The Ultimate Palm Springs Packing Guide: What to Wear in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is the ultimate destination for desert chic, where stunning mountain vistas meet iconic mid-century modern architecture in the heart of the California desert. Once known as a retiree’s haven, it’s now a hotspot for the stylish and adventurous. Young travelers are drawn to its vibrant restaurant scene, trendy boutique hotels, and legendary music festivals—and it’s easy to see why. With every visit, I fall more in love with this unique oasis, making it one of my favorite places on Earth. To help you pack like a pro, I’ve curated the must-have essentials for “What to Wear in Palm Springs” below:

When packing for Palm Springs, keep bright colors and light fabrics in mind. Linen will be your best friend. Along with that, fun tops, loud prints, and flowy dresses are always a good idea when it comes to this desert chic town. For more information regarding things to do in Palm Springs head to my Weekend Guide to Palm Springs!

Understanding Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert oasis located in Southern California, nestled in the picturesque Coachella Valley. Surrounded by the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, this city is renowned for its hot desert climate and minimal rainfall, making it a sun-seeker’s paradise. Palm Springs boasts a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, evolving from a tranquil retreat for Hollywood stars to a bustling destination for tourists and celebrities alike. The city’s unique blend of mid-century modern architecture, luxurious resorts, and vibrant cultural scene creates an ideal backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring the local art galleries, Palm Springs offers a perfect escape from the everyday hustle.

Palm Springs Weather

During the summer, temperatures in Palm Springs can soar into the scorching 110° range, making it less than ideal for outdoor activities. When visiting Palm Springs, the best times to go are between September and November or April and June. The weather is much more comfortable during these months, typically ranging between 80-90°. During these months, you’ll be able to fully experience and enjoy everything Palm Springs has to offer and be able to lay out by the pool, which is how it should be experienced.

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Best Packing Tips

One of my golden rules for packing is to organize clothes by category. Grouping similar items like shorts, tops, and dresses into separate piles. This method allows you to easily see what you have and ensures nothing is overlooked. By having everything laid out, it’s much simpler to assess whether you’ve packed enough, balanced outfits appropriately and covered all essentials. This system not only helps streamline the packing process but also makes it easier to adjust or add items as needed without any last-minute scrambling. Consider various outfit ideas for different occasions in Palm Springs to match the city’s unique aesthetic and ensure you’re well-prepared for both relaxation and exploration.

Another tip is to take photos of all your outfits beforehand. If you’re like me, your weight fluctuates and some things don’t fit from season to season. To ensure you feel comfortable in everything you’re packing, try it on beforehand, style it, and snap a picture. That way you save time when on vacation and can easily refer back to your photos.

When to Visit Palm Springs

The best time to visit Palm Springs largely depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to experience. The city’s hot desert climate means that summers (June to August) can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). If you prefer milder weather, consider visiting during the winter months (December to February), when temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-70s (7°C to 24°C). However, the most pleasant times to visit Palm Springs are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. During these months, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and various outdoor activities and events.

Palm Springs Packing List

Below is my packing list for a four-day trip to Palm Springs. For a trip to Palm Springs, it’s essential to pack practical items like sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from the sunny weather while enjoying outdoor activities.

• 2-3 pairs of shorts: My go-to denim shorts are affordable and flattering for every body type. A must-have staple for warm weather!
• 1-2 lightweight maxi dresses: These are perfect for staying cool while looking effortlessly chic. This maxi dress is perfect for the desert.
• All the bathing suits: The more, the better—you’ll practically live in them!
  • Tularosa is great if you’re looking for great quality
  • This Hunza G one-piece fits like a dream
• 2-3 bathing suit cover-ups: You can’t go wrong with a classic white cover-up—so versatile! I always size up for length. I also love this Vitamin A Maxi, which you can easily dress up for a night out.
• 1 nice dress for dinner: Perfect for evenings when you want to elevate your look.
• 2 casual day dresses: For those hot days, a neutral t-shirt dress is a lifesaver. It’s breathable and pairs perfectly with sneakers and a denim jacket.
• 1 white button-down shirt: a wardrobe staple I never leave the house without! Not only can it double as a cover-up, but you can also pair it with printed shorts for an additional night-out look.
• 2-3 basic tanks/tees: I always find the best basics at Free People. They’re affordable and long-lasting!
• 1 colorful blouse
• 1 pair of beige wide-leg pants: perfect to dress up for dinner
• 2 workout outfits for a scenic hike: I love my Alo Activewear because it lasts for YEARS and never fades.

Seasonal Packing Guide

When packing for a trip to Palm Springs, it’s crucial to consider the season and the activities you plan to enjoy. Here’s a seasonal packing guide to ensure you’re well-prepared:

• Spring: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing such as sundresses, tank tops, and shorts. Don’t forget a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
• Summer: Opt for light, breathable clothing, including swimsuits, cover-ups, and stylish sandals. Sun protection is essential, so bring sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.
• Fall: Similar to summer until mid October. Then layering is key. Pack lightweight tops, sweaters, and jeans. A light jacket or sweater will come in handy for the cooler evenings.
• Winter: Bring warm clothing, including coats, hats, and sweaters. A scarf or wrap can provide added warmth during chilly nights.

Palm Springs Accessories

Choosing accessories that match the ‘palm springs style’ is essential for a stylish yet practical wardrobe that suits both day and night conditions while enjoying the desert environment.

• 2-3 pairs of sunglasses: If you’re looking to glam it up, I’m currently obsessed with these Le Specs for a more elevated vibe.
• 1 neutral travel tote: This tote is perfect for everyday adventures. They last for years on years I’m going on year 10 with mine.
• 1 raffia tote for the pool: This raffia tote gives off serious Prada vibes on a budget—chic, versatile, and ideal for poolside lounging.
• 1 hair scarf: A fun accessory that can add a pop of style to any outfit.
• Neutral slide sandals: These Free People slides are my absolute favorite because they can be dressed up for dinner or worn casually to the pool. So versatile!
• Strappy heeled sandals: A must for dressing up those evening looks.
• Wide-brim sun hat: My favorite affordable sun hat—it goes with everything, and the quality is unmatched!
• Baseball cap: Great for casual days or extra sun protection.
• Flip-flops: I swear by these Olukai sandals—they’re incredibly comfortable and have lasted me for years. I can even go for a long walk/hike with them with no problems. Just a heads-up: size down if you’re between sizes.
• Workout sneakers: Essential for hikes or any active excursions! I love these New Balance ones because I’ve walked over 20k steps in them during my travels and had no issues.

Miscellaneous

Below are some miscellaneous items that are always great to have on hand.

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen
  • This sunscreen brush from SUPERGOOP is perfect for traveling because you can put it on over makeup when you need to reapply it throughout the day.
• These Teva Sandals are great for any water activity or hike!
• Lotion – the desert gets very dry!
• Sun visor for any outdoor activities. This visor is only $17
• WATER

I hope you’ve enjoyed my “What to Wear in Palm Springs” guide and it gave you all the inspiration you needed to have the most stylish trip! If you need more packing help, don’t forget to check out my post “22 travel essentials: to pack for your next trip“, and “Best Photo Spots in Palm Springs“. Enjoy heaven on earth!

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XO,

Courtney