USA & Canada · Best Oct–Apr
Palm Springs packing list for families
Palm Springs is a pool-and-sunshine trip with a desert twist, and the dry heat changes what kids need. Between resort pools, canyon hikes, and a tram ride into the cold mountains, a few smart pieces go a long way.
Photo by Cody Board on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Palm Springs
- The desert air is so dry that kids get dehydrated before they feel thirsty. I keep water bottles full all day and pack electrolyte packets for pool days and hikes.
- The aerial tramway climbs to a station that is usually around 30 degrees cooler than town, and there can be snow at the top in winter. Pack a warm jacket for everyone, even if it is 80 degrees by the pool.
- From June through September, afternoons regularly pass 100 degrees. If you go in summer, plan pool time and outings for the morning and early evening, and stay inside in the heat of the day.
Best timeOct–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Palm Springs
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Warm jacket for the tramwayKristina's pickThe mountain station is much colder than the valley.
Shoes4
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Closed-toe hiking shoesDesert trails in the canyons and Joshua Tree are rocky.
Beach & pool12
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries21
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Electrolyte drink packetsDry desert heat dehydrates kids quickly.
SPF lip balmLips crack fast in the dry air.
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Palm Springs weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 71°F 22°C | Sunny and mild by day, cool at night, with snow possible on the surrounding peaks. | Joshua Tree National Park at its most comfortable for family hikes. |
| February | 74°F 23°C | Sunny and mild by day, cool at night, with snow possible on the surrounding peaks. | Modernism Week, with home tours and mid-century design across the city. Joshua Tree National Park at its most comfortable for family hikes. |
| March | 81°F 27°C | Warm, sunny spring days, the busiest and most popular season. | Desert wildflowers in nearby parks, strongest after a wet winter. Joshua Tree National Park at its most comfortable for family hikes. |
| April | 87°F 31°C | Warm, sunny spring days, the busiest and most popular season. | Desert wildflowers in nearby parks, strongest after a wet winter. Big music festivals in the valley in April, when hotels fill up and prices climb. Joshua Tree National Park at its most comfortable for family hikes. |
| May | 95°F 35°C | Very hot and dry, often well over 100°F, with occasional summer storms. | |
| June | 104°F 40°C | Very hot and dry, often well over 100°F, with occasional summer storms. | |
| July | 108°F 42°C | Very hot and dry, often well over 100°F, with occasional summer storms. | |
| August | 107°F 42°C | Very hot and dry, often well over 100°F, with occasional summer storms. | |
| September | 102°F 39°C | Very hot and dry, often well over 100°F, with occasional summer storms. | |
| October | 91°F 33°C | Warm days cool into pleasant pool weather and crisp desert evenings. | Joshua Tree National Park at its most comfortable for family hikes. |
| November | 79°F 26°C | Warm days cool into pleasant pool weather and crisp desert evenings. | Joshua Tree National Park at its most comfortable for family hikes. |
| December | 69°F 21°C | Sunny and mild by day, cool at night, with snow possible on the surrounding peaks. | Joshua Tree National Park at its most comfortable for family hikes. A holiday light parade downtown in early December. |
Questions families ask
Palm Springs with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs with kids?
The best time is Oct–Apr. Sunny and mild by day, cool at night, with snow possible on the surrounding peaks.
What's the weather like in Palm Springs?
Typical daytime highs range from about 69°F (21°C) in December to about 108°F (42°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Palm Springs?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Palm Springs?
None. Palm Springs uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Palm Springs with kids?
The desert air is so dry that kids get dehydrated before they feel thirsty. I keep water bottles full all day and pack electrolyte packets for pool days and hikes.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.