Things to do in Palm Desert in August

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Overview

August is a less popular time to visit Palm Desert. The weather is usually really hot with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 72—101°F (22—38°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Palm Desert during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, hike the Palm Desert Cross Trail, 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 August trip to Palm Desert. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to August. 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 August. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout August, 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 August

Top experiences in August
Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
August is a great time to visit this unique attraction, as the desert plants and animals are in full bloom. You can see a wide variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and Mexican wolves, as well as a diverse collection of desert plants from around the world.
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
August is a great time to explore the museum's diverse collection of art and artifacts, as the summer crowds have thinned out. The museum features a wide variety of art, from contemporary works to Native American pottery, as well as rotating exhibitions and special events.
Hike the Palm Desert Cross Trail
August is a great time to explore this popular hiking trail, as the temperatures are warm but not unbearable. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert, and the iconic cross at the summit is a great photo opportunity.
Take a guided tour of the San Andreas Fault
August is a great time to explore this famous geological feature, as the temperatures are warm but not overwhelming. You can learn about the fascinating geology of the area and see firsthand the effects of tectonic activity on the landscape.
Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
August is a great time to visit this unique desert park, as the temperatures are warm but not scorching. You can explore the park's iconic rock formations, hike its scenic trails, and take in the stunning desert landscapes.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Coachella Valley
August is a great time to experience the breathtaking views of the desert landscape from above. The early morning air is cool and calm, making it the perfect time to soar above the valley and take in the stunning scenery.
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Holidays in Palm Desert in August
August

There are no holidays in Palm Desert in August

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Palm Desert in August

Temperatures on an average day in Palm Desert in August

The average temperature in Palm Desert in August for a typical day ranges from a high of 101°F (38°C) to a low of 72°F (22°C). Some would describe it as really hot 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 August based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in August
101°F
highs
72°F
lows

General weather summary

Really hot with a gentle breeze
Feels like
5%
Chance of rain
0.033 in
Amount
10.5 mph
Wind speed
28%
Humidity
13.4 hrs
Daylight length
6:06 AM
Sunrise
7:31 PM
Sunset
81%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in August
With an average high of 101°F (38°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C), it generally feels really hot 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 August

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