Things to do in Palm Desert in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Palm Desert. The weather is usually pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 54—85°F (12—29°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Palm Desert during this time. Some of our top recommendations: hike the Bump and Grind Trail, explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, relax and rejuvenate at one of Palm Desert's luxurious spas, 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 May trip to Palm Desert. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. 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 May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, 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 May

Top experiences in May
Hike the Bump and Grind Trail
The Bump and Grind Trail is a popular hiking trail in Palm Desert that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert. In May, the weather is warm but not too hot, making it a great time to tackle this challenging trail. The trail is steep and rocky, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. It's a great way to get some exercise and experience the natural beauty of the area.
Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a unique zoo and botanical garden that showcases the plants and animals of the desert. In May, the gardens are in full bloom, with a stunning display of desert wildflowers and cacti. The zoo is also home to a variety of desert animals, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and Mexican wolves. It's a great way to learn about the natural beauty and wildlife of the desert.
Relax and rejuvenate at one of Palm Desert's luxurious spas
Palm Desert is home to a number of world-class spas that offer a range of treatments and services, from massages and facials to yoga and meditation classes. In May, the weather is warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to indulge in some pampering and relaxation. Whether you're looking for a day of indulgence or a week-long wellness retreat, Palm Desert has a spa that's perfect for you.
Play a round of golf at one of Palm Desert's world-class golf courses
Palm Desert is known for its beautiful and challenging golf courses, many of which are designed by top architects and have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert. In May, the weather is perfect for a round of golf, with warm temperatures and clear skies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, there's a course in Palm Desert that's perfect for you.
Take a Jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault
The San Andreas Fault is a major geological feature that runs through the Coachella Valley. In May, the weather is perfect for taking a Jeep tour of the fault, where you'll learn about the geology and history of the area from knowledgeable guides. You'll also have the opportunity to see some of the unique plants and wildlife that thrive in this rugged landscape.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Coachella Valley
May is a great time to take a hot air balloon ride in Palm Desert, as the weather is warm and the skies are clear. From the air, you'll get a bird's-eye view of the stunning desert landscape, with its mountains, canyons, and palm oases. It's a peaceful and exhilarating experience that offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Coachella Valley.
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum is a world-class museum that features a diverse collection of art, including contemporary and modern art, Native American art, and photography. In May, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, offering a unique opportunity to see some of the most exciting art being made today.
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Holidays in Palm Desert in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Palm Desert in May

Temperatures on an average day in Palm Desert in May

The average temperature in Palm Desert in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 85°F (29°C) to a low of 54°F (12°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm 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 May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
85°F
highs
54°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
2%
Chance of rain
0.011 in
Amount
13.0 mph
Wind speed
39%
Humidity
13.9 hrs
Daylight length
5:45 AM
Sunrise
7:38 PM
Sunset
76%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 85°F (29°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Palm Desert in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Palm Desert has to offer for travelers in May, 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 May.
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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