Honestly, if you're looking at the 14 day Palm Springs weather forecast right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of "partly sunny" icons and thinking it’s standard desert fare. But here’s the thing—January in the Coachella Valley is actually one of the most unpredictable times of the year, even if the numbers look stable on paper.
Right now, as of January 17, 2026, we’re sitting in a weirdly warm pocket. Yesterday hit a high of 83°F, which is way above the historical average of 71°F. If you’re arriving this week, don’t let that heat fool you into packing only swimsuits. The desert is a master of the bait-and-switch.
The Reality of the 14 Day Outlook
Most people look at a 14-day window and see a flat line. They shouldn't. In Palm Springs, the "average" is just a mathematical ghost that rarely actually happens. For instance, today, Saturday, January 17, we're looking at a high of 81°F and a low of 55°F. That's a 26-degree swing. By Thursday, January 22, that high is expected to drop to 75°F with a 10% chance of rain.
That might not sound like much, but a 10% rain chance in the desert often means "it might dump for ten minutes and then vanish," or it means nothing at all.
Current Conditions vs. Historical Expectations
The current setup is remarkably dry. Humidity is hovering around 15% to 26%, which basically means your skin will feel like parchment paper if you aren't careful.
| Date | High Temp | Low Temp | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 17 | 81°F | 55°F | Partly Sunny |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 77°F | 55°F | Mostly Cloudy |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 80°F | 56°F | Sunny |
| Tue, Jan 20 | 78°F | 55°F | Sunny |
| Wed, Jan 21 | 79°F | 54°F | Partly Sunny |
By the time we hit next Sunday, January 25, the forecast is actually calling for light rain with a 20% chance. Historically, January is the wettest month in Palm Springs, averaging about 1.24 inches of rain. While that sounds like a drizzle to someone from Seattle, here it can turn the dry washes into actual streams for a few hours.
Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
You’ve gotta understand the "Venturi Effect." Basically, Palm Springs sits right next to the San Gorgonio Pass. The air gets funneled between the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains.
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When the desert floor heats up during the day, it creates a low-pressure system. Cooler air from the coast rushes in to fill that gap. This is why you’ll notice the wind often kicks up between 2:00 PM and 2:00 AM.
If you’re staying north of Vista Chino, you’re in the wind zone. You’ll see the windmills there for a reason. If you want a still afternoon by the pool, head south toward the Indian Canyons or the Araby neighborhood. Those areas are tucked against the mountains and stay much calmer.
The Packing Mistake Everyone Makes
I've seen it a thousand times. Tourists show up in shorts, see the 80-degree daytime forecast, and then find themselves shivering at a 6:00 PM dinner reservation.
The sun sets early in January—around 5:00 PM. Once it ducks behind Mount San Jacinto, the temperature doesn't just "cool off." It plummets. We’re talking a drop from 75°F to 58°F in the span of an hour.
What You Actually Need
- Layers, obviously. But specifically, a denim or medium-weight jacket.
- Closed-toe shoes. Your toes will freeze in sandals once that night air hits 55°F.
- Sunscreen. The UV index is currently around 3, which isn't "burn in ten minutes" territory, but that desert sun is direct and deceptive.
- Moisturizer. The 15% humidity today is no joke.
Microclimates: Not All Resorts Are Equal
If you're looking at the 14 day Palm Springs weather to decide where to book, keep the mountain shadow in mind. Resorts in the Tennis Club neighborhood or downtown get shaded by the mountains much earlier in the afternoon. This is great in July when it's 115°F, but in January, it means your "pool time" might end at 3:00 PM because the sun is gone.
If you want the maximum sun exposure for that mid-winter tan, look for places further east or south, away from the immediate base of the San Jacinto range.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
- Check the wind speed. Anything over 15 mph in Palm Springs means your poolside umbrella is going to become a kite.
- Plan outdoor hikes for the morning. Even with highs in the 70s, the sun is intense. Start your San Jacinto or North Lykken trails by 8:00 AM.
- Watch the low temps. If the low is dipping into the 40s (which happens a few nights every January), make sure your Airbnb has a working heater or fire pit.
- The Tramway Factor. If you take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, remember it’s usually 20 to 30 degrees colder at the top. If it’s 80°F at the Valley floor, it’s 50°F at the Mountain Station. Pack a real coat for that excursion.
The next two weeks look gorgeous, honestly. With highs staying between 74°F and 81°F, it’s peak season for a reason. Just don't let the "sunny" icons make you forget that the desert is a place of extremes.