Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Palm Springs in September
Palm Springs cools off: highs slip to 101°F (38°C), from 108°F in August, with lows of 74°F (23°C) and about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 60/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 101°F (38°C)
- Avg low
- 74°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (6 mm)
- Humidity
- 29%
- Cloud cover
- 19%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 60/100 · Good
What September feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 101°F (38°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (27°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 29% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 0.2 in (6 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 19%.
Plan around September
September is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are November – April.
- Comfort holds steady from August (60 → 60/100).
- Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 101°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 74°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Palm Springs in September
Afternoons run hot (101°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Moorten Botanical Garden
Family-run cactus garden with a glass Cactarium since 1938.
Why now September scores 60/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Bootlegger Tiki
Small red-lit tiki bar on Palm Canyon Drive.
Why now Highs near 101°F and 0.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
Farm-driven American dinner in a converted 1920s theater.
Why now A break from 101°F afternoons.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Free gardens and center at the Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Shields Date Garden
Date grove since 1924 serving date shakes and showing date history.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 101°F.
Nearby in September
- Joshua Tree in September~37 mi · highs 94°F, 0.2 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- La Jolla in September~80 mi · highs 76°F, 0.2 in rain · 14°C (24°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown San Diego & Gaslamp Quarter in September~85 mi · highs 88°F, 0.2 in rain · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in September~94 mi · highs 86°F, 0.1 in rain · 8°C (15°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Palm Springs?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 60/100, held back mainly by heat. The best months are November – April. Expect highs of 101°F (38°C) and 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain. Our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree route recommends Oct – Apr, so September is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Palm Springs in September?
Average highs are 101°F (38°C) and average lows 74°F (23°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in September?
Not much: about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 5.0 in (127 mm).
What should I pack for Palm Springs in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 101°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 74°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Palm Springs
Planning Palm Springs in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.