Palm Springs in December
Great time to visit
Excellent weather draws winter visitors back to the desert. Holiday crowds and events make it busy and pricier but conditions are nearly perfect for all activities.
Weather
December delivers classic desert winter conditions with comfortable 22°C days and crisp 9°C nights. Light rain occasionally breaks the typical dry pattern.
22°C high9°C low2 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$290/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday celebrations
- •New Year's Eve parties
- •Festival of Lights parade
December Tips
- •Book holiday week accommodations months in advance
- •Perfect weather for all outdoor activities including hiking and golf
- •Pack warm clothes for surprisingly chilly desert nights
All Months
October through April delivers that perfect 75-85°F weather everyone talks about. January and February see the most crowds and highest prices - expect resort rates to double during peak season. March brings spring training baseball and festival season, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival. But here's what locals know: May and September offer sweet spots with fewer crowds and reasonable temperatures. Summer means serious heat - we're talking 110-120°F daily from June through August. Some restaurants and attractions close or reduce hours. Pool season runs year-round, but you'll appreciate that air conditioning. Winter nights can dip into the 40s, so pack layers. Rain stays rare, but when it comes, it can flood washes and low-lying roads.
Palm Springs Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
9/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
4/10
Luxury
9/10
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