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. 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!
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. The best times to visit Palm Springs are between September and November or April and June. When the weather is much more comfortable, 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.
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.
Palm Springs Packing List
Below is my packing list for a 4-day trip:
- 2-3 pairs of shorts: My go-to denim shorts are both affordable and flattering for every body type. A must-have staple for warm weather!
- 1-2 lightweight maxi dresses: 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!
- 2-3 bathing suit cover-ups: You can’t go wrong with a classic white cover-up—so versatile! 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 Abercrombie. 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 lululemon activewear because it lasts for YEARS and never fades. However I’ve found some dupes on AMAZON that may not last as long but they sure are affordable, shop them here.
Palm Springs Accessories
- 2-3 pairs of sunglasses: My go-to pair are these chic Amazon sunnies, and they’re only $15 (for two!). 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.
- 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 Steve Madden 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 Teekees sandals—they’re incredibly comfortable and have lasted me for years. 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.
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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 silk scrunchies are a new fav – they don’t crease your hair
- 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
This is incredibly helpful, thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!