Things to do in Palm Desert in January

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Overview

January is a great time to visit Palm Desert. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 42—64°F (5—18°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Palm Desert during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and more!

Palm Desert has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Palm Desert. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Palm Desert in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Palm Desert in January

Top experiences in January
Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
January is a great time to visit Joshua Tree National Park, as the cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking and exploring conditions. The park is home to stunning desert landscapes, including rugged rock formations, unique Joshua trees, and breathtaking vistas. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the desert and escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a day. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Joshua Tree National Park offers a unique and memorable experience.
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers, and January is a great time to explore its diverse collection. The museum features a wide variety of art, including contemporary, Native American, and Western art, as well as photography and glass. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts special exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the world of art and culture while escaping the cooler temperatures outside.
Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
January is a great time to visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, as the cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to explore the outdoor exhibits. The zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, and mountain lions. In addition to the animal exhibits, the Living Desert also features beautiful botanical gardens with desert plants from around the world. It's a great way to learn about and appreciate the unique desert ecosystem of the region.
Play a round of golf at one of Palm Desert's world-class golf courses
Palm Desert is known for its beautiful golf courses, and January is a great time to hit the links. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable playing conditions, and the area is home to a wide variety of courses, from championship layouts to more casual public courses. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to try the sport for the first time, playing a round of golf in Palm Desert is a unique and enjoyable experience.
Hike the Indian Canyons
January is a great time to explore the Indian Canyons, a series of beautiful canyons located just south of Palm Springs. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking conditions, and the canyons are home to stunning natural beauty, including palm oases, rugged rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. It's a great way to experience the unique desert landscape of the area and get some exercise at the same time.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Coachella Valley
January is a great time to take a hot air balloon ride over the Coachella Valley, as the cooler temperatures make for comfortable flying conditions. From high above, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the desert landscape, with its rugged mountains, sprawling palm oases, and endless blue skies. It's a peaceful and serene experience that offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Palm Desert area.
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Holidays in Palm Desert in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Palm Desert in January

Temperatures on an average day in Palm Desert in January

The average temperature in Palm Desert in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 64°F (18°C) to a low of 42°F (5°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Palm Desert, August, has days with highs of 101°F (38°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 62°F (17°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Palm Desert in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
64°F
highs
42°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
9%
Chance of rain
0.037 in
Amount
10.3 mph
Wind speed
40%
Humidity
10.2 hrs
Daylight length
6:48 AM
Sunrise
4:59 PM
Sunset
58%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 42°F (5°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Palm Desert in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Palm Desert has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Palm Desert that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Palm Desert for January.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
1. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
4.7
(9628)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Over 1,000 acres of desert ecosystem featuring a bighorn sheep enclosure & small animal exhibits.
El Paseo Shopping District
2. El Paseo Shopping District
4.5
(414)
Shopping mall
Shopping
The Street Fair, at College of the Desert
3. The Street Fair, at College of the Desert
4.3
(247)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Bump and Grind Trail
4. Bump and Grind Trail
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
McCallum Theatre
5. McCallum Theatre
4.7
(1008)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Ornate locale surrounded by palm trees has a multi-level performance space for music acts & theater.
Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert
6. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert
4.6
(245)
Art museum
Museums
Contemporary art pieces including a handful of rotating special collections plus a sculpture garden.
Palm Desert Visitor Center
7. Palm Desert Visitor Center
4.3
(6)
Visitor center
City government office
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
8. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
4.7
(257)
Visitor center
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
9. Palm Desert Aquatic Center
4.6
(624)
Public swimming pool
Water & Amusement Parks
Popular aquatic center features 3 pools, slides & spray areas, plus fitness classes & concessions.
Palm Desert Cross
10. Palm Desert Cross
4.8
(234)
Nature preserve
Outdoor Activities
Illuminated cross mounted on top of a hill, popular for moderate desert hikes with scenic views.
San Andreas Fault
11. San Andreas Fault
4.3
(1883)
Fault
Nature & Parks
Desert Holocaust Memorial
12. Desert Holocaust Memorial
4.8
(391)
Memorial park
Sights & Landmarks
Bronze sculpture garden & interpretive information commemorating Holocaust victims.
CODA Gallery
13. CODA Gallery
4.6
(36)
Art gallery
Museums
Long-running showroom featuring inventive paintings, sculpture & photography by modern artists.
Coachella Valley Vista Point
14. Coachella Valley Vista Point
4.7
(1464)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Observation point off of Highway 74 offering scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
The Shops at Palm Desert
15. The Shops at Palm Desert
4.3
(6381)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Heather James Fine Art
16. Heather James Fine Art
4.7
(23)
Art gallery
Museums
Modern space featuring global, genre- & time-spanning paintings, photography & design.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Palm Desert?

Get inspired for your trip to Palm Desert with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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