Late spring · Weather & things to do
Palm Springs in May
Palm Springs warms up: highs climb to 94°F (34°C), from 84°F in April, with lows of 63°F (17°C) and less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 71/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 94°F (34°C)
- Avg low
- 63°F (17°C)
- Rain
- less than 0.1 in (3 mm)
- Humidity
- 34%
- Cloud cover
- 25%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What May feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 94°F (34°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 17°C (31°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 34% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: less than 0.1 in (3 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 25%.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are November – April.
- Comfort slips from 92/100 in April to 71/100.
- Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 94°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 63°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Palm Springs in May
Afternoons run hot (94°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Free gardens and center at the Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage.
Why now May scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Bootlegger Tiki
Small red-lit tiki bar on Palm Canyon Drive.
Why now Highs near 94°F and 0.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Shields Date Garden
Date grove since 1924 serving date shakes and showing date history.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Art, architecture and design museum at the foot of the mountains.
Why now A break from 94°F afternoons.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
Farm-driven American dinner in a converted 1920s theater.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Nearby in May
- Joshua Tree in May~37 mi · highs 88°F, 0.0 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- La Jolla in May~80 mi · highs 67°F, 0.3 in rain · 15°C (27°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in May~85 mi · highs 76°F, 0.3 in rain · 10°C (17°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in May~94 mi · highs 76°F, 0.4 in rain · 10°C (18°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~924 m to Palm Springs's ~146 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Palm Springs in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Palm Springs?
It's middling, scoring 71/100. The best months are November – April, at up to 100. Expect highs of 94°F (34°C) and less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain. Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Palm Springs in May?
Average highs are 94°F (34°C) and average lows 63°F (17°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in May?
Not much: less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 5.0 in (127 mm).
What should I pack for Palm Springs in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 94°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 63°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Palm Springs
Planning Palm Springs in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.