Palm Springs Weather in March 2026
“The kind of pleasant weather you build a trip around.”
Roughly 4 rainy days across the month, on average.
March delivers Palm Springs into its warmest pre-summer stretch, with highs of 24.6°C (76.3°F) and nights easing to 12.2°C (54°F). Rainfall drops to 29mm across 3-4 days, and sunshine reaches 11 hours daily. Wildflowers blanket Joshua Tree and the Coachella Valley washes, golf courses hum, and pool decks stay full from mid-morning through sunset.
The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells dominates the second and third weeks of March, drawing global tennis stars and 400,000-plus attendees over its two-week run. Alongside it, spring-break college crowds fill downtown, various desert wildflower super-bloom photography tours run through Anza-Borrego, and mid-century architecture bike tours reach peak popularity.
Records from 2015 to 2025 show March highs rising by 1.1°C, with spring-heat pulses now more frequent. Rainfall remains variable but generally trending drier. Modeling for 2026 leans warm and dry, with late-month highs potentially reaching 30°C.
Travelers in 2026 should book Indian Wells hotels or Palm Desert bases early for BNP week. Rental cars sell out during spring break's second week. March 2026 rewards visitors combining tennis, wildflowers, and mid-century modern architecture. Sun protection becomes serious this month, and afternoon pool time is essential to enjoying the full desert rhythm.
Palm Springs is a city of neighborhoods defined by mid-century architects: Twin Palms is Alexander tract, Movie Colony is where old Hollywood built, and Deepwell has Kaufmann House by Neutra. The Uptown Design District is where locals actually walk; Palm Canyon Drive downtown is for out-of-towners. VillageFest Thursday nights closes the main drag. The Tramway rotating cars are engineering theater and the temperature swing from 45C to 15C in 10 minutes shocks first-timers.
What to pack for Palm Springs in March
March's warm days and cool nights suggest versatile mid-weight layers:
- Short-sleeve shirts and light long-sleeves
- Shorts, chinos, and swimwear
- Comfortable walking shoes and pool sandals
- Light jacket for evenings
- Sun hat, polarized sunglasses, SPF 30+
What to pack for Palm Springs in March
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Where to stay in Palm Springs
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated March trip to Palm Springs
Shoulder-season pricing — a balance of price and conditions. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Things worth doing
Watch BNP Paribas Open, wildflower drive Anza-Borrego, mid-century bike tours, pool days, Joshua Tree hiking, Aerial Tramway, VillageFest Thursday.
March vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Palm Springs. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Palm Springs
March is one of the best months to visit Palm Springs — alongside February, April, November. 11-year climate data (2015–2025) confirms it: comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Palm SpringsOther places with a similar climate right now
Palm Springs in March — FAQ
Q01Is March a good month for Palm Springs?
Is March a good month for Palm Springs?
Yes — this is one of the best months of the year to visit. In March, Palm Springs averages a high of 25°C (76°F) and a low of 12°C (54°F), with 29mm of rainfall across roughly 4 rainy days. Mid-February to early March Modernism Week fills mid-century homes with tours before March desert wildflower super-bloom carpets Anza-Borrego badlands purple.
Q02How warm does Palm Springs get in March?
How warm does Palm Springs get in March?
The average high temperature in Palm Springs during March is 25°C (76°F), with an average low of 12°C (54°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in March?
Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in March?
Palm Springs averages approximately 4 rainy days in March, with a total monthly rainfall of about 29mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Palm Springs in March?
What clothes should I bring to Palm Springs in March?
For Palm Springs in March, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A collapsible sun umbrella and cooling neck towel: shade is rare, pool decks hit 60C, and the dry heat evaporates sweat instantly.
Q05Are there many tourists in Palm Springs in March?
Are there many tourists in Palm Springs in March?
Tourist crowds in Palm Springs during March are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Palm Springs is a city of neighborhoods defined by mid-century architects: Twin Palms is Alexander tract, Movie Colony is where old Hollywood built, and Deepwell has Kaufmann House by Neutra. The Uptown Design District is where locals actually walk; Palm Canyon Drive downtown is for out-of-towners. VillageFest Thursday nights closes the main drag. The Tramway rotating cars are engineering theater and the temperature swing from 45C to 15C in 10 minutes shocks first-timers.