Season by season
Autumn (October–November). The heat eases, pools are still warm and hotel prices have yet to peak. A fine time for the park.
Winter (December–February). High season in Palm Springs: sunny days around 20°C (68°F) and cold nights. Snow on the peaks and, occasionally, in Joshua Tree.
Spring (March–May). Wildflowers and blooming cacti after wet winters, ideal hiking weather and the busiest weeks in the park. Festival weekends in April send prices soaring.
Summer (June–September). Very hot — often above 40°C (104°F). Palm Springs empties, rates drop and some businesses shorten their hours.
Month-by-month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C / 70°F | 8°C / 46°F | Busy |
| February | 23°C / 73°F | 9°C / 48°F | Peak |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 12°C / 54°F | Peak |
| April | 31°C / 88°F | 15°C / 59°F | Peak |
| May | 35°C / 95°F | 19°C / 66°F | Moderate |
| June | 40°C / 104°F | 23°C / 73°F | Quiet |
| July | 42°C / 108°F | 26°C / 79°F | Quiet |
| August | 42°C / 108°F | 26°C / 79°F | Quiet |
| September | 39°C / 102°F | 23°C / 73°F | Quiet |
| October | 33°C / 91°F | 18°C / 64°F | Busy |
| November | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 54°F | Busy |
| December | 20°C / 68°F | 7°C / 45°F | Busy |
Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the main visitor area; real days vary, and mountains and deserts swing much more between day and night.
Events & festivals
- Early January: Palm Springs International Film Festival
- February: Modernism Week — architecture tours and open houses
- March: Tennis tournament at Indian Wells
- March–April: Desert wildflower season, strongest after wet winters
- April: Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals in Indio
- Thursday evenings: VillageFest street market in downtown Palm Springs
Tip: avoid the Coachella festival weekends in April unless you are going — rooms across the valley and around Joshua Tree are booked out and priced accordingly.
