Best Time to Visit Palm Springs: How to Enjoy Every Season

Palm Springs doesn’t seem to believe in an off-season. With sunshine nearly every day, glistening pools practically begging you to jump in, and a food scene that rivals much bigger cities, any time is a good time to escape to the desert. 

What shifts is the vibe, each season bringing different perks—quiet pool decks in the summer, colorful Palm Springs festivals in spring, cozy patio dining in the fall, and warm winter days that make you want to stretch your stay just a little longer.

If you’re wondering when to visit, we’ve got tips on the best things to do in Palm Springs to help you make the most of every season!

Spring in Palm Springs: Wildflowers, Festivals, and Outdoor Fun

Spring in Palm Springs is nothing short of electric. The desert turns into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers and world-class festivals, presenting ideal conditions for hitting the trails at Joshua Tree National Park and other stunning nearby destinations. 

The Festival weekends bring music and fashion to the forefront, while DesertX transforms the landscape into an open-air gallery of pop-up installations. Warm, breezy days are ideal for browsing the palm-fringed streets on Palm Canyon Drive and kicking back on a sun-drenched patio with a cool cocktail or iced latte in hand.

When you’re not exploring iconic mid-century modern homes on a self-guided tour, swing by VillageFest on Thursdays—part night market, part block party, and entirely unforgettable.

Summer in Palm Springs: Pool Days, Nightlife, and Great Deals

Sure, it’s hot during the summer in Palm Springs, but so is the nightlife, the deals, and the poolside scene. It’s the ultimate low-key, low-season escape, with higher temps balanced by early morning hikes, late-night fun, and seriously cool rates on vacation rentals with private pools. Plus, fewer crowds mean more space to float, sip, shop, and spa without bumping into half of Los Angeles. 

Take a breezy day trip to higher elevations, chill out at the Palm Springs Air Museum, or embrace your inner art critic at a local gallery. From enjoying Coachella Valley’s culinary scene during Restaurant Week to the epic three-day music festival, Splash House, and a swirl of summer events, like Shortfest and the Desert Classic Dance Sport Championships, there’s always a reason to keep the party going. Bonus tip? Midweek trips = cheaper flights and first dibs on the best poolside loungers!.

Fall in Palm Springs: Cooler Days and Cultural Events

Fall might just be Palm Springs’ best-kept secret. The crowds thin, the temps chill (literally—day-to-night swings can drop over 40 degrees), and the calendar fills up with can’t-miss fall events like Modernism Week Fall Preview and Palm Springs Pride. It’s also prime time for golfing, long weekend brunches, and checking out any trails you haven’t already hit. Evenings are crisp, mornings are cool, and every day offers something new. Oh, and the Hot Air Balloon Festival and the  Night Sky Festival? Absolutely worth sticking around for.

And don’t forget to check out the lineup at Acrisure Arena. This premier venue hosts everything from major music concerts to comedy acts to professional sporting events, so there’s always something worth grabbing tickets for.

Winter in Palm Springs: Sunshine Escapes and Holiday Vibes 

While the rest of the country is bundling up, winter in Palm Springs is all about sunglasses, sandals, and soaking up that golden desert sun. It’s the ultimate cold-weather escape, with stellar events and festive holiday traditions adding a little sunshine and sparkle to your holiday season, with zero chance of snow shoveling. From the dazzling Palm Springs Festival of Lights to the star-studded Palm Springs International Film Festival, the season shines with magic, energy, and just the right amount of celebrity sightings.

Holiday shopping promises unique finds and special treasures at open-air boutiques and local markets, and long-term stays are a no-brainer for anyone ready to trade icy sidewalks for heated pools. Modernism Week kicks off in late winter, giving architecture buffs and design lovers plenty to swoon over. Throw in desert serenity and laid-back holiday vibes you can’t find anywhere else, and suddenly winter doesn’t seem so dreary after all!

When’s the Best Time to Visit Palm Springs? It Depends on You

When’s the best time to visit Palm Springs? That depends. Are you a weekend warrior chasing sun and splashy pool parties, an architecture hound craving mid-century modern design, or a glamour seeker on the hunt for red carpets and rooftop cocktails?  While summer brings sizzling deals, fall rolls in with cool nights, and winter delivers sun-soaked serenity with a splash of sparkle. Spring practically throws a festive party every weekend, and the weather is phenomenal.

Want lower prices and fewer people? Aim for summer or fall. Prefer crisp mornings and patio dining? Winter or spring might be your vibe. Whatever your Palm Springs personality, there’s a season with your name on it (and probably a cocktail waiting poolside).

Book Your Perfect Palm Springs Getaway with ACME House Company

No matter when you visit, ACME House Company has a stylish, comfortable retreat that fits your travel vibe—romantic escape, family fun, or a group trip where the only agenda is brunch and pool floats. And the amenities are the cherry on top, from sparkling pools to cool off in during summer, cozy fireplaces for winter evenings, and outdoor kitchens for grilling, chilling, and raising a glass year-round. ACME vacation rentals are the perfect home base.

Just don’t wait too long to book! Spring festivals, winter escapes, and holiday weekends tend to fill up fast!

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: ACME manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit ACME’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rental Homes.

Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs.

Published by Matthew Bruce
Friday, July 25, 2025