The Three Seasons Of Coachella Valley, CA
Experience Coachella Valley through its three true seasons — Summer, Winter, and Transitional (Spring + Fall). Here’s how life in the desert really works.
Summer is difficult and intense; Winter is mild with cool nights; Transitional is warm, but offers magical mornings, sundowns, and nights. Once you understand these three seasons, the desert’s rhythm starts to make perfect sense.
Coachella Valley Weather - How It Functions
Summer
May - September
Daily highs often 100–120°F
Five months of the year are extremely hot. It is similar to living in areas with extreme cold temperatures, except far less dangerous. To put it simply, it's boring, and a problem for a lot of people because they stay inside all day, avoiding the heat, but also, avoiding fresh air. There are things about summer that I have learned to enjoy, one big thing to appreciate is the fact that overall traffic around town is low. During the summer I make longer drives to dinner destinations in Palm Springs, I travel to the mountains and the beach for vacation, I play pickleball and go for walks at night. Believe it or not, nowadays, around April I start to celebrate the arrival of summer. Learning how to love the summer months is one of the big accomplishments that I made over the years that made me a true Native.
Transitional
March/April & October/November
Highs 80–95°F, cooler nights
Four months of the year are hot, but livable for most people. To me, under 100°F, I can function outside all day and not get sick and almost die. Sure, I will sweat, I will wish it was cooler, but the mornings and nights are truly magical. This time of the year is popular for hiking, bbq’s, swimming, concerts/festivals, farmers markets, tennis/pickleball, cycling, golf, and wildflower spotting. Most activities take place in the morning or at sundown. It's either the end of our “season” or the "beginning", both bringing their own warm feelings.
Differences are mostly wind/humidity/events (spring = windier + blooms/festivals; fall = calmer, warmer evenings)
Winter
December - Febuary
Highs 65–75°F, lows 40–50°F
For three months a year, the desert feels like paradise — perfect weather that rivals anywhere in the world. With a good layer system, you can comfortably stay outside from sunrise until sundown, only needing your t-shirt during the day. During winter, all activities run from morning until dusk. You no longer have to hide from the heat of the desert sun. The low winter sun creates soft, golden light that makes even the sand glow. Cooler temps and reduced dust create crystal-clear visibility — perfect for mountain views. The Valley becomes a critical stop-over for hundreds of bird species migrating along the Pacific Flyway. By February’s end, the valley begins to warm again — and the cycle continues.
