I’ve always wondered: is winter really the best time to visit Palm Springs? When most places are shivering, the idea of sunshine and warm breezes out west sounds almost magical.
Honestly, from what I’ve seen and read, winter brings ideal weather to Palm Springs—think daytime highs around 65–70°F and more sunshine than you’d think possible.
Whenever I head there during winter, I skip the heavy coat and dive straight into outdoor adventures. With over 300 sunny days a year, this place feels like a cheat code for escaping winter blues.
The city buzzes with special events, and there’s a festive energy that never feels overwhelming. Somehow, it’s lively but not jam-packed.
If you’re debating when to go for the best weather and a fun vibe, winter just might be your sweet spot.
Why Winter Shines in Palm Springs
Winter always seems to show off Palm Springs at its best. Mild, sun-soaked days and a festive spirit set the city apart from any other season.
When you’re thinking about weather, crowds, or hotel deals, winter has a lot going for it.
Ideal Weather Patterns
Palm Springs really nails the weather during winter. Most days, highs hover in the low to mid-70s—perfect for spending hours outside.
Nights cool off, but a light jacket usually does the trick. That’s a relief compared to bundling up elsewhere.
The sun rarely takes a day off, which makes hiking, golfing, or just lounging by the pool a breeze. Rain barely makes an appearance.
You can plan a trip here without worrying about sudden storms or dreary days.
People flock to Palm Springs in winter to escape snow and icy winds. That steady warmth is something you just don’t find everywhere.
Comparing Winter to Other Seasons
Summer in Palm Springs? Let’s be honest—it’s sweltering. Temperatures soar past 100°F, and by mid-morning, outdoor fun feels more like a challenge.
Winter flips the script. You can actually enjoy being outside all day.
Spring and fall have their moments, but winter wins for reliable sunshine. Spring gets crowded and pricey, especially around big events.
Fall is quieter, but the heat sometimes lingers into October. It’s a toss-up.
Winter, though, blends warm days, chilly nights, and that extra sparkle from holiday lights and events. Pools stay open, patios fill up, and everything feels festive but never frantic.
Hotel Rates and Availability
Hotels know winter is prime time here, so rates jump compared to summer or the in-between seasons. Resorts and boutique spots fill up fast, especially around holidays or big festivals.
If you want the best deals, book early. Sometimes, though, budget travelers have to hunt a bit for bargains.
Winter brings perks like festive decorations and holiday-themed activities at many hotels. Those little extras can make a stay feel special.
If you like things quieter (and maybe a bit cheaper), try early December or right after New Year’s. I always poke around for packages—sometimes, the added value is worth the splurge.
Festive Events and Seasonal Attractions
Winter in Palm Springs means the city comes alive with events, art, and a contagious energy. There’s always something going on, whether it’s parades, film screenings, or design tours.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
The Festival of Lights Parade is a must-see if you’re around in early December. Downtown transforms as marching bands, glittering floats, and dancers take over Palm Canyon Drive.
Families sip hot chocolate, shops stay open late, and the whole street feels like one big party. There’s something about the local pride here—you can feel it in the air.
Performers, school groups, and businesses all join in. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun, and honestly, it’s a fantastic kickoff to the holiday season.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Every January, the Palm Springs International Film Festival rolls into town, and suddenly the city feels a bit like Hollywood. Actors, directors, and movie buffs pack beautiful spots like the historic Camelot Theatres.
The film lineup always surprises me—foreign gems, American debuts, and sometimes a celebrity sighting or two. Galas and Q&As add to the excitement.
Restaurants and bars buzz with festival-goers. It’s the perfect excuse to try new places and soak up the lively winter scene.
Modernism Week and Art Experiences
Modernism Week, usually in February, celebrates Palm Springs’ iconic mid-century look. I love wandering through open houses, joining architecture tours, and checking out pop-up exhibits.
Design fans and curious visitors flock here, and the city feels extra creative.
Gallery shows and events at the Palm Springs Art Museum pop up everywhere. Sometimes, there are workshops where you can get hands-on and try something new.
Shops sell funky, design-inspired finds, and restaurants roll out special menus for the occasion. Modernism Week always reminds me how much style pulses through this city.
Outdoor Activities and Natural Beauty in Winter
Winter practically begs you to get outside in Palm Springs. Cool, sunny days make hiking, biking, and poolside lounging way more enjoyable.
Desert gardens and early wildflowers start to wake up, adding splashes of color everywhere.
Hiking and Biking Adventures
Winter is hands-down the best time to hit the trails here. With temps between 60°F and 75°F, you can hike for hours without overheating.
I’m a fan of the Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail for its waterfall, and Indian Canyons always impresses with palm oases and mountain views.
If you want a change of scenery, hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the San Jacinto Mountains. Suddenly, you’re in pine forests with cool breezes and stunning vistas.
Biking? Absolutely. The valley has flat, scenic routes perfect for a casual ride. Downtown and East Palm Canyon Drive are easy favorites.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are tougher mountain biking trails, too.
Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
You can’t skip Joshua Tree National Park in winter—it’s just about an hour from Palm Springs. Cooler temps make hiking and scrambling on the rocks way more comfortable.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Barker Dam Trail are top picks. The Joshua trees look surreal in the crisp sunlight.
The Cholla Cactus Garden glows in the afternoon—seriously, it’s worth the drive.
Stargazing here is unreal. Clear winter nights reveal the Milky Way and constellations you’d never see in the city. I like to bring a blanket and just watch the sky light up.
Golfing and Poolside Lounging
Golfers love Palm Springs in winter. Courses like Indian Canyons Golf Resort and Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort look their best, and the weather’s perfect for teeing off any time of day.
Resorts often set up outdoor dining right by the greens or pools. After a round, nothing beats chilling by the pool with a drink.
Even in winter, pools are heated. So you can swim or sunbathe without turning into an icicle.
A typical winter day might look like this:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Golf or spa time |
| Lunch | Outdoor patio dining |
| Afternoon | Poolside lounging |
| Evening | Walk or casual stroll |
Desert Blooms and Botanical Gardens
Catching the first wildflowers of the season is one of my favorite winter surprises. Some blooms start popping up after winter rains, adding color to the desert.
The Moorten Botanical Garden is a great spot for plant lovers. I love wandering among cacti, succulents, and agave in the cool air.
Nearby, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert lets you explore desert plants and wildlife. It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Botanical gardens often have outdoor cafes—perfect for a snack surrounded by greenery. Winter really brings out the best in Palm Springs’ natural beauty.
Festival Calendar: Notable Winter Events
Winter in Palm Springs is packed with events, celebrations, and local traditions. The city feels extra alive this time of year.
Holiday Celebrations and Cultural Highlights
Palm Springs pulls out all the stops for the holidays. In December, Palm Canyon Drive glows for the Festival of Lights Parade.
Families gather to watch floats, bands, and performers wind down the route from Ramon Road to Tachevah Drive.
SNOWTOPIA at the Palm Springs Air Museum is another winter favorite. Santa drops by, and they truck in about 60 tons of real snow—yes, in the desert! The event runs evenings December 19-23, with snow play, lights, and holiday treats.
For something quieter, resorts like La Quinta Resort & Club host tree lightings and roast chestnuts by the fire. Their holiday decorations blend classic traditions with a desert twist.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens puts on WildLights, a festival with a massive holiday tree, glowing animal displays, and a model train. After dark, you can see both dazzling lights and real animals.
Music and Arts Festivals Near Winter
The big music festivals—Coachella and Stagecoach—happen in spring, but winter doesn’t lack for arts and culture.
Venues host live shows, jazz nights, and smaller festivals across the Coachella Valley.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival kicks off in early January, bringing films and film fans from everywhere. The energy downtown is contagious.
Art lovers can check out new exhibits at local museums and galleries. Winter also marks the start of walking tours focused on mid-century modern architecture—a treat for anyone curious about things to do in Palm Springs.
While April’s music festivals get the headlines, I’ve found plenty of ways to enjoy music and art before then. Concert series, craft fairs, and gallery openings keep the season vibrant for culture seekers.
Dining, Shopping, and Nightlife
Winter evenings in Palm Springs are mild and perfect for dining outdoors or strolling busy local streets.
The mix of creative restaurants, stylish shops, and lively nightlife gives the season a special sparkle.
Best Restaurants and Outdoor Dining Experiences
Palm Springs really spoils you when it comes to food. I love stopping by Workshop Kitchen + Bar—they serve up modern American dishes inside this striking, mid-century modern building.
If I’m craving Italian, I wander over to Birba. Their pizza is honestly hard to beat, and the patio lights make the evenings feel a little bit magical.
Cooler weather means eating outside is actually pleasant. Places like Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar set up heated patios, so you can sit under the stars without freezing.
For those times when I just want a quick bite, I pop into one of the local cafés along Palm Canyon Drive. There’s always something tasty and casual to grab.
Top Outdoor Dining Picks:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop Kitchen + Bar | Modern American | Historic architecture |
| Birba | Italian | Lively outdoor patio |
| La Quinta Cliffhouse | Steak & Seafood | Mountain views |
Boutique Shopping and Galleries
Palm Springs bursts with quirky, one-of-a-kind shops. I find myself wandering along Palm Canyon Drive more often than I’d like to admit, just poking around boutiques.
Vintage clothing, local art, and mid-century modern decor all sit side by side. The mix is kind of irresistible.
I can’t help but stop at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s gift shop for creative souvenirs. When I’m searching for collectibles or home accents, shop owners often share stories about their favorite pieces.
Sometimes the best finds come from those tiny shops you almost miss near downtown. You just never know what you’ll stumble upon.
Art lovers get plenty to smile about here too. I like to check out contemporary galleries to see paintings and sculptures by both local and national artists.
Holiday shopping in Palm Springs feels relaxed and fun—never rushed.
Nightlife and Evening Activities
When the sun goes down, Palm Springs lights up without getting too wild. I usually kick things off at a rooftop bar, watching the sunset spill over the mountains.
Some of the best spots serve great cocktails with cozy outdoor seating. There’s something about sipping a drink in the cool evening air that just feels right.
Live music pops up everywhere in winter. Bars and restaurants bring in jazz bands or acoustic sets, so you can unwind without much effort.
If I’m in the mood for something different, local theaters show performances and films. It’s a nice change of pace from the bar scene.
Sometimes I want a little more energy, so I’ll check out the dance clubs along Arenas Road. Other nights, a laid-back lounge near downtown is all I need.
There’s always something happening. Whether I’m sipping cocktails, catching live music, or wandering through art exhibits, Palm Springs at night never feels dull.
Must-See Attractions Exclusive to Winter Visitors
Winter in Palm Springs opens up a whole new set of adventures. The mild temperatures and smaller crowds make outdoor exploring way more appealing.
You can finally check out natural spots and activities that the summer heat usually makes impossible. It’s honestly the best time to visit if you want to see the real Palm Springs.
Riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If you’re here in winter, you’ve got to try the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. I always tell friends to put it on their list.
The tram starts down on the desert floor and glides up more than two-and-a-half miles to Mount San Jacinto State Park. The ride itself is half the fun.
Once you reach the top, the temperature drops—sometimes there’s even snow, which feels wild after the desert heat below.
You get pine forests and sweeping views across the whole Coachella Valley. On a clear day, you can spot the Salton Sea in the distance.
Hiking or just strolling around the mountaintop is so much more comfortable in winter. If there’s enough snow, you might even get to try snowshoeing.
Photography lovers will appreciate how crisp the winter air makes the scenery pop. There’s a café and some viewing decks, plus easy access to park trails.
It honestly feels like you’ve escaped to a desert oasis—except suddenly, you’re in a winter forest.
Scenic Parks and the Coachella Valley
Winter really transforms the parks in Palm Springs. I love heading out to Indian Canyons or the Coachella Valley Preserve, which sits right by Joshua Tree. The cooler weather makes those long hikes so much more doable—no need to stress about that brutal desert sun.
Sometimes, after a good rain, Indian Canyons surprises me with little waterfalls. Trails twist through palm groves, cross over rocky stream beds, and dip into rugged canyons. It feels like wandering through a secret world. At the Coachella Valley Preserve, the Thousand Palms Oasis steals the show. You’ll stumble upon a cluster of palms, all thanks to natural springs bubbling up right in the middle of the desert. It’s a shady, cool escape that always feels like a small miracle.
I’ve noticed these places stay pretty quiet in winter, especially compared to the chaos of festival season. Wildlife seems to love the cooler air, too. I’ve spotted more birds, lizards, and even the occasional bighorn sheep when the crowds thin out. There’s something about picnicking or just soaking up the fresh air here in winter that feels extra special.
