September 2026 Weather in Palm Springs
“Reliably warm, dry, and generous with light.”
Roughly 1 rainy days across the month, on average.
September begins Palm Springs' slow retreat from extreme heat. Highs ease to 37.1°C (98.8°F), lows soften to 23.9°C (75°F), and rainfall stays low at 10mm across roughly one day. Sunshine averages 11.6 hours, and evening temperatures on Palm Canyon Drive terraces become genuinely enjoyable again by month's end. Pool decks stay busy but no longer feel like the only viable daytime option.
Cultural life re-emerges. Labor Day weekend fills hotels, Palm Springs Pride events begin ramping up toward late-fall high season, and the Palm Springs International ShortFest showcases in mid-September. Restaurant week programs run again, gallery openings resume across Uptown, and mid-month temperatures allow late-afternoon walks to reclaim their place in daily rhythm.
The eleven-year record from 2015 to 2025 shows September highs rising by 1.1°C, and warm nights above 25°C have grown more frequent. Modeling for 2026 leans hot-average with mid-month heat pulses potentially still touching 42°C.
Travelers in 2026 should target the second half of September for the most comfortable conditions and best value. Hotel rates remain in summer-discount range through mid-month before creeping upward toward October. Plan outdoor activities for early morning and evening. September 2026 represents Palm Springs' transition month, blending summer value with hints of returning peak-season conditions.
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 September
September's still-hot days and cooler evenings suggest breathable layers:
- Light UPF shirts and cotton tops
- Shorts, swimwear, and cover-ups
- Breathable sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- Light layer for evenings and tramway
- Wide-brim sun hat, polarized sunglasses, SPF 50
What to pack for Palm Springs in September
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Where to stay in Palm Springs
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Palm Springs across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated September 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
Pool days, Labor Day gatherings, ShortFest screenings, dawn Joshua Tree hikes, Aerial Tramway, VillageFest Thursday, restaurant week.
September 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
While September has its own character in Palm Springs, the data-backed best months to visit Palm Springs are February, March, April, November. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Palm SpringsOther places with a similar climate right now
Palm Springs in September — FAQ
Q01Is September a good month for Palm Springs?
Is September a good month for Palm Springs?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In September, Palm Springs averages a high of 37°C (99°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F), with 10mm of rainfall across roughly 1 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 September?
How warm does Palm Springs get in September?
The average high temperature in Palm Springs during September is 37°C (99°F), with an average low of 24°C (75°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 September?
Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in September?
Palm Springs averages approximately 1 rainy days in September, with a total monthly rainfall of about 10mm. 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 September?
What clothes should I bring to Palm Springs in September?
For Palm Springs in September, pack light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen), 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 September?
Are there many tourists in Palm Springs in September?
Tourist crowds in Palm Springs during September are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. 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.