The decades following Palm Springs’ Hollywood heyday have seen the desert blossom into an oasis bursting with golf, mid-century modern architecture, fine art and plenty of raw natural beauty, too. No matter what brings you here, you’re sure to relax in style in Palm Springs.
What to pack for a trip to Palm Springs
Palm Springs’ abundant sunshine and warm weather calls for a packing list that will help keep you cool in the desert. Must-haves include sunscreen and a hat, especially important if you’re not used to the desert sun.
Sandals are a good idea for strolling down South Palm Canyon Drive, and tank tops and shorts will help you work on your tan in true Palm Springs style.
Ladies can bring a sundress or two, and light sweaters are a good idea for the surprisingly cool desert nights. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit so you can enjoy your hotel’s pool or the local Knott’s Soak City water park (May through mid-October).
The best time to visit Palm Springs
With more than 350 days of sunshine, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Palm Springs. The city and surrounding desert area are well-known for consistently sunny and warm weather year-round.
That being said, the arid region regularly has an average temperature in the 90- to 100-degree Fahrenheit range during the summer months. We’d recommend visiting in the winter or spring (November through April) for the most pleasant outdoor experience.
The evening atmosphere can be pleasantly cool and slightly chilly all year long, with temperatures dipping quickly when the sun sets behind the mountain range.
Should visitors rent a car in Palm Springs?
With a metro area sprawling nearly 25 miles, Palm Springs is definitely one destination that requires renting a car. Most likely, you’ll also want to explore beyond the downtown area for hiking, biking and other one-of-a-kind desert experiences in the sprawling Coachella Valley.
