What is the best month to golf in Palm Springs?

January through March are the best months for Palm Springs golf, with 70–80°F highs and top-tier course conditions.

When are golf rates cheapest in Palm Springs?

Summer months, June through September, offer the lowest rates—often 40% less than winter peak prices.

Is Palm Springs golf good in summer?

Yes, if you play early. Most locals start before 7 a.m. and enjoy quiet courses with deep discounts.

When does overseeding happen in Palm Springs?

Overseeding takes place from late September to mid-October, during which some courses temporarily close.

What is the best season for a bachelor or buddies trip?

Spring and fall are ideal—warm but comfortable, less crowded, and with strong course and hotel availability.

Palm Springs

Best Time of Year to Golf in Palm Springs

Discover the best months to golf in Palm Springs and learn how weather, prices, and course conditions shift through the seasons.

a pool surrounded by buildings and trees

October 8, 2025 · 9 min read

By Ryan at 18Away

The Coachella Valley glows differently each season, the sun sharper in winter, the air softer in spring, and the desert quiet in summer. Palm Springs is a year-round golf destination, but not all months deliver the same experience. The best time to golf here depends on what your group values most: perfect turf, resort buzz, or unbeatable value. Timing isn’t just about weather; it’s about rhythm, price, and the kind of trip you want to build.

Quick Answer: Best Time of Year to Golf in Palm Springs

Palm Springs delivers its best golf weather from late November through early April, when daytime highs sit comfortably between 70°F and 82°F and desert breezes keep the air crisp. According to Visit Greater Palm Springs, golf generates over $1 billion annually in local economic impact, underscoring how central the sport is to the valley’s identity. That window also brings the area’s best course conditions, as ryegrass overseeding peaks and fairways glow green against the San Jacinto Mountains. For groups, this is prime season, ideal for full itineraries and après-golf resort energy.

If you prefer fewer crowds and moderate rates, October to early November and late April through May are the shoulder months to target, with temperatures in the mid-80s and strong course availability. Summer golf (June through September) is still an option for early risers, with sunrise tee times under $100 at elite venues like Classic Club and Desert Willow.

In short, winter offers the best overall experience; spring and fall reward planners who balance comfort with value; and summer is the secret season for budget-minded groups chasing quiet fairways and post-round pool days.

See the courses, hotels, and nightlife we recommend for the perfect 3-day getaway.

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Winter Prime Season

Winter is Palm Springs’ high season for a reason: the weather is perfect and the courses are in peak condition.

Courses such as PGA West (Pete Dye), Indian Wells Golf Resort (John Fought & Clive Clark), and Desert Willow Firecliff (Hurdzan & Fry) showcase flawless overseeded ryegrass with mountain views that feel cinematic. Expect green fees to reach $250+, but the conditions are unmatched.
According to the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, January through March sees the highest tee time demand, fueled by ideal weather and events like the American Express PGA Tour stop.
Resorts like La Quinta Resort & Club and JW Marriott Desert Springs buzz with activity, poolside music, cocktail bars, and full-service spas for post-round recovery.

Book 45–60 days ahead for morning slots at PGA West and Indian Wells; prime times disappear fast once tournament season begins.

Best if: Your group wants elite course quality, lively resort energy, and perfect golf weather.

Spring Shoulder Season

Spring brings the valley alive with color and mild warmth, making it one of the most underrated times to play.

April and May see highs in the mid-80s with fewer crowds, and courses like Escena Golf Club (Nicklaus Design) and Indian Canyons (William Bell) stay lush well after winter.
Golf Digest ranks Palm Springs among America’s best spring golf destinations for “value combined with luxury experience.” Twilight rates often drop under $120 at top-tier clubs.
Desert wildflowers bloom and evenings stretch long, perfect for mixing golf with downtown Palm Springs’ dining and nightlife scene.

Best if: Your group wants near-perfect weather with more tee time flexibility and lower greens fees.

Planning a Palm Springs golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.

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Summer Value Season

The summer heat in Palm Springs isn’t for everyone, but for early risers and value seekers, it’s unbeatable.

Expect triple-digit highs, but sunrise tee times at Classic Club (Arnold Palmer) or Tahquitz Creek (Ted Robinson) mean you can finish 18 before 9:30 a.m. and head straight to the pool.
Green fees fall dramatically, often below $80 for courses that charge three times that in winter. Resorts bundle Stay & Play deals with chilled pools and shaded cabanas.
Data from GolfNow shows Palm Springs tee times average 40% lower in July than in January, making it ideal for large groups splitting costs.

Best if: Your group prioritizes savings, quiet courses, and relaxing pool afternoons over cooler weather.

Fall Revival Season

Fall marks the desert’s comeback, when overseeding revives the fairways and the air cools to perfect golfing temps.

Overseeding usually runs late September through mid-October, and by early November, courses reopen in pristine condition.
Tracks like Desert Willow, Indian Wells, and Tahquitz Creek shine after reseeding, offering vibrant fairways and reduced crowds before winter rates return.
According to the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, fall hotel rates drop up to 25% from winter averages, making it a value-rich time for group travel.

Best if: Your buddies or bachelor trip wants ideal temperatures with refreshed courses and off-peak prices.

Looking for a place to stay? Check our handpicked list of the Best Palm Springs Home Vacation Rentals for Golf Trips.

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Events and Atmosphere by Season

Each season in Palm Springs carries its own rhythm, shaping your group’s experience both on and off the course.

Winter: PGA Tour week and snow-dusted peaks create postcard-perfect golf. The American Express tournament in January adds electric energy.
Spring: Coachella and Stagecoach weekends fill resorts with music and nightlife, great for bachelor or social groups blending golf with entertainment.
Summer: Quieter, laid-back energy; most action happens at resort pools, bars, and air-conditioned lounges.
Fall: Calm confidence returns as the desert greens up again; mountain sunsets paint the sky in surreal hues of coral and gold.

Cap evenings with cocktails at The Nest or poolside jazz at the Ace Hotel, Palm Springs nightlife hums softly even in the off-season.

Best if: Your group wants to sync golf with seasonal events or desert ambiance.

Planning a Palm Springs Golf Trip?

Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.

Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.

Book smart, time it right, and Palm Springs will greet your group with sunshine, serenity, and rounds that feel cinematic from first swing to sunset.