You’ve seen the movies where it’s always a shimmering 100 degrees in the Mojave, but honestly, anyone landing at Harry Reid International Airport this week is in for a shock if they only packed flip-flops. Vegas is doing that thing it does in mid-January. It’s behaving. Mostly.
Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the city is sitting under a bright, almost aggressive sun with a high of 74°F. That’s incredible for January. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to sit at an outdoor bar at the Downtown Container Park and pretend winter isn't happening elsewhere. But don't let the afternoon sun fool you into thinking the desert has gone soft.
The low tonight is dropping to 47°F.
That’s nearly a 30-degree swing. If you’re walking the Strip, you’ll see tourists in parkas next to guys in t-shirts who are clearly from Minnesota and think this is "basically summer." Both are wrong, and both are right. The weather forecast for las vegas nevada over the next ten days shows we are holding onto this dry, sunny streak, but the temperatures are about to take a slow slide back down to reality.
What the Next Week Actually Looks Like
Tomorrow, Thursday, the high dips slightly to 69°F. Still great. Still sunny. By the time we hit the weekend, specifically Saturday, January 17, we are looking at a high of 68°F and a low of 41°F.
You’ve gotta realize that "sunny" in the desert doesn't always mean "warm." The air here is thin and dry—humidity is hovering around 20% to 29% right now. Without that moisture to hold the heat, the second the sun ducks behind the Spring Mountains, the temperature falls off a cliff.
If you are planning to be here for the upcoming week, here is the rough trajectory:
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- Thursday/Friday: Bright, clear, and hovering around the high 60s. Wind is negligible, maybe 5 mph from the north.
- The Weekend: Perfectly clear skies. Saturday will be about 68°F, Sunday around 66°F.
- Next Monday/Tuesday: We stay in the mid-60s. Monday (Jan 19) looks like a crisp 67°F.
It’s stable. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas isn't seeing any major moisture plumes or "atmospheric rivers" hitting southern Nevada for at least the next eight days. There is a tiny, tiny 5% chance of a stray shower Sunday night, but in Vegas terms, that basically means one cloud might sneeze near Summerlin and then vanish.
Why Everyone Packs Wrong for Vegas
Most people look at the "High" on their phone and think they're set. Big mistake.
In January, you’re basically living in two different climates within a 12-hour window. I’ve seen people shivering in line for a club because they forgot that a 40-degree desert night feels like a different planet compared to a 70-degree afternoon. The wind is the real killer. Even a light 6 mph breeze from the north—which is what we're expecting Monday—can make a 60-degree day feel like 50 if you’re in the shade of a massive hotel tower like the Wynn or Encore.
The buildings themselves create wind tunnels. You’ll be walking comfortably on a side street, turn the corner onto Las Vegas Boulevard, and suddenly you’re hit by a localized gust that’ll take your hat off.
The Layers Strategy
- The Base: A standard t-shirt or light long-sleeve.
- The Mid: A hoodie or light jacket for when you're moving between casinos.
- The "Oh No" Layer: A real coat for after 8:00 PM.
Honestly, the casinos are kept at a permanent 70 degrees anyway, so you’ll be stripping layers off the second you hit the slot floor. It's a constant game of "on and off" with your sweater.
The Mount Charleston Factor
If you look west from the Strip and see snow on the peaks, that’s Mount Charleston. It’s about a 45-minute drive, but the weather there has nothing to do with the weather down here. While we’re enjoying 74°F today, it’s likely in the 30s or 40s up at the Lee Canyon ski area.
January is "Learn to Ski and Ride Month," and the snow reports for 2026 have been decent. If you’re bored of the desert heat, you can literally go from a sun-drenched patio to a snowy chairlift in less time than it takes to finish a brunch buffet. Just check the road conditions via the NDOT (Nevada Department of Transportation) because they will turn you around at the base of the mountain if you don't have chains or 4WD when a storm actually hits.
Looking Ahead: Is Rain Coming?
Looking at the long-range outlook into late January and early February, things get a bit more "chilly." The Old Farmer’s Almanac and some long-range models suggest a cold snap toward the very end of the month, around January 23–31.
We might see highs struggle to get out of the 50s by then. Precipitation usually picks up in February for us—average rainfall for that month is about 0.48 inches, which doesn't sound like much until you realize the desert doesn't absorb water. It just moves it. Flash flooding isn't a concern this week, but it’s always the "surprise" factor in Nevada weather.
For now, the weather forecast for las vegas nevada is essentially a green light for outdoor dining, golf, and walking the Fremont Street Experience without sweating through your clothes.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers:
- Check the Lows: Don't just look at the 74°F today; plan for the 47°F tonight.
- Hydrate: Dry air at 20% humidity wicks moisture off your skin faster than you realize. Drink twice the water you think you need, especially if you're hitting the cocktails.
- Sunscreen: Even at 65°F, the high-altitude desert sun is intense. The UV index is currently around a 3, which is moderate but enough to burn you during a long walk on the Strip.
- Monitor the Wind: Keep an eye on the north wind speeds if you’re planning a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon, as gusts can sometimes lead to delays even on sunny days.