Palm Springs in the Winter: Things to do and Top Tips

Last Updated on January 31, 2026 by Tori Pines

When most people imagine winter destinations, snow and evergreen forests might spring to mind, but I’m here to argue that Palm Springs in the winter is a seriously underrated choice. From sunny skies and mild days to clear starry nights, this desert oasis hits a sweet spot between adventure and lounging. Based entirely on what I experienced and recorded in my two week road trip in Southern California, here’s how winter in Palm Springs feels, what you can do, and tips to make it the best trip possible.

Why Visit Palm Springs in the Winter

Palm Springs in winter is the desert’s best mood, calm, mild temps, and fewer crowds. In my road-trip planning, we visited Palm Springs as a foundational stop in a longer California road trip route, (also visiting San Diego and Disneyland) and I’d do it again in winter in a heartbeat.

Here’s why:

• Milder, more comfortable temperatures — Heat is tempered in winter, making outdoor activities more pleasant. Our itinerary included hiking, zoo visits, and a tram ride, all of which benefit from cooler, crisp air versus the scorching summer sun. Plus it was still warm enough some days for pool time!
  
• Relaxed pace & downtime — In my original plan, we made sure to include “pool time” on our first day, so we wouldn’t burn out. In winter, when daylight is shorter, that balance of activity + rest is even more important.
  
• Clear skies & sharp light — Winter air often brings cleaner visibility. Views from the tram, desert vistas, and even views at night feel clearer and more defined.
  
• Better value & fewer crowds — While I didn’t explicitly outline off-peak rates in the original, the structure of our trip assumed travel flexibility (e.g. choosing when to stop, adjusting for weather). In winter, the same flexibility often means less competition for lodging, dining, and attractions.

Average Weather in Palm Springs in the Winter

Here’s what I’d expect, based on our experiences:

• Warmish days, cool mornings & evenings — The lower desert floor will likely see comfortable daytime temps. Mornings and evenings dip cooler, especially without a strong sun.
  
• Significant drop at altitude — On the tram ride up, expect chilly temperatures, wind, possibly even frost. Dress in layers if you visit the top of the mountain!
  
• Possibility of overcast or shifting weather — You might get a hazy or cloudy morning, or shifts in conditions. In our original plan, we allowed for flexibility in case trails or views were obscured by clouds or changes above.
  
• Dry air, strong sun — Don’t underestimate the dryness. Sunscreen, hats, and hydration are just as important in winter.

Palms Springs in Winter Map

Things to Do in Palm Springs in the Winter

We enjoyed all of these fun things to do in Palm Springs last winter and had the best vacation. You will too!

1. Pool Time

In our first day, we deliberately carved out pool time, time to recover from travel, unwind, and acclimate to the time zone. The sun is still strong midday, and a dip (or lounge beside the pool) is a refreshing reset. Even if the water isn’t blazing warm, lounging, reading, and letting the kids (or yourself) unwind is a gift.

I also love planning a pool day mid-trip too if that’s an option for you!

2. Downtown Palm Springs

Spend some time one evening exploring downtown Palm Springs. Browse shops, admire architecture, and feel the local energy. In winter it’s a lot less busy, but everything is still open as normal!

Don’t skip the fun photo ops like the giant Marilyn Monroe statue, and in winter it’s likely to be much less crowded.

3. Dining at The Tropicale

We chose The Tropicale for dinner, and I recommend you do too. It’s a spot that feels elevated yet comfortable, and is recommended by almost everyone because it’s that good. We had made reservations, which got us seated right away at this very busy spot in town. I highly recommend you make reservations too! The live music was so fun and the ambiance was really cool. The menu was pretty fancy for our taste, but the food was really delicious like everyone said. We had our toddler with us, and while it was definitely not a great place for small children, everyone was so nice to her and made her just as welcome.

4. Dessert at Great Shakes

While you’re in downtown, visit Great Shakes for dessert. It might be a little chilly at night, but for me it’s never too cold for ice cream. These shakes are over the top. Each has a fun theme and is topped with tons of treats that match the theme of the shake. You might want to share one, since they’re so big (or maybe not).

5. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

This was a highlight in our Palm Springs trip. We dedicated a morning to visiting The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, one of the most beautiful zoo properties I’ve ever seen! One of our standout experiences was paying extra to feed giraffes. They were so darn cute and got to stand just inches from them!

During the winter, animals might be more active (less heat stress), and the zoo feels more intimate with fewer visitors. I went because I had my toddler with me, but I would 100% go back without kids, it was just that good!

Looking into a travel credit card? I swear by the Southwest Credit Card for earning free flights around the US and the ability to earn the companion pass where you can take anyone on a flight with you for FREE!

6. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of those can’t-miss Palm Springs experiences, and I honestly think it’s worth planning your day around! The tram rotates as it climbs more than 8,500 feet from the desert floor to Mount San Jacinto, so you get jaw-dropping views the entire ride up.

At the top, the temperature is usually 30–40 degrees cooler than downtown Palm Springs, so bring a jacket even if it’s hot below. I was shocked how cold it was, and we were definitely not well prepared. You’ll find hiking trails, observation decks, a couple of restaurants, and even snow in the winter months, which feels wild after starting in the desert. Tickets are timed-entry and can sell out, especially on weekends and during peak season, so I highly recommend booking in advance online. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours total, especially if you want to hike or grab a meal at the top.

Pro tip: Go earlier in the day for shorter lines and clearer views! I didn’t take this advice and had some pretty nasty cloud coverage!

7. Take a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

Taking a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs is such a good idea, for dramatic desert scenery and fun hikes! The park is about a 45-minute to one-hour drive, with the West Entrance in Joshua Tree being the most popular and easiest access point.

Since you’ll be visiting in the winter, the park doesn’t get very crowded, so there’s no huge rush to get there early. Another great bonus about the winter is that the rattle snakes are not out and about! But we did see a coyote during our visit last winter, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Plan to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and good walking shoes, there’s very little shade and services inside the park are extremely limited.

The highlights you can’t miss include Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden and Heart Rock and Arch Rock Trail. We especially loved the short and very easy hike to Heart and Arch rock. The landscape is so beautiful and allowed for our toddler to do some hiking too since it was so flat and easy!

What to Wear in Palm Springs in the Winter (Especially with Kids)

You’ll need to pack a little extra when visiting Palm Springs in the winter. Layers are important since it can get pretty warm in the middle of the day, and chilly in the evenings.

• Base layers & light shirts — T-shirts, long sleeves
  
• Cardigan or sweater — Great for layering, especially in shade or evening.
  
• Windbreaker or light jacket — Particularly important for the tram ride upward.
  
• Jeans or comfortable pants — For walking, for cooler moments.
  
• Sun protection — Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen — winter sun is still UV.
  
• Sneakers — For zoo paths, desert walks, tram station hikes.
  
• Swimsuit — For a pool day.
  
• Water bottles & small backpack — To carry layers, snacks, water, camera gear.

Where to Eat in Palm Springs in the Winter

Here’s a few of the best spots to eat in Palm Springs in the winter, or any time of year for that matter.

The Tropicale

We dined at the Tropicale on our first night and loved the vibe: lively, good food, nice ambiance and some great live music. The menu is pretty upscale here and everything tasted so so good. I highly recommend getting a reservation as the restaurant was packed the night we were there.

Pines Café & Peaks Restaurant

One of the coolest perks of the tram experience is that you can eat at the mountain. There’s two options for dining at the top, a simple cafeteria style dinner that can actually be included in a tram + dinner ticket at Pines Café, or a reservation option at the fancier spot, Peaks Restaurant.

Both have great menus and would make for a super special dinner, especially around sunset!

FARM

Another great, upscale option in Palm Springs is FARM. The super cute restaurant located right in downtown serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a mix of traditional French and California-inspired dishes.

Rooster and the Pig

If you’re looking for something a little different, visit Rooster and the Pig. It’s a contemporary Vietnamese-American restaurant in downtown Palm Springs that is loved by locals!

Dessert at Great Shakes

I have to mention this spot again, because it’s just that good! Grab a shake at Great Shakes any night of your trip for the best treat. I mean, you are on vacation after all!

Where to Stay in Palm Springs in the Winter

Your lodging choice shapes your whole experience, and in winter, certain priorities shift. From what we did on our trip, here’s how I’d pick my accommodations.

Pick a Hotel with Pool Perks

We prioritized a strong pool from the start in our road-trip plan. That’s a priority I’d keep in winter even if the weather is cooler, they’ll likely have heated water.

Choose a Central Location

We stayed out of downtown Palm Springs, but centrally located between some of the things we most wanted to do, like the zoo, the Tram and Joshua Tree. It meant we had to drive everywhere but we weren’t too far from anything.

If you’d rather stay downtown, that’s a great idea as well. Staying in or near downtown means you can walk to restaurants, shops, or dessert stops after dark.

My favorite hotels in the area

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa – Technically in the town next to Palm Springs, the Omi is where we stayed during our trip and we absolutely loved it here. The rooms are huge and stunning, the property views are gorgeous and the pool is huge and has a lazy river. It really doesn’t get any better.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel – I love all Renaissance properties, and this one is beautiful, and right in the center of the city!

Drift Palm Springs – A gorgeous property with an amazing location right in downtown!

Tips for Visiting Palm Springs in the Winter

Here are extra lessons I learned from my road-trip that make Palm Springs in the winter smoother and more memorable:

1. Start your days with flexibility – Because weather or tram conditions might shift, don’t pack every hour. Leave wiggle room.
   
2. Check tram schedules & mountain conditions ahead – In winter, the tram or mountain areas might limit access or close routes depending on weather.
   
3. Wear layers – dress in layers so you’re never too hot or too cold.
   
4. Bring backup plans – If the tram summit is fogged in or paths are icy, plan alternate indoor or lower-altitude stops (downtown, zoo, shops).
   
5. Hydrate & protect from sun – Dry desert air can dehydrate, and UV is still active in winter. Sunscreen, hats, water bottles are musts.