7 Tips For Visiting Palm Springs in Summer
Palm Springs in summer is HOT. It’s not the best time to visit for people who don’t tolerate heat well, which is why it’s the off-season. If you can tolerate heat or even love it (I do!), then Palm Springs in summer is a magical place!
The weather in Palm Springs reaches peak temperatures between June and September, with a daily average of 108ºF in July and even reaching temps close to 120ºF in August. It’s easy to get heat stroke in these temperatures if you don’t take proper measures to stay cool.
Palm Springs in summer is crowd-free since very few tourists visit during the hottest months of the year. This means that the majority of people you encounter will be locals. Every person I’ve met during summer in Palm Springs has been so kind, fun, and eccentric!
The magic of Palm Springs in summer comes from the emptiness of the city and the cool locals. There’s something almost mystical about Palm Springs, especially in the quietness of summer. Despite the intense heat, Palm Springs in summer is a unique trip I recommend experiencing at least once!
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Escape the Heat During Peak Hours
The scorching heat can be difficult to deal with for people who aren’t used to it. During high noon and peak temperatures, plan to be inside with some air conditioning for a break from the heat!
You can either head back to your accommodation or find a place to spend a few hours doing something inside, like the Palm Springs Art Museum, a restaurant for a long lunch, the various stores downtown, or Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
Another great place to escape the heat is the top of San Jacinto Mountain! Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top (just a 10-minute ride!), where it is often 20 to 30 degrees (F) cooler than Palm Springs, and even has snow for large portions of the year. You can check the current temperature on their website before you go.
Whatever you choose, give yourself at least a few hours to fully cool down before returning to the heat!
Wear Sun Protection
When you do go outside, be sure to protect yourself from the sun as much as possible. Wear sunscreen and reapply often — I love Coola (available on Amazon, Ulta, or Sephora) since it smells great and feels like a moisturizer as opposed to a thick sunscreen.
Sunglasses and sun hats are also great for keeping the sun off your face and shoulders. You’ll fit right in since a nice sun hat is quintessential Palm Springs attire.
A lightweight, flowy long sleeve is also nice to protect your arms/back from the sun.
Check Opening Days/Times
Since summer in Palm Springs is the off-season, many restaurants and shops close during the weekdays. If you’re planning to visit during the week, check the opening hours for shops and restaurants before you head out for the day/night.
There were quite a few things that were closed while we were there in summer, which limited the amount of activities we could do and restaurants we could go to.
Plenty of places are still open every day of the week, you just need to check the opening days/times ahead of time as you plan your day.
Plan Your Day Ahead of Time
Before you go out for the day, or even the night before, it’s ideal to plan what you are going to do so you can ensure you don’t spend too much time outside in the heat.
Plan things to do that are indoors or near air-conditioned buildings so you can easily pop in if you get overheated. This will keep you from getting stuck in the heat trying to find the next thing to do.
If you plan ahead of time, you’ll likely have a more enjoyable experience and fit in everything you want to see and do in Palm Springs!
Best things to do in Palm Springs in summer:
Palm Springs Museum of Art
Downtown shops
Ice Skating at Berger Foundation Iceplex
Escape Games at The River
Camelot Theatres
Stay Somewhere With a Pool
Jumping into a pool on a hot day is one of the best feelings! Many of the hotels around Palm Springs have pools or offer a day pass to access them if you aren’t a hotel guest.
Because Palm Springs in summer reaches up to 118ºF, the pool water also heats up throughout the summer and can be in the 80s or 90s still. Despite being so warm, the water still cools you off a bit since it’s colder than the outside air. Plus the water on your skin helps cool you once you’re out!
Even if the pools are not super refreshing during summer in Palm Springs, staying somewhere with a pool is a quintessential Palm Springs experience. It also makes for some great photos!
Best Hotels With Pools in Palm Springs:
Luxury:
Mid-range: The Saguaro Palm Springs
Budget: Inn at Palm Springs
Wear Loose, Airy Clothing
I lean towards cotton and linen in summer since they’re the most breathable and airy fabrics, but anything that feels lightweight works well. When you’re in the heat, all you want is clothing that is comfortable and doesn’t stick to you.
Loose-fitting clothing like dresses, skirts, and oversized shirts are perfect for hot days. I try to avoid any tight or fitted clothing or dark colors that attract the sun. The style in Palm Springs is very 1960s mod, colorful, eccentric, and fun.
I love colors and fun patterns but don’t always feel like I’m in the right place to wear them. Palm Springs is the perfect place to wear your most colorful, loud, and fun clothing!
When in doubt, put on a bikini and hop in the pool.
Some clothing that is perfect for Palm Springs in summer:
Carry Ice-Cold Water With You
It’s important to stay hydrated when the Palm Springs summer heat is so intense! You’ll lose water as you sweat, so I recommend carrying an insulated water bottle with you.
Fill up an Owala water bottle with cold water and a few ice cubes before you head out for the day and it will stay cold for hours. Carrying an insulated water bottle ensures you’ll have access to cold water throughout the day which will help keep you hydrated and cool you down.
You can also refill at a restaurant when you go to lunch or when you head back to your accommodation during the peak hours of the day.
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