You're standing on Las Vegas Boulevard, looking at the neon flicker of the Flamingo, and honestly, you're shivering. Most people pack for Vegas like they’re headed to a tropical island. It’s a desert, right? Deserts are hot. Well, that line of thinking is exactly how you end up buying a $65 "I Love LV" hoodie at a gift shop just to survive the walk to dinner.
If you're looking at the 14 day forecast for las vegas starting this mid-January, you need the real story. Not just the "mostly sunny" icons, but the "why is it 40 degrees at noon?" reality.
The Cold Truth About Late January
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, we are sliding into what the local meteorologists and the Old Farmer’s Almanac call one of the coldest snaps of the winter. While the Eastern U.S. is currently getting hammered by a "winter punch," the West is holding onto some sunlight, but don't let those clear skies fool you.
Vegas is currently hovering with daytime highs in the low 60s (around 16-17°C) and nighttime lows that will make you regret every life choice involving open-toed shoes. We’re looking at 37°F to 47°F (3°C to 8°C) once the sun drops behind the Spring Mountains.
What to Expect: January 18 to February 1
The next two weeks are basically a game of "Where’s the Sun?"
- The First Week (Jan 18 - Jan 24): It’s mostly dry. You’ll see a mix of high clouds and solid sun. Highs are sticking near 58°F to 63°F. It’s perfect for walking the Strip if you have a light jacket. On Wednesday the 21st and Thursday the 22nd, expect some overcast skies that make the desert look a bit moody.
- The Turn (Jan 25 - Jan 28): Things get interesting. We’re seeing a slight bump in humidity. Temperatures might climb toward the high 60s, but it’ll feel "heavy." There’s a small chance of showers around the 28th—about an 80% chance of light rain (1-3mm) according to some models. In Vegas, "rain" usually means a quick sprinkle that dries before it hits the pavement, but it can make the marble floors outside Caesars Palace slippery as ice.
- The Finish (Jan 29 - Feb 1): We close out the month with highs potentially hitting 69°F by Saturday the 31st. It’s a "false spring" moment before February reminds us it’s still winter.
Why the Forecast "Lies" to You
The 14 day forecast for las vegas often lists a high of 60°F. In your head, that sounds like a nice autumn day. In reality, the "feels like" temperature in the shadows of massive hotels like the Wynn or Encore is significantly lower. The "canyon effect" of the high-rise buildings creates wind tunnels. A 10 mph breeze between the towers can make 60°F feel like 50°F in a heartbeat.
Also, the air is bone-dry. Humidity is currently sitting around 18% to 24%. This means your skin will feel the cold more sharply, and you'll get dehydrated faster than you realize. Drink water. No, the ice in your gin and tonic doesn't count.
Packing for the Vegas Micro-Climes
If you're coming for a show or a convention this week, layers are your only god.
- The Casino Floor: Always 70°F. Exactly. Forever.
- The Walk to the Uber: Could be 42°F at midnight.
- The Sphere: If you're catching The Wizard of Oz immersive experience or The Eagles residency (which is currently rocking), remember that these venues are massive and climate-controlled to keep the tech from overheating. It can be chilly inside.
Pro tip: Wear a scarf. It sounds fancy, but it’s actually the most functional piece of gear for a Vegas January. You can tuck it away when you're hitting the slots and wrap up when you're waiting for the Bellagio fountains.
What’s Happening While the Weather Does Its Thing
Since the weather is "crisp" (a polite word for chilly), you’ll want to know what’s keeping the heat up indoors.
- Music & Residencies: The Eagles are at the Sphere through late March, and let’s be honest, that’s where everyone is right now. Blake Shelton is at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on select nights, and David Blaine is doing his thing at the Wynn.
- The Tech Wave: We just wrapped the major noise of CES, but the city is still buzzing with smaller tech summits and the "after-glow" of the January convention season.
- Sports: The Vegas Golden Knights are at T-Mobile Arena. If you haven't been to a game, do it. The atmosphere is electric, though the arena itself is—you guessed it—cold.
Actionable Tips for Your 14-Day Trip
Don't just watch the clouds; play the weather like a pro.
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Watch the UV Index. Even when it’s 58°F, the sun is intense. We’re at a Moderate rating (Level 3) most days this week. If you’re hiking Red Rock Canyon—which is stunning this time of year—you will get burned if you aren't careful.
Check the wind gusts. If the forecast mentions anything over 15 mph, the High Roller or certain outdoor rooftop bars (like Ghostbar or Foundation Room) might feel less like a party and more like a survival exercise.
Timing your walks. If you want to do the outdoor sights, do them between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. That’s your "heat window." Once 4:30 PM hits, the sun starts its descent, and the temperature drops like a stone.
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Book the spas. January is peak "local discount" season for spas. If it’s a particularly gray day, places like the Sahra Spa at Cosmopolitan or the Qua Baths at Caesars are the best places to hide from a 40-degree desert wind.
The 14 day forecast for las vegas looks stable, but the desert is never predictable. Pack the jacket, bring the lotion, and maybe leave the swimsuit for the heated indoor pools only.
To stay ahead of the weather during your stay, download a high-resolution radar app like Windy or MyRadar to track those rare rain cells moving in from the west.