You’re probably looking at your suitcase and wondering if you should pack that extra sweater or just stick to the linen shirts. Honestly, Palm Springs in January is a bit of a trickster. Everyone thinks "desert" and assumes it's going to be a scorched-earth situation 24/7, but if you’re heading out there this week, the reality is way more nuanced.
The current 5 day forecast palm springs is looking surprisingly warm for the front half, then it takes a dip that might catch you off guard if you aren't prepared.
Today, Sunday, January 18, we’re looking at a high of 74°F. It’s basically perfect. You’ve got sunny skies and a very light breeze coming from the east at about 4 mph. But here is the thing: as soon as that sun dips behind the San Jacinto Mountains, the temperature is going to crater to 55°F. That’s a nearly 20-degree drop in just a couple of hours.
Why the Palm Springs weather is weird right now
If you’re out here for the tail end of the winter festival season, you’ve probably noticed the air feels incredibly dry. Humidity is sitting around 17% today. That’s why 74°F feels like a dream, but also why you’ll feel the chill the second you step into the shade.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is actually going to be the warmest day of the week. We’re hitting 78°F. If you’re planning on hitting the pool at the Saguaro or taking the Aerial Tramway, Monday is your gold-medal day. Just keep in mind that even though it’s "winter," the UV index is creeping up to a 3. It’s not August levels of sun-scorched, but you’ll still get a burn if you’re out on the golf course for four hours without a hat.
The mid-week shift
Things start to cool down by Tuesday. We’re dropping to a high of 70°F. Still nice? Yeah, totally. But the overnight lows are staying steady in the low 50s. By Wednesday, the clouds start rolling in. We’re looking at a mostly cloudy day with a high of 67°F.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. "67 isn't cold."
Try telling that to a local.
In the desert, 67°F with a 10% chance of rain and 20% humidity feels a lot brisker than it does in Seattle or Chicago. It's a "dry cool."
Breaking down the next 5 days
Let's look at the numbers. No fancy charts, just the raw data you need for your itinerary.
Sunday, Jan 18: Sunny and 74°F. Clear nights at 55°F. Basically, the "Palm Springs postcard" day.
Monday, Jan 19: The heat peak. 78°F high, 53°F low. North winds are negligible at 4 mph. This is the day to do your outdoor hiking in the Indian Canyons before it gets cloudy.
Tuesday, Jan 20: Sunny again, but the mercury starts to retreat. High of 70°F. Expect some evening clouds and a low of 52°F.
Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly cloudy. This is the "museum day." High of 67°F, low of 52°F. Humidity bumps up to 20%, which is high for us but low for the rest of the world.
Thursday, Jan 22: Partly sunny and the coolest of the bunch. We’re looking at 65°F. If you’re at an outdoor cafe, you’re definitely going to want those overhead heaters on.
What most visitors get wrong about the desert
People see "Sunny" on the 5 day forecast palm springs and forget about the wind. Tuesday and Wednesday will have northeast and east winds around 3-4 mph. It sounds like nothing, right? But when it's 67 degrees and the sun is blocked by clouds, that little breeze carries the mountain chill right into your bones.
Also, don't ignore the precipitation chances. While it’s only 5% to 10% through the week, desert rain is weird. It’s usually over in ten minutes, but it smells incredible—that’s the creosote bushes reacting to the water. If you get a few drops on Thursday, don't cancel your plans. Just wait fifteen minutes.
How to actually dress for this forecast
I've seen so many people walking down Palm Canyon Drive in January wearing shorts and a T-shirt at 6:00 PM looking absolutely miserable.
Basically, you need layers.
Think:
- A light base layer for the 78-degree Monday.
- A denim jacket or a light puffer for the evenings.
- Comfortable sneakers for the Monday hike, but maybe socks for the Wednesday chill.
If you’re heading up the Aerial Tramway this week, remember that the temperature at the Mountain Station (8,516 feet up) is usually 30 degrees colder than the valley floor. If it's 74°F at your hotel, it's potentially 44°F up there. Pack accordingly.
Real talk on the vibe this week
Since the Palm Springs International Film Festival just wrapped up its main run on the 12th, the city is a little quieter, which is honestly great. You can actually get a table at Workshop Kitchen + Bar without a three-week lead time.
If you’re here on Sunday the 18th, the Palm Springs Art Museum has their "Family+" event from noon to 4:00 PM. It’s free and a great way to dodge the direct sun if you’ve already had too much of it.
Bottom line: the 5 day forecast palm springs is shifting from a late-spring feel to a true winter-in-the-desert vibe by Thursday. Enjoy the 78-degree Monday while you have it.
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Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check your restaurant reservations for Monday and Tuesday now; outdoor seating is going to be high demand during those peak 70-degree hours.
- If you're hiking Monday, start before 10:00 AM to catch the best light and avoid the midday UV peak.
- Pack a legitimate jacket for Wednesday and Thursday—65°F and cloudy in the desert is colder than you think.