Palm Springs truly shines in winter. With warm, sunny days, cool desert nights, and a calendar packed with festivals and outdoor experiences, winter is widely considered the best time to visit Palm Springs. From hiking and golf to patio dining and modernist architecture, the season offers the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
Use this Palm Springs winter travel guide to plan your trip with confidence. It's ideal for first-time visitors, couples, festival-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking warm-weather escapes during the colder months.
Why Visit Palm Springs in Winter?
Winter in Palm Springs delivers ideal desert conditions:
- Daytime temperatures typically range from the 60s to the low 70s
- Low humidity and clear skies make outdoor activities comfortable
- Peak season brings cultural events, art festivals, and seasonal dining
Palm Springs is located on the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, whose living culture and history continue to shape the region today.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs During Winter
Winter accommodations in Palm Springs are all about location, amenities, and atmosphere.
Downtown Palm Springs
- Walkable access to restaurants, galleries, nightlife, and events
- Ideal for festival weekends and first-time visitors
- Easy access to VillageFest and the Palm Springs Art Museum
Boutique Hotels
- Midcentury-modern design and intimate settings
- Perfect for couples, design lovers, and quieter winter escapes
- Often feature heated pools and stylish outdoor lounges
Resort Properties
- Expansive grounds with pools, spas, golf, and on-site dining
- Great for more extended stays, families, and travelers seeking amenities
- Many offer seasonal programming and wellness experiences
What to Do in Palm Springs in Winter
Winter is peak season for outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.
Hiking & Nature
Cooler temperatures make winter the best time to explore Palm Springs’ iconic trails. Many of these trails are located on Agua Caliente tribal lands, so visitors are encouraged to respect signage, stay on designated paths, and consider guided tours for a richer cultural experience:
- Indian Canyons – palm oases, streams, and scenic canyon hikes
- Tahquitz Canyon – waterfalls, rock art, and cultural significance, visitor center
- Murray Canyon – seasonal water crossings and peaceful views
- Palm Canyon – accessible trails with dramatic rock formations and a stream
Visiting these areas offers an opportunity to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, whose stewardship preserves these unique desert environments.
Read more about the best hiking trails in Palm Springs.
For horse lovers, consider a Murray Canyon Haul Ride with Smoke Tree Stables. They trailer the horses into the beautiful, scenic Indian Canyons for a ride along streams and native Palm Groves. Ride from Andreas Canyon to Murray and back. 1.5 hours.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with the world's largest rotating tram car from the desert floor to the alpine forest in minutes. Winter offers a rare contrast of sunshine at the base and possible snow at the 8,516-foot summit of Mount San Jacinto State Park. You'll discover a winter wonderland of sweeping views and more than 50 miles of alpine hiking trails. Go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with rental gear from the Tramway's Winter Adventure Center.
Get the Ultimate Guide to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Biking in Palm Springs
Whether you’re a casual or serious cyclist, Palm Springs miles of super bike-friendly flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and paved on-and off-road routes provide two-wheeled thrills for every ability. This is one of the best ways to appreciate Palm Springs’ beautiful mountains, midcentury modern architecture, and downtown attractions up close.
Where to get a bike? Numerous hotels and inns provided free or rental bicycles. You can also rent a bike from Bike Palm Springs.
- Take a Palm Springs Big City Loop Bike Tour
- Explore Historic Deepwell Ranch Neighborhood: Self-Guided Bike Tour
- Pedal Through Palm Springs: A Self-Guided Tour of Midcentury Charm
- Take a biking tour with Big Wheel Tours
- Learn about local history on a Palm Springs Historical Society Biking Tour.
Get more information about biking in Palm Springs.
Golf Season
Winter is prime golf season in Palm Springs, with dozens of courses offering ideal playing conditions, mountain views, and world-class design.
- Escena Golf Club – championship desert golf with stunning mountain views. Enjoy a delicious meal at Escena Grill.
- Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort – two distinct courses in a beautiful desert setting
- Indian Canyons Golf Resort – classic desert-style golfing with two well-maintained greens
Read more about the best golf in Palm Springs.
PickleBall for All
You’re totally “in the kitchen” with Palm Springs dozens of pickleball courts and more on the way in downtown and nearby. Play is free at 16 state-of-the-art pickleball courts located in the city’s public parks.
- Put your name on the whiteboard at Demuth Park and get in the game at one of its 12 pickleball courts.
- Ruth Hardy Park has two pickleball courts.
- The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs has six expansive pickleball courts. $10 per person for two hours. Free for Kimpton guests.
Tennis Anyone?
Of course! Palm Springs has been a tennis center since Hollywood stars began playing there in the early 20th century. Winter visitors continue the trend with free play on eight excellent courts at Ruth Hardy Park, and free play on Demuth Park’s one tennis court.
Learn more about all the sports courts in Palm Springs to play and have fun.
Architecture & Culture
With cooler days and crystal‑clear skies, winter invites you to slow down and savor the architecture, art, and cultural stories that define Palm Springs. From iconic midcentury landmarks to vibrant museum exhibitions and Indigenous history, this season is an ideal time to explore the city’s creative soul.
- Take a midcentury architecture self-guided tour
- Take a guided Palm Springs architecture tour
- Hop aboard the signature Palm Springs Mod Squad Tour
- Enjoy Palm Springs Art Museum exhibitions and programs
- Visit Agua Caliente Cultural Museum for Indigenous history and storytelling
Where to Eat & Drink in Winter
Winter dining in Palm Springs is all about patios, ambiance, and seasonal menus.
Best Patio Dining
- Copley's on Palm Canyon – Courtyard dining, ideal winter ambiance
- Le Vallauris - Best French-style menu with a beautiful outdoor patio setting
- Eight4Nine – Stylish with outdoor heated seating
Cozy Dinner & Date-Night Spots
- Spencer’s Restaurant – Classic Palm Springs romance, mountain backdrop, and firepit
- Bar Cecil – Elevated, intimate, winter-perfect vibe
- Workshop Kitchen + Bar – Heated patio, chef-owned, seasonal menus
Casual Winter Brunch Favorites
- Cheeky’s – Seasonal menus, comfort-forward, all abaout the bacon
- Norma’s at The Parker – Retro brunch energy
- Wilma & Frieda's - Comfort food classics
Downtown Palm Springs offers everything from casual cafés and classic diners to upscale fine dining, international cuisine, and cocktail lounges—many at their best during cooler months.
Shopping & Strolling in Winter
Winter weather makes walking and browsing especially enjoyable.
- Downtown Palm Springs boutiques for fashion, gifts, and souvenirs
- Art galleries featuring contemporary and desert-inspired works
- Modernist design shops and vintage stores
Don’t miss VillageFest, the weekly Thursday-night street fair with food vendors, artists, and live entertainment.
Winter Events & Festivals in Palm Springs
Winter is Palm Springs’ busiest and most exciting season.
Popular winter events include:
- Palm Springs International Film Festival (January)
- Modernism Week (February and October)
- Palm Springs Holidays celebrations and seasonal markets
- Art, music, and cultural festivals throughout the season
Planning your visit around these events adds energy and unique experiences to your winter getaway.
Sample Winter Getaways in Palm Springs
These flexible itineraries help you shape your stay without over-scheduling.
3-Day Winter Escape
- Day 1: Downtown strolling, dining, and VillageFest
- Day 2: Hiking or golf, followed by spa time
- Day 3: Museums, shopping, and brunch
Modernism Week Long Weekend
- Architecture tours and talks
- Vintage shopping and gallery hopping
- Stylish dinners and cocktail lounges
Active Outdoor Winter Getaway
- Morning hikes or bike rides
- Aerial Tramway adventure
- Relaxed evenings with patio dining
Palm Springs Winter Travel FAQ
Is winter the best time to visit Palm Springs?
Yes. Winter offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities, as well as the city’s largest festivals and cultural events.
Can you swim in Palm Springs during winter?
Yes. Most hotels and resorts offer heated pools year-round.
Is Palm Springs crowded in winter?
Winter is the busiest season, especially during festivals and holiday weekends. Booking accommodations early is recommended.
What should I pack for Palm Springs in winter?
Pack light layers for daytime warmth and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and resort wear for the pool and spa.
Do I need a car in Palm Springs during winter?
Downtown Palm Springs is walkable, but a car is helpful for hiking areas, golf courses, and attractions like the Aerial Tramway.