Honestly, people think Palm Springs is just a perpetual blast furnace. They pack a tiny swimsuit, some flip-flops, and call it a day. Then they step out of a late-night dinner at The Tropicale and realize they’re actually shivering because the desert air just turned into a refrigerator.
If you're looking at the 10 day forecast Palm Springs California right now, you're seeing a classic mid-winter shift. We are currently sitting in that weirdly perfect "Goldilocks" zone where the afternoons are glorious, but the nights are a reality check. As of today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, it’s a beautiful 76°F and sunny. But don't let that sun fool you into thinking it's summer.
The Next 10 Days: A Slow Cool Down
Basically, we’re starting off with a peak and then sliding down into a more traditional winter chill. Today is the high point. We’re looking at a high of 78°F with just some light clouds drifting through. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to cancel every meeting and just sit by the pool at The Parker.
But check out the trend over the coming week. By Monday and Tuesday, those highs start dipping into the low 70s—think 72°F and 70°F respectively. By the time we hit next Thursday, January 22, the high is only 65°F.
That’s a 13-degree drop in less than a week.
If you’re coming from Seattle or Chicago, 65°F sounds like a heatwave. But in the dry desert air, without the sun directly hitting your skin, it feels much crisper. You’ll definitely want more than a tank top.
When the Rain Actually Shows Up
Palm Springs averages over 300 days of sunshine a year, so we usually laugh at rain icons on a weather app. Most of the time, "10% chance of rain" means you might see a single cloud look at you funny.
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However, looking deep into next weekend—specifically Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25—the humidity is set to spike. We're talking 49% to 51% humidity, which is huge for us. Sunday, January 25 actually has "light rain" in the cards with a 35% chance.
It’s not a monsoon. You won't need a kayak. But it’s enough to make the hiking trails in Indian Canyons a bit slick and the air feel heavy. If you’ve got outdoor plans for that Sunday, maybe have a backup plan at the Palm Springs Art Museum or grab a seat for National Geographic Live at the McCallum Theatre.
A Quick Glance at the Temperature Slide
The numbers don't lie. Look at how the highs and lows play out over this stretch:
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- Today (Jan 17): 78°F High / 55°F Low (Partly Sunny)
- Tomorrow (Jan 18): 75°F High / 54°F Low (Cloudy)
- Monday (Jan 19): 72°F High / 52°F Low (Sunny)
- Mid-week (Jan 21): 67°F High / 51°F Low (Sunny)
- Next Weekend (Jan 25): 66°F High / 51°F Low (Light Rain)
The nighttime lows are staying remarkably consistent, hovering right around 50°F to 55°F. This is where people get caught out. When the sun drops behind the San Jacinto Mountains—which happens earlier than you’d think because the peaks are so tall—the temperature vanishes. It feels like someone turned off a space heater.
Expert Tips for the Current Forecast
Kinda important: if you’re planning on taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway during this 10-day window, ignore the valley floor temperatures. If it’s 70°F at the bottom, it could easily be 40°F or lower at the top. There’s often snow up there in January. Pack a real jacket, not just a "desert layer."
For those hitting the links for The American Express Golf Tournament (running Jan 19-25), the weather is actually looking pretty stellar for walking the course. Low 70s and high 60s are peak golfing conditions. You won't be sweating through your polo, but you’ll want a windbreaker for those early morning tee times when it’s still in the low 50s.
What to pack right now:
- Layers are everything. A denim jacket or a light cashmere wrap is the local "uniform" for a reason.
- Sunscreen. Even when it’s 65°F and cloudy, the UV index still hits 3. The desert sun is deceptive.
- Closed-toe shoes for night. Flip-flops are fine for the pool, but your toes will freeze during a 4th Street stroll after 6:00 PM.
The biggest takeaway for this specific 10 day forecast Palm Springs California is the transition. We are moving from a very warm weekend into a much cooler, potentially damp week. It’s still "paradise," just a slightly more bundled-up version of it.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the wind speeds: Most of this week is calm (2-6 mph), but if you see anything over 15 mph in the daily updates, cancel your poolside umbrella plans; the Coachella Valley wind is no joke.
- Book indoor activities for Jan 25: With rain likely, indoor spots like the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will get crowded.
- Adjust your hiking clock: With highs dropping, you don't need to start at 6:00 AM to beat the heat anymore. 10:00 AM is actually the sweet spot for the next few days.