You’re looking at your calendar, eyeing that trip to Southern California, and probably thinking it’s all tank tops and endless sunshine. Kinda true, but honestly, checking a 14 day weather forecast anaheim ca in mid-January reveals a much weirder reality than most tourists expect.
People think "winter" in Orange County is a myth. It isn't. It’s just... different. Right now, as of January 17, 2026, we are sitting in a strange pocket of weather that feels more like a desert summer than a coastal winter. If you're heading to the parks or the Convention Center this week, you need to throw out your standard packing list.
The Heat Wave Nobody Saw Coming
Look at these numbers. Today, Saturday, January 17, it’s hitting a high of 82°F. That is roughly 14 degrees above the seasonal average for this time of year. Most folks expect 68°F. Instead, they're getting a face full of "mostly cloudy" skies but with a dry, 81°F heat that makes you regret wearing those trendy jeans.
The wind is coming from the southeast at about 4 mph, which isn't enough to cool anything down. It’s the kind of day where the humidity sits low at 25%, making it feel crisp but surprisingly hot when the sun manages to peek through the clouds.
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Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is more of the same. High of 79°F. Mostly sunny. It’s perfect for a day at the Anaheim Packing House or catching the Darden Americana set at 7:00 PM, but don't let the "winter" label fool you. You'll want sunscreen.
The Mid-Week Cool Down (Finally)
Basically, the heat doesn't last. By Monday and Tuesday (January 19-20), the "real" January starts trying to fight its way back. Highs will drop to 74°F. Still gorgeous, but you'll start feeling that coastal chill the moment the sun sets.
The low for Tuesday night is around 52°F. That’s a 22-degree swing.
If you're out for NAMM Week (which kicks off its massive music gear exhibits on January 22), the weather turns "cloudy" and significantly cooler. We are talking highs of 67°F by Thursday. This is when the "sweater weather" everyone talks about actually arrives.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: High 71°F, Low 52°F. Cloudy.
- Thursday, Jan 22: High 67°F, Low 53°F. More clouds.
- Friday, Jan 23: High 65°F, Low 52°F. Chance of light rain (25%) starts creeping in at night.
The Rain Risk: What to Watch For
Here is where the 14 day weather forecast anaheim ca gets tricky. Toward the end of the next two weeks, specifically around January 24 and 25, the chance of rain jumps up to 40%.
It’s not a Pacific Northwest deluge. It’s usually that annoying, misty "light rain" that makes the 5 Freeway a nightmare but doesn't quite wash out your outdoor plans. Saturday, January 24, looks to be the "wettest" day of the window, with highs struggling to reach 68°F.
By the time you get to the final days of January—say Monday the 26th through Friday the 30th—the pattern stabilizes back into that classic Anaheim winter:
- Highs hovering between 69°F and 71°F.
- Lows staying steady in the mid-50s.
- Mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies.
What This Means for Your Suitcase
If you're coming for the NAMM Show or the Dream BJJ Kids Championship on the 31st, you have to dress in layers. It's a cliché for a reason. You will be sweating at 2:00 PM and shivering by 6:00 PM.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is ignoring the UV index. Even on a cloudy 71-degree day, that Southern California sun is stronger than you think.
Pro Tip: Watch the wind. We’ve seen some gusty northeast winds recently in the foothills. While they haven't hit the city center at 40 mph yet, they can make the air feel incredibly dry, leading to that "itchy skin" feeling the locals know too well.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Pack a "transition bag": Bring a light hoodie or a windbreaker. You won't need it at noon, but you'll be miserable without it during the evening concerts at the Packing District.
- Hydrate for the 24th: If the humidity stays in the 15-20% range like it is today, you'll get dehydrated way faster than usual.
- Monitor the 24th-25th: If you have outdoor reservations, keep a close eye on that 40% rain chance. It’s the only real "blip" in an otherwise stellar two-week run.
The rest of the month looks like a winner. Just be ready for those 80-degree surprises followed by 50-degree nights. That’s just life in the OC.