Ashland isn't exactly the rainy, gloom-soaked Oregon you see in movies. Honestly, if you’re packing for a trip based on a Portland stereotype, you’re gonna be underdressed or over-prepared in all the wrong ways.
Right now, as of Saturday night, January 17, 2026, it’s a crisp 43°F outside. The sky is partly cloudy, and there’s a light southeast wind at 5 mph. It feels like 39°F, which is basically perfect walking-to-dinner weather if you’ve got a decent coat. But the ashland oregon weather forecast is doing that weird thing it does in mid-January where it feels more like spring than the dead of winter.
The Weirdness of "Junuary" in the Rogue Valley
Locals have started calling this "Junuary." It’s kinda frustrating if you’re a skier, but great if you just want to hike Lithia Park without slipping on ice. Today we hit a high of 61°F. That is massive for January. Usually, we’re lucky to break 47°F this time of year.
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Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, looks like more of the same. Expect a high of 60°F and a low of 33°F. It’ll be mostly cloudy during the day, but it clears up at night. There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain during the day, but nothing that should ruin your plans.
The real story isn't just the warmth, though. It's the "snow drought." Mt. Ashland actually had to close "indefinitely" just a few days ago because the snow is literally melting away. We’re seeing temperatures at the higher elevations hitting 60 degrees, which is unheard of. If you’re coming here to ski right now, you might want to pivot to wine tasting or mountain biking instead.
What’s Coming Next Week?
Don't get too comfortable in your t-shirt. Monday, January 19, stays sunny with a high of 58°F, but the night brings a shift. The low drops to 29°F, and there’s a 10% chance of actual snow.
By Tuesday, January 20, we’re looking at a mostly cloudy day with a high of 58°F. Again, there’s a slight chance of snow during the day and rain at night. It’s that classic Ashland mix where the sky can’t quite decide if it wants to be pretty or productive.
Mid-Week Breakdown:
- Wednesday (Jan 21): Partly sunny. High 55°F, Low 34°F. Southeast winds keep things moving at 5 mph.
- Thursday (Jan 22): The cooldown starts. High drops to 47°F. It’ll be partly sunny, but the humidity jumps up to 73%.
- Friday (Jan 23): Mostly cloudy with a high of 50°F. There’s a 25% chance of snow overnight.
The Siskiyou Factor: Why Our Weather is "Different"
Ashland sits at 2,000 feet. That's significantly higher than Medford, which is just down the road. Because of this, we get "inversions." Basically, the cold air gets trapped in the valley floor while the mountains stay warm and sunny.
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Sometimes you’ll wake up to a thick "puddle" of fog in town. You look up and it’s gray and depressing. But if you drive ten minutes up toward the ski area, you pop out into blinding sunshine. It's wild. You’ve basically got to check two different forecasts just to know if you should bring sunglasses or a flashlight.
The city actually opened severe weather shelters earlier this week because, despite these warm daytime highs, the nights are still dropping into the 30s. If you’re outdoors, that 30-degree swing is no joke.
Looking Toward the Weekend
If you’re planning a getaway for next weekend, January 24-25, pack the waterproof gear. Saturday looks like the wettest day of the bunch with a 40% chance of snow and a high of only 43°F. Sunday settles back into the 51°F range.
Honestly, the best way to handle Ashland weather is layers. Always layers. You’ll start the morning in a parka, move to a light sweater by noon, and be back in the parka by 5:00 PM.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip:
- Check the Mountain Cam: Don't trust the town's sky. If it’s foggy, check the Mt. Ashland webcams; it might be a bluebird day just a few miles up.
- Watch the Night Lows: The ashland oregon weather forecast shows highs in the 60s, but black ice is still a threat on shaded roads like Highway 66 when that 32°F low hits.
- Indoor Backups: With the ski area closed, ScienceWorks and the local tasting rooms (like Resistance Wine Co.) are the move for the upcoming rainy Tuesday/Wednesday transition.
- Tire Chains: Even if it’s 61°F in town, the Siskiyou Summit on I-5 is a different beast. Keep chains in the trunk if you're headed south toward California.