Right now, the current temp in Palm Springs CA is 64°F.
It's Tuesday night, January 13, 2026. If you’re standing outside near Palm Canyon Drive, the air feels crisp and perfectly clear. Honestly, the wind is barely a factor—just a light 2 mph breeze coming in from the west. Humidity is sitting at a comfortable 29%. It’s basically that classic desert winter evening where the sky is huge and the stars are out, but you definitely need a jacket if you’re heading to dinner.
Earlier today was a different story. We hit a high of 80°F.
That’s about 10 degrees warmer than the usual mid-January average for the Coachella Valley. It was a total "pool day" afternoon. But that’s the thing about Palm Springs—the temperature swings are wild. You can go from sweating in a swimsuit at 2:00 PM to shivering in a puffer jacket by 8:00 PM.
Why the Current Temp in Palm Springs CA Feels Different Than You Think
Most people check the forecast and see "sunny" and think it’s going to be warm all day. Big mistake.
The desert has zero insulation. Since there’s so little moisture in the air (the humidity today was as low as 24%), the ground doesn't hold onto the sun's heat once it dips behind the San Jacinto Mountains. In fact, tonight’s low is expected to drop all the way down to 57°F.
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The Shade Factor
In the city, "current temp" is a bit of a lie. If you're in the direct sun, that 80°F high felt more like 85°F. But step into the shadow of a palm tree or a building? Suddenly it feels 10 degrees cooler. The air itself doesn't hold the heat; the sun just cooks whatever it hits.
The Wind Reality
While it's calm right now, we just came off a weekend with some serious wind alerts. On January 10th, there were high wind warnings for the San Gorgonio Pass and Desert Hot Springs. When the wind kicks up here, it’s not just "breezy." It’s a literal sandblast. Thankfully, tonight it’s just that 2 mph west wind, which is basically unnoticeable.
Surviving the 24-Hour Temperature Rollercoaster
If you’re planning your day based on the current temp in Palm Springs CA, you’ve gotta dress in layers. It's a cliché for a reason.
- The Morning (8 AM - 10 AM): It's usually in the low 60s. You need a hoodie or a denim jacket.
- The Peak (12 PM - 4 PM): This is when it hit 80°F today. T-shirts and shorts are the move.
- The Drop (5 PM - Midnight): As soon as the sun goes behind the mountain—which happens earlier in Palm Springs than in the rest of the valley because of the height of the peaks—the temperature crashes.
People from colder climates like Canada or the Midwest often walk around in shorts when it's 60°F because, to them, that’s a heatwave. But for the locals? Anything under 70°F is "jeans and Uggs" weather.
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What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
Today's 80°F wasn't a fluke. We're in the middle of a warm-up.
An upper-level ridge of high pressure is nudging its way over the Southwest. This means we’re going to see these lower-80s stick around for the next few days. It's actually a great time for the Palm Springs International Film Festival attendees who are in town right now—they’re getting the absolute best of the desert climate without the brutal 115°F summer heat.
Quick Stats for Today:
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- High Temp: 80°F (Sunny)
- Low Temp: 57°F (Clear)
- UV Index: 3 (Moderate)
- Precipitation: 0% chance (It's bone dry)
Don't Forget the UV Index
Even though it’s January, a UV index of 3 is enough to give you a burn if you're out hiking the Museum Trail at midday. The air is cool, so you don't feel yourself burning until it’s too late.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Palm Springs Weather
- Check the "Feels Like" Wind: If the wind is coming from the north or through the pass, subtract 5 degrees from your comfort level.
- The Mountain Rule: If you take the Aerial Tramway up to the Mountain Station, remember it’s usually 30 degrees colder up there than on the valley floor. If it's 80°F at the bottom, it's 50°F at the top. Pack a real coat.
- Hydrate Early: The 29% humidity will dry you out before you feel thirsty. Drink water even if you're just sitting by the pool.
- Sunset Timing: Keep an eye on the clock. The sun disappears behind the mountains about 30–45 minutes before the official sunset time, and that's exactly when the temperature takes its first big dive.
The current temp in Palm Springs CA is perfect for a late-night stroll, provided you've got a light layer. Enjoy the clear desert sky while it lasts, as the forecast suggests these warm, sunny days will continue through the weekend before any potential January "chilly" patterns return.