In town for the season and thinking about buying — or selling into peak demand? **Let's talk.**
The season, month by month (verify event dates each year)
What's happening, November through April
The season begins. Snowbirds arrive, restaurants reopen patios, and the valley wakes up — great weather, lighter crowds, and (for buyers) a head start before the winter rush.
Holidays in the desert: light festivals, resort events, and mild, sunny days. A quieter, festive stretch.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival kicks off the year and Sunday polo season begins in Indio. The valley fills up for good.
Modernism Week — the valley's celebration of mid-century modern architecture and design — draws design lovers from around the world (and buyers who fall for Palm Springs style).
Peak season. The BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden anchors the month, alongside the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, Fashion Week El Paseo, the La Quinta Art Celebration, and the Wildflower Festival. Book early — resort rates, tee times, and dinner reservations go fast.
Coachella and Stagecoach close out the season with the world's biggest music festivals, after which the snowbirds head home and the desert quiets for summer.
Why the season matters for real estate
The event calendar and the market run on the same clock
Demand and competition build through the season, peaking January–April. Shopping in November or early in the season often means more choice and less competition than the spring rush. See Buying a Second Home: A Snowbird's Guide.
This is your strongest window — listing into snowbird season reaches the largest, most motivated buyer pool of the year. See The Best Time to Sell.
Heading into the season, inventory is tight and prices are stable. See the latest Coachella Valley market update.
Snowbird tips
Make the most of the season
- Arrive early — early-to-mid November — and, if you're renting seasonally, leave before the first Coachella weekend in April when traffic and prices spike.
- Book marquee-event stays and dinners well ahead — March especially sells out.
- Thinking of making it permanent? Season is the perfect time to tour neighborhoods in the weather you'll actually enjoy — and to see which community fits before you buy.