Wind and Sand in the Coachella Valley- How bad is it?
How Bad Is the Wind? What’s It Really Like Living in a Windy Area in the Coachella Valley?
At The Paul Kaplan Group, we often get this question from clients looking to buy in Palm Springs: “How bad is the wind, really?” And while the answer depends on location, the truth is—in wind-prone areas, it can be more than just a gentle breeze.
There are certainly horror stories that paint a realistic picture of what life is like when you're caught off guard by the desert winds.
A Real-Life Example
One friend purchased a new home in a recently built community in Rancho Mirage. While her home was located in the center of the development—seemingly safe from the edges—the builder was still completing the outer phases. The result? Constant earth-moving activity stirred up fine desert sand, which didn’t stay put. Her newly built pool was quickly overwhelmed. Sand and dust were constantly swirling in the water, coating the tile and plaster. Despite scheduling weekly pool service (the norm in the desert), she had to increase it to three visits a week—just to keep the pool usable.
And if you’re someone who dreams of sipping morning coffee with a paperback on the patio, here’s the reality check: gusts can hit 40 to 60 mph, making it nearly impossible to sit comfortably outside. This isn’t a mild breeze—it’s a force that can knock over umbrellas, scatter furniture, and blow debris right into your face.
One homeowner joked that his barbecue was once blown into the pool—until it actually happened. Another described using his hot tub during a windstorm as getting a free dermabrasion treatment, thanks to the fine grit sandblasting his face.
The Unexpected Challenges of Windy Living
- Sand accumulation on patios and porches can pile up like mini sand dunes. In some homes, if you don't sweep regularly, you might find your entryways nearly blocked.
- Tree planting requires heavy-duty staking—and we mean industrial-strength. Without serious reinforcement, even small trees can be ripped out of the ground.
- Pools can develop “whitecaps”—yes, actual waves—when gusts blow through with full force.
- Clients who initially dismissed warnings about the wind (some even saying, “We're used to the Chinooks in Calgary!”) later admitted it was far more intense than expected. A few even sold their homes shortly after moving in.
- Barbecue fans beware: Several buyers have shared their frustration over not being able to grill due to the flames constantly blowing out. Some resorted to cooking in their garage with the door open—which, aside from being less than ideal, raised some safety concerns.
Can Home Orientation or Landscaping Help?
To a degree. Since most desert wind comes from the southwest, a backyard facing east or southeast may offer some relief—especially if you position your seating area close to the home for added protection.
But even with thoughtfully placed walls or windbreaks, there’s only so much you can do. As one long-time resident explained, “Wind is like water—it will always find a way through.” A six-foot wall might slow it down, but it won't eliminate it.
The Seasonal Nature of Wind
It’s also important to remember that wind in the desert is seasonal. The strongest gusts tend to occur in the spring months, especially March through May. If you're only spending time in the desert during the fall and winter, chances are you'll encounter milder wind conditions, if any.
That said, no area is completely immune to wind. Even neighborhoods known for being more protected will still experience occasional breezy days—it's just the nature of desert living.
And once in a while, we’ll get hit with the infamous Santa Ana Winds. These come from an entirely different direction than usual and can affect areas that are typically calm. In fact, when Santa Anas roll through, those “low-wind” neighborhoods often see the most unexpected damage. I sometimes wonder if it’s because the trees and landscaping in those areas aren’t as “hardened” to the wind, making them more vulnerable when a strong gust finally does arrive.
We created the following Wind Awareness Checklist to help you determine potential wind and sand issues of any potential properties you're researching:
🌀 Wind Awareness Checklist for Desert Home Buyers
Here’s a practical checklist you can use—or even hand out to clients—when evaluating homes in windy areas of the Coachella Valley:
🔍 Site Evaluation
- ☐ Can you see wind turbines from the home?
- ☐ Is the home adjacent to open desert or vacant land?
- ☐ Does the property have visible sand buildup on patios, roofs, or faux turf?
- ☐ Are there sand drifts in corners, entryways, or porch areas?
🪟 Windows and Doors
- ☐ Check window tracks and sills for sand accumulation.
- ☐ Are doors tightly sealed, or is there visible dust intrusion?
- ☐ Do exterior windows show frequent wear or pitting from wind-blown grit?
🏠 Outdoor Features
- ☐ Is the pool clean or constantly dusty/cloudy?
- ☐ Are there signs of sand/mud on pool tile or decking?
- ☐ Are patio furniture and grills secured or wind-damaged?
🌴 Landscaping
- ☐ Are trees and plants heavily staked or protected?
- ☐ Is there evidence of sand erosion or wind damage in planting beds?
- ☐ Is decomposed granite or loose gravel being blown around?
📍 Neighborhood & Orientation
- ☐ What’s the general wind reputation of the neighborhood?
- ☐ What direction does the backyard face? (East/Southeast is often more sheltered.)
- ☐ Is the community located near the San Gorgonio Pass or on valley edges?
👥 Local Knowledge
- ☐ Ask neighbors or current homeowners: “What’s wind like here?”
- ☐ Consult a seasoned real estate agent familiar with microclimates and wind exposure.
Final Thoughts
Wind isn’t always a dealbreaker—but it should absolutely be part of your home-buying evaluation. The good news? Using a seasoned local real estate agent who knows the microclimates of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley can make all the difference.
At The Paul Kaplan Group, we guide clients toward homes and neighborhoods that match their lifestyle. If you love lounging outside, dining al fresco, or swimming daily, we’ll help you find the areas that offer the most protection from wind. If you're okay with some occasional gusts in exchange for a better price or a view, we can help with that too.
Let us help you navigate the desert winds—literally and figuratively. www.PaulKaplanGroup.com
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