Month guide · Palm Springs · United States
Palm Springs in January
What January is really like in Palm Springs: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Cabot's Pueblo Museum, Palm Springs · Photo: Jllm06, CC0
Quick answer
January is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 8°C (46°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 10.1 hours of daylight. Sunny, mild days and chilly nights; high season begins in earnest, with snow often visible on the San Jacinto peaks.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 21°C (70°F) / 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 10.1 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Plan a trip to Palm Springs
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Weather in January
January is the 11th-warmest month in Palm Springs: days average 21°C (70°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 8°C (46°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 31 days. Compared with December (20°C (68°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs climb to around 23°C (73°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:51
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:00
- Daylight
- About 10.1 hours
Winter (December–February). Mild sunny days around 20°C, chilly nights, snow on the peaks and the busiest calendar: the film festival and Modernism Week.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Palm Springs International Film Festival (usually early to mid-January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Experience · Chino Canyon
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Rotating tram cars climb from the Valley Station in Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station at about 2,600 metres, crossing roughly 4 km of cliffs in around ten minutes while the floor turns slowly so every passenger gets the full view.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Nature · San Jacinto Mountains
Mount San Jacinto State Park
The tramway's Mountain Station opens onto a wilderness of granite, Jeffrey pines and meadows.
- Time needed
- 2 hours to a full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
- Views
Nature · Agua Caliente Reservation
Indian Canyons
Start at Andreas Canyon for an easy shaded walk, then drive on to Palm Canyon; carry plenty of water, as there is little shade on the upper trails.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
- History
- Photo spot
Nature · South of downtown
Tahquitz Canyon
A loop trail of about 3 km climbs rocky steps into a canyon sacred to the Cahuilla, ending at an 18-metre seasonal waterfall.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
- History
What to pack
For highs near 21°C (70°F), lows near 8°C (46°F) and 4 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Palm Springs?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, February–April and November are better overall. Compare every month.
Palm Springs in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Palm Springs in January?
At about 17:00 local time in mid-January, with sunrise at about 06:51: roughly 10.1 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Palm Springs in January?
Average highs are around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in January?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.