs Weather at a Glance

• Summer highs regularly exceed 110°F
• Winter nights can drop into the 40s
• Rain is rare, but when it happens, it matters
• Wind is a constant factor, especially in spring
• Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, do happen

This is not a place with boring weather. It just hides the drama better than most.

Yes, It Gets Really, Really Hot

During the summer months, and sometimes as early as April, Palm Springs turns into a heat endurance test. Triple-digit temperatures are normal, and extended heat waves are common.

Locals adapt. Life doesn’t shut down. Stores stay open, construction somehow continues, and people still manage to function. Visitors, on the other hand, often learn the hard way that touching a metal seatbelt buckle in July is a mistake you only make once.

If you are curious just how hot it can get, there’s a full breakdown of record-setting heat here:

The Hottest Days in Palm Springs History

That page covers the actual historical extremes, not the exaggerated dashboard thermometer photos people love to post.

It Also Gets Colder Than You Think

Palm Springs is a desert, not a tropical resort. Winter nights can feel downright cold, especially if you came prepared only for pool weather.

Nighttime lows in December and January regularly dip into the 40s, and on rare occasions they fall much lower. Dry desert air cools off quickly after sunset, which is why a pleasant afternoon can turn chilly fast.

For a look at the coldest temperatures ever recorded in the city, including some truly surprising historical lows, see:

The Coldest Days in Palm Springs History

Yes, jackets are a real thing here. Locals own them. Tourists often do not.

Rain Is Rare, but It Can Be a Big Deal

Most of the year, rain clouds stop well before reaching Palm Springs. When they don’t, things can get interesting fast.

The Coachella Valley wasn’t exactly designed with heavy rainfall in mind. When storms roll through, roads can flood, intersections close, and certain areas become impassable surprisingly quickly.

It doesn’t rain often, but when it does, it’s wise to take it seriously. Driving through flooded roads is never a good idea, no matter how convincing that shallow water looks.

Also, locals get very excited about rain. Let them have this.

Those Wind Turbines Are Not Decorative

If you’ve ever wondered why the wind is so persistent here, it’s not random and it’s not just bad luck. The geography of the Coachella Valley, combined with pressure systems and the San Gorgonio Pass, creates a near-daily wind machine.

Why Is It So Windy in the Coachella Valley?

 

Strong winds are a regular part of Palm Springs weather, particularly in spring. Gusts can exceed 50 miles per hour, and blowing sand can reduce visibility quickly.

• Patio furniture becomes a projectile risk
• Driving can be unpleasant or unsafe
• Outdoor plans may need adjusting

Wind is part of the deal here, and ignoring it usually ends badly for unsecured lawn chairs.

Palm Springs Weather Is Unpredictable

One of the stranger things about living in the desert is how quickly conditions can change. A calm day can turn windy. A clear sky can produce a sudden storm. A warm afternoon can become a cold evening faster than expected.

The best advice is simple. Check the forecast. Then check it again. Desert weather tends to do its own thing.

Palm Springs doesn’t have boring weather. It just doesn’t always advertise what it’s about to do.

Related Reading

• • The Hottest Days in Palm Springs History
  • The Coldest Days in Palm Springs History