Are you looking forward to an unforgettable golf vacation in California? Then, Palm Springs is probably on your destination list. With over 120 golf courses, such as Pete Dye Stadium Course, Nicklaus Course, or Greg Norman Course, breathtaking scenery, and outstanding resorts, this place is a golfer's paradise. Moreover, the sun shines here all year round, so you're bound to have the right conditions to play your favorite sport. And if you're not sure when's the best time of the year to schedule your trip to Palm Springs, read on.

California is famed for its sun and warm climate. There are actually five types of climate in this state. Palm Springs features a desert climate in which the winter temperatures are mild, the summers are hot, and there is little rainfall. In these conditions, golf fans can easily enjoy their favorite pastime year-round. Each season has its peculiarities. Here’s what you can expect in terms of temperature and other weather conditions.

Spring

Spring comes with warmer temperatures that range between 78°F and 110 °F by the end of the season, in May. The climate also becomes drier during this time of the year, so you can enjoy the clear blue skies your golf trip deserves.  It’s warm outside all day long and breezy in the afternoon. This is the perfect occasion not only for golf, but for visiting the surroundings too.

Where to Play in Spring: Early spring (March-April) is a sweet spot. The weather is warm but not punishing, and green fees start to ease off slightly compared to peak winter rates. Indian Wells Golf Resort and Desert Willow Golf Resort offer stunning scenery and well-maintained fairways that really shine this time of year.

Summer

Summers in Palm Springs are very hot and dry, with maximum temperatures reaching as high as 115°F in July, the hottest month. Don't expect the temperatures to drop suddenly at night; even after dark, the thermometer will still show around 80°F. Given the scorching weather, if you come to Palm Springs in summer, the best time to golf is in the early morning or evening.

Where to Play in Summer: Summer is when green fees drop significantly across the valley, sometimes by 40-50% compared to peak season. If you're comfortable with the heat and plan around early morning tee times, courses like Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort offer excellent value. Many resorts also bundle stay-and-play packages during this period to attract golfers willing to brave the sun.

Fall

If sweating and drinking water galore is not part of your golf vacation plan, you might want to wait until September to come to Palm Springs. This is when the temperatures gradually start to cool down. September can still get pretty hot with highs sometimes reaching or exceeding 100°F. However, by November, the weather feels comfortably warm, with temperatures ranging from 73 to 79°F. The days continue to be sunny, with little or no rain, and the evenings are pleasantly cool. Overall, fall, from October onwards, can be an excellent time for golf in Palm Springs.

Where to Play in Fall: October and November are arguably the most underrated months in Palm Springs for golf. Crowds are thinner than peak winter, fees haven't fully climbed yet, and the courses are freshly prepped for the season ahead. Escena Golf Club and The Classic Club are great picks; both offer championship-level layouts without the peak-season rush.

Winter

If you hate sweating at 11 AM and you don't mind grabbing a sweater in the evening, winter might be the best time for you to come to Palm Springs. From November until February, the temperatures here range between 45°F and 74 °F. The evenings can get chilly in winter, but the landscape looks fantastic in this period, and the courses are in excellent condition. Although it rarely rains in Palm Springs, winter is the time of the year when you're most likely to need an umbrella. But worry not, rain typically comes in short showers.

Where to Play in Winter: This is peak season, and for good reason. PGA West (home to the famous Stadium Course), Indian Wells Celebrity Course, Desert Willow Firecliff, and Mission Hills North are all in top condition and buzzing with activity. Book early-tee times at the most sought-after courses, which fill up weeks in advance during this window.

The Best Time of the Year to Play Golf in Palm Springs

Generally, most golfers would agree that the best time to spend time on the course in Palm Springs is from November through April. During these months, it is pleasantly warm, unlike the excessive heat of the Summer, and the evenings are cool.

However, there is one more thing to factor in when organizing a golf trip in Palm Springs during this period. Because of the favorable weather conditions, this is when most people come here to golf, so the green fees are higher. Conversely, the fees can fall sharply in the Summer when fewer people are willing to hone their golf skills under the blazing sun.

Ready to tee it up in Palm Springs? Whether you're planning a trip for the cool winter months or looking to snag a deal in the off-season, Golf Trip Junkie takes care of every detail, from tee times to accommodations. Explore our Palm Springs golf packages or get in touch with our team to start building your custom golf vacation today.