The climate of Palm Springs
Palm Springs,
California, USA, falls under the Köppen climate classification of Csa, indicating a Mediterranean climate with hot summers. Located in the Sonoran Desert region, the city experiences distinct seasonal variations in weather.
Annual weather in Palm Springs features high temperatures ranging from 59.5°F (15.3°C) to a sweltering 93.4°F (34.1°C), and lows between 43°F (6.1°C) and 72.1°F (22.3°C). Average relative humidity throughout the year stays fairly consistent, ranging between 28% and 48%.
Palm Springs sees variations in rainfall from a minimum of 0.12" (3mm) to a maximum of 0.91" (23mm). Interestingly, the city receives an average sunshine duration of 12 hours during summer which significantly decreases to around 7 hours in the winter months. Reviewing the data shows that months featuring the most rainfall do not always align with those with the least sunshine. For instance,
July experiences the highest rainfall, yet it also boasts 12.1 hours of sunshine.
Strong winds are prevalent throughout the year, with average wind speeds varying from 6.2mph (10km/h) to a breezy 8.8mph (14.2km/h). The highest gusts can reach up to 12.8mph (20.6km/h).
The best time to visit Palm Springs
A desire for comfortable temperatures, low rainfall, and ample sunshine usually directs visitors to
Palm Springs between
March and
June. During these months temperatures generally remain under 80°F (26.7°C) providing for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additional respite comes from the low humidity levels of around 30% and minimal rainfall, ranging from 0.12" (3mm) to 0.31" (8mm). Plenty of sunshine, around 12 to 14 hours daily, lights up this beautiful city, making these months conducive for a variety of activities and explorations.
The worst time to visit Palm Springs
Periods of intense heat and high rainfall could potentially affect travel plans in
Palm Springs. These unfavorable conditions are generally noted between
July and
August. The city frequently experiences its highest temperatures, soaring to approximately 93.4°F (34.1°C), during these months. The heat, combined with the maximum rainfall of up to 0.91" (23mm), conditions not quite ideal for visitors.
Spring weather in Palm Springs
Witnessing spring in
Palm Springs is a delightful experience, with temperatures climbing from a mildly warm 59.5°F (15.3°C) in
March to a warmer 78.4°F (25.8°C) in
May. Rainfall during this season is lower, varying between 0.31" (8mm) in March and May and dropping to a mere 0.12" (3mm) in
April. The cooler night temperatures, between 43°F (6.1°C) in March and 55.9°F (13.3°C) in May, provide a pleasant respite from the daytime heat.
Summer weather in Palm Springs
Summers in
Palm Springs are unmistakably hot, Justifying the city’s Mediterranean climate categorization, temperatures rise steeply, beginning at 89.2°F (31.8°C) in
June and reaching a peak of 93.4°F (34.1°C) in
July and
August. Despite the scorching temperatures, these are also the wetter months with July experiencing the most amount of annual rainfall, at 0.91" (23mm).
Autumn weather in Palm Springs
Autumn sees a visible change in Palm Spring’s weather pattern. Daytime temperatures gradually descend from 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
September to a milder 66.6°F (19.2°C) in
November. Similarly, nighttime lows also decrease from 66.7°F (19.3°C) in September to a cooler 49.1°F (9.5°C) in November.
October and November are particularly dry, with average rainfall measuring at just 0.2" (5mm) and 0.24" (6mm) respectively.
Winter weather in Palm Springs
Winter months of
December to
February see a further dip in
Palm Springs’ overall temperature profile. Daytime highs range from 57.6°F (14.2°C) in December to 61°F (16.1°C) in February. Nighttime lows also drop to around 43°F (6.1°C) in December and slightly rise to 43.5°F (6.4°C) in February. Despite the drop in temperatures, winters enjoy a significant amount of sunshine, with 7 hours daily in December and
January, increasing to around 9 hours in February.
Weather in January
In
Palm Springs,
California, the first month of the year is mild with a cold snap. Relative humidity averages around 45%, creating a cool and crisp atmosphere. The pressure in
January stands at 30.09in, notable for being the month with the highest atmospheric pressure of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving from
January to
February, a slight increase in temperature becomes apparent. This comparatively warmer period brings in mild changes in the overall weather conditions. Evenings stay comfortably warm with the cool winds averaging a speed of around 6.9mph (11.1km/h).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Palm Springs exhibits a noticeable shift towards warmer temperatures. The weather becomes more pleasant with lower humidity levels. This period showcases greater wind intensity, reaching an average speed of 7.8mph (12.6km/h), which is the second fastest monthly average for the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Radiating a delightful ambiance,
April in
Palm Springs brings in the cheer of spring. The weather exhibits a distinctive transition, paving the way for the hottest season of the year. It's exceptionally sunny with about 11.5 hours of sunlight per day, one of the sunniest months in Palm Springs.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The warming trend in
Palm Springs becomes more significant in
May. The city heralds summer as the sunshine boasts an optimal duration, and the temperatures embark on a steady climb. With the least cloudy days, the month witnesses an average cloud cover of merely 8%.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The summer is in full swing in
Palm Springs during
June. With elongated sunny hours, short nights, and soaring temperatures, the city turns into a typical Californian summer destination. The humidity level dips to 30%, making it one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The toastiness of
July in
Palm Springs can feel dizzying to those not accustomed to high temperatures. An uptick in the average high and low temperatures marks the peak of the summer season. The highest temperature rises to around 93.4°F (34.1°C), posing as the hottest month of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Palm Springs continues to flaunt the high temperatures characteristic of
California's summer. The city remains warm and dry, reflecting similar weather patterns to
July. Despite experiencing around 14.1 hours of daylight, the temperature seldom dips, maintaining a steady high.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
Palm Springs steps into
September, there's a slow descend from the summer heat. The temperatures begin to moderate, hence commencing the transition into the pleasant autumn season. A significant drop in the highest temperature down to 86.5°F (30.3°C) marks the testament of change.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Gearing towards the end of the year,
October in
Palm Springs presents a delightful weather. The transition from summer to fall is accompanied by a marked decrease in temperature. A distinct shift in wind speed is noticed, with averages landing at about 6.8mph (10.9km/h).
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Palm Springs brings with it the crispness of fall. A significant drop in temperature is observed, hinting at the impending arrival of winter. Staying true to the season's essence, the city experiences the lowest rainfall at 0.24in amongst all the months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December in
Palm Springs starts to display distinctive winter characteristics. Chilly temperatures become more frequent, particularly during the night. Interestingly, cloud cover increases to an annual high of 20%, signifying the climax of the year.
Weather in December »