Thermal is an unincorporated community within the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, California, United States, located approximately 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Palm Springs and about 9.5 miles (15.3 km) north of the Salton Sea.

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Thermal a census-designated place (CDP), which does not precisely correspond to the historical community.

On December 30, 1823, Brevet Captain Jose Romero led an expeditionary military expedition finding a route to Tucson from San Gabriel passes in the foothills west of Thermal and Martinez Indian Village (South of Thermal).

Agricultural development from canal irrigation made the area thrive in greenery by the 1950s, followed by the former Camp Young U.S.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 9.5 square miles (25.5 km2), all of its land.

Winters are warm with daytime highs rarely below 60 °F (16 °C), although light freezes happen every year.

The average annual precipitation is under 3 inches (76 mm), with over 348 days of sunshine per year.

These include schools in Salton City, 20 miles south of Coachella, in Imperial County, California.

[14][15] The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians maintain a small (48 interments) cemetery on Martinez Road.

This private country club for automotive enthusiasts plans to build a 4.5-mile motor racing circuit (7,200 m) with 300 lots for member-owned garages and villas.

In March 2024 the club hosted the $1 Million Challenge, a special non-championship all-star race for the 2024 IndyCar Series.