You've probably seen the postcard. Bright blue skies, a turquoise pool, and those jagged San Jacinto mountains looking like a painted backdrop. People think Palm Springs is just "hot" all the time. Honestly? That's the first mistake. If you’re looking at the 5 day weather forecast palm springs california for this third week of January, you’re actually looking at one of the most nuanced "microclimates" in the country.
Right now, it’s beautiful. But it’s also a bit of a chameleon.
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The Current Vibe: Sunday, January 18
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re sitting at a very comfortable 76°F for the high. It's partly sunny, which in desert-speak basically means "perfect hiking weather." You aren't getting baked by the sun, but you’ve still got enough warmth to ditch the jacket by 10:00 AM.
The humidity is hovering around 22%, so it's that classic bone-dry air that makes 76°F feel exactly like 76°F. No swampy vibes here. If you’re heading out to the Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemoration Ceremony at the United Methodist Church this afternoon (it starts at 2:00 PM), it’s going to be stellar.
Just don't get cocky.
When that sun dips behind the mountains—which happens earlier than you’d think because of the sheer height of the range—the temperature plunges. We’re looking at a low of 51°F tonight. That’s a 25-degree drop. If you’re at an outdoor dinner on Palm Canyon Drive without a sweater, you’re gonna have a bad time.
What the Next Few Days Look Like
If you’re planning your week, Monday is the "pool day" of the bunch. We’re hitting 80°F tomorrow, January 19. It’s going to be full-blown sunny.
Monday and Tuesday: The Sweet Spot
Monday is actually the peak of this 5-day stretch. With a high of 80°F and a low of 56°F, it’s that quintessential desert winter day. Tuesday, January 20, stays pretty consistent at 78°F.
But check the evening transition for Tuesday. While the day is sunny, the night turns mostly cloudy with a low of 54°F. There’s even a tiny 10% chance of rain late Tuesday night. It probably won't be enough to wash your car, but it’s a sign of a shift.
Wednesday and Thursday: The "Cloudy" Desert
By Wednesday, January 21, the clouds move in for real. We’re looking at a mostly cloudy day with a high of 75°F.
Honestly, some people hate the clouds in the desert, but others live for it. It makes the colors of the desert floor pop in a way that the harsh midday sun usually washes out. If you’re a photographer or a hiker, Wednesday is your day. Thursday, January 22, stays in that same pocket: 76°F and partly sunny.
5 Day Weather Forecast Palm Springs California: The Breakdown
To make it easy to scan, here is how the numbers actually shake out:
Sunday (Jan 18): Partly sunny. High of 76°F, Low of 51°F. Light 2 mph southwest winds. Perfect for the MLK ceremony or a stroll through the Moorten Botanical Garden.
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Monday (Jan 19): Pure sun. High of 80°F, Low of 56°F. This is the warmest day of the week. If you have a cabana reservation, this is the day to use it.
Tuesday (Jan 20): Sunny start, mostly cloudy night. High of 78°F, Low of 54°F. The wind picks up slightly to 4 mph from the west.
Wednesday (Jan 21): Mostly cloudy. High of 75°F, Low of 55°F. A very slight (10%) chance of a sprinkle, but mostly just a break from the glare.
Thursday (Jan 22): Partly sunny. High of 76°F, Low of 56°F. The wind shifts to coming from the east at about 3 mph.
Why These Numbers Actually Matter
When you look at a 5 day weather forecast palm springs california, you have to account for the UV index. Even on a "cool" 75-degree day like Wednesday, the UV index is still hitting a 2 or 3.
That doesn't sound high compared to a July day in the 120s, but the desert air is thin and clean. You will get burned if you’re out at the Palm Springs International Film Festival events all day without some SPF.
Also, the wind.
We're seeing very calm winds this week—mostly between 2 mph and 4 mph. This is a huge win. Palm Springs can occasionally get "sand-blasted" by gusts coming through the San Gorgonio Pass. When that happens, sitting outside is miserable. This week? You’re in the clear. It’s as still as a library out there.
Misconceptions About January in the Desert
A lot of folks think January is "winter" and therefore skip the pool. Big mistake.
With highs between 75°F and 80°F, most hotel pools in the Coachella Valley are heated to a comfortable 84 degrees. The "locals" might be wearing parkas because they've acclimated to the heat, but for anyone visiting from... literally anywhere else, this is paradise.
Another thing: the rain.
The forecast shows a 10% chance on Sunday and Wednesday. In Palm Springs, 10% usually means "it might rain for three minutes on the other side of the mountain." Don't cancel your plans. The desert absorbs water so fast you'll barely know it happened.
Actionable Tips for Your Week
If you're in town for this specific window, here’s how to play it:
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- Pack the "Desert Uniform": This is not a joke. You need a t-shirt for 2:00 PM and a legitimate puffer jacket or heavy sweater for 8:00 PM. The 25-degree "diurnal shift" is real.
- Target Monday for Outdoors: Since it's the warmest and sunniest day (80°F), Monday is your best bet for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Just remember, it’s usually 30 degrees colder at the top of the mountain (8,500 feet) than it is in the valley.
- Book Your VillageFest Strategy: Since Thursday, January 22, is looking clear with a low of 56°F, the VillageFest street fair on Palm Canyon Drive will be crowded but comfortable. Get there by 6:00 PM to beat the chill.
- Hydrate More Than You Think: Even at 76°F, the 20% humidity will sap the moisture right out of you. If you're drinking cocktails at a film festival party, drink twice as much water.
Basically, you’ve picked a world-class week to be here. The temperatures are hovering exactly where they should be for peak "season" enjoyment. No extreme heat, no freezing winds—just that steady, dry desert glow.
Enjoy the sun while you can, because by Wednesday those clouds will be giving the mountains a whole different, moodier look.