What to do in May in Palm Springs, California - 2025

Palm Springs is a resort city in the California desert.
The area offers entertainment for all ages, although the most common demographics consists of retirees.
The city is noted for its mid-century modern architecture, design elements, arts and cultural scene, and recreational activities.

(CC BY 2.0) by erikccooper

Before we have a look at what you can do in Palm Springs, let's first look at the weather you can expect in May.

May weather in Palm Springs California

To get a good overview of the type of weather you can expect in May in Palm Springs California, we will look at the day and night temperature, minimum and maximum water temperature, and if May is comfortable or humid

Generally, May in Palm Springs California will be quite hot. Historical data shows that you can expect an average temperature of around 87°F / 31°C. Due to the dry air, it will feel very comfortable. During the night, it will cool down to around 57°F / 14°C.

Palm Springs California does not have a lot of rainy days in May. You can expect around 1 rainy days, with on average 0.1 inches / 3 mm of rain during the whole month.

Average temperature
Average Sea temperature
Wintersun Comfort grade and huricane risk

The forecast for May 2025 is based on historical data and are averages. They will give a good indication what you can expect, but the daily temperature and rain will fluctuate during the month.

Things to see and do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has many things to soo. With help from our visitors we have dived a list of things to see in. If you have any sugestions or improvements for this list, please let us know.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
LandmarkThroughout the Year
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is located on Mount San Jacinto, more than ten thousand feet above ground level. These are the most giant rotating aerial tram cars on the planet.
Palm Springs Air Museum
MuseumThroughout the Year
Palm Springs Air Museum has a huge collection of aircraft that served in past wars. You can book a flight in the warbirds.
See details here.
Palm Springs Art Museum
MuseumThroughout the Year
Palm Springs Art Museum has a theater where dance, music, and dramas are held on a regular basis.
Moorten Botanical Gardens and Cactarium
Nature/Wild LifeThroughout the Year
Moorten Botanical Gardens and Cactarium has a special shop where you can buy some exotic plants and gift to your friends back home.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Nature/Wild LifeThroughout the Year
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has many mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.
Palm Canyon
Nature/Wild LifeThroughout the Year
Palm Canyon has the biggest grove of California fan palms on our planet. Andreas Canyon and Tahquitz Canyon and many waterfalls are located close by where you can reach through hiking trails.
The Stagecoach Country Music Festival
Event/FestivalApril, May
The Stagecoach Country Music Festival is a three-day event with endless western dances, shopping hubs, tasty refreshments, and kid's fun tasks.
See details here
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Event/FestivalMay
Joshua Tree Music Festival is a four days long excitement, thrill, and joy for all foreign visitors as well as the locals.
See details here
Coachella Valley Preserve
Nature/Wild LifeThroughout the Year
Coachella Valley Preserve has mountains, dessert, oasis, and hiking trails.

Shopping in Palm Springs

On Thursday evenings year-round, downtown Palm Springs turns into a giant street party, with more than 180 vendors set up along the city's main street for VillageFest. The night market event starts early in the evening, around 6 or 7pm, depending on the season, and runs until 10pm.

  • La Plaza de California
  • Palm Springs Market Place
  • Sunrise Square Shopping Center

Activities in Palm Springs

Golf
Palm Springs is the Golf Capital of the World. The golf courses located in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Indio rank among the finest in the world.

Art classes
Join an art class and learn how to paint, draw, or start with pottery.

Walking/Hiking
It is also a good option for those who are interested in experiencing and exploring the natural beauty of the oasis along mountainsides and palm trees. There are more than thousands of miles of breathtaking trails for epic hikes in the untouched Indian Canyons and surrounding Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains.

Cycling
Palm Springs is an ideal destination for cyclists. The landscape makes for a perfect setting for a bike ride.

Horseback Riding
There are many ways to experience the beauty of Palm Springs and the surrounding desert, but none as timeless and classic as horseback riding.

Casinos
Palm Springs is home to some incredible and luxurious casinos.

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Visitors can experience a bird's-eye view of the vast Coachella Valley by taking a hot-air balloon ride with tour operators like Fantasy Balloon Flights and Balloons Above.

Cooking
Always wanted to improve your cooking? Join a cooking class and learn how to cook something special.

Tennis
Just like Golf, the Palm Springs Valley is home to some of the best tennis courts and playing weather in America.

Theatre and concerts
There are many theatrical performances and live concerts held at the cultural center during winters especially near the Christmas holidays.

Restaurants in Palm Springs

Dinner and weekend brunch reservations are recommended in Palm Springs, particularly during the busy seasons of spring and fall.
Several restaurants are located within hotels but are open to the public and sometimes they have beautiful outdoor patios.

  • Tyler's Burgers
  • Thai Smile Palm Springs
  • Pinocchio In the Desert
  • The Tropicale Palm Springs

More things to see in Palm Springs

Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons are located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Here you will discover waterfalls, pools, spring-fed streams, and the world's largest fan palm oasis, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Palm Springs Air Museum
The Museum's mission is to exhibit, educate and eternalize the role of the World War II combat aircraft and the role the pilots and American citizens had in winning the war

Agua Caliente Casino
Try your luck at the Agua Caliente Casino, run by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Rancho Mirage, California. The facility has over 45,000 square feet of gambling floor.

Palm Springs Golf Courses
Palm Springs is considered the capital of golf and boasts more golf courses than any other region in California.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. It was opened in September 1963 to get from the floor of the Coachella Valley to near the top of San Jacinto Mountain.

Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum was founded in 1938 and is a regional art, natural science, and performing arts institution for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, California

Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an extraordinary experience to explore replicas of natural habitats from around the world and observe the wildlife at the zoo up-close.

More information about Palm Springs California

What to do in Palm Springs California in other months

Weather in Palm Springs California for each month


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