Palm Springs Weather in August 2026
“Reliably warm, dry, and generous with light.”
Roughly 1 rainy days across the month, on average.
August holds Palm Springs at extreme heat with highs of 41.1°C (106°F) and lows at 27.6°C (81.7°F). Rainfall creeps to 8mm across roughly one day as monsoon-season thunderstorms occasionally roll north from Mexico. Sunshine still averages 12.7 hours daily, and pool decks remain summer's essential daytime infrastructure.
Cultural rhythm mirrors July's heat-adaptation patterns. Late-summer pool-party circuits continue at flagship hotels, Palm Springs Pride Aquatic weekends draw crowds, and Aerial Tramway summit picnics see peak usage. Cabazon outlet shopping stays popular, and evening desert stargazing programs at Joshua Tree begin resuming after monsoon storms clear the air.
The eleven-year record from 2015 to 2025 shows August highs rising by 1.3°C, and monsoon activity becoming more variable in timing and intensity. Flash-flood risk near washes has grown. Modeling for 2026 leans hot with elevated monsoon-storm risk, particularly in the mid-to-late-month period.
Travelers in 2026 should watch monsoon forecasts closely for hike planning, since flash floods in Joshua Tree washes can be lethal. Pool-focused resorts continue running summer discounts. August 2026 combines Palm Springs' hottest weeks with occasional dramatic thunderstorms, making it a striking option for photographers and heat-tolerant travelers who don't mind planning around weather uncertainty.
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 August
August extreme heat plus monsoon possibility calls for light plus quick-dry gear:
- Loose UPF shirts and moisture-wicking tops
- Multiple swimsuits, cover-ups, and quick-dry shorts
- Water-friendly sandals plus one closed hiking shoe
- UPF sun hat and polarized sunglasses
- SPF 50 sunscreen, insulated water bottle, compact rain shell
What to pack for Palm Springs in August
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Where to stay in Palm Springs
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated August trip to Palm Springs
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Things worth doing
Pool club days, Aerial Tramway summit lunches, dawn Joshua Tree stargazing, Cabazon outlets, monsoon-storm photography, night Uptown dinners.
August 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 August 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 August — FAQ
Q01Is August a good month for Palm Springs?
Is August a good month for Palm Springs?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In August, Palm Springs averages a high of 41°C (106°F) and a low of 28°C (82°F), with 8mm 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 August?
How warm does Palm Springs get in August?
The average high temperature in Palm Springs during August is 41°C (106°F), with an average low of 28°C (82°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). July 45C daily; locals swim at 6am, brunch at Cheeky's before opening, and take the Aerial Tramway 8000 feet up to 25C pine forest by noon.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in August?
Does it rain a lot in Palm Springs in August?
Palm Springs averages approximately 1 rainy days in August, with a total monthly rainfall of about 8mm. 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 August?
What clothes should I bring to Palm Springs in August?
For Palm Springs in August, 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 August?
Are there many tourists in Palm Springs in August?
Tourist crowds in Palm Springs during August are typically high — this is peak season, expect crowds and higher prices. 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.