You’ve seen the postcards. Everyone thinks Palm Springs is just a permanent 85-degree loop of poolside cocktails and mid-century modern vibes. Honestly? That’s mostly true, but January can be a bit of a wildcard if you don't know the local rhythm.
Right now, we are sitting in a weirdly warm pocket of air. People are walking around in shorts at 10:00 PM, which is kinda rare for this time of year. Usually, the "winter" here means you’re stripping layers off at noon and hunting for a parka by 6:00 PM.
If you're looking at the Palm Springs 10 day forecast, you’re actually in for a treat. We are tracking a ridge of high pressure that is basically acting like a warm hug over the Coachella Valley.
The Current Vibe: Hotter Than Average
Let’s talk numbers. Thursday, January 15, is hitting a high of 82°F. That’s about 12 degrees warmer than what we usually see in mid-January. It’s perfect "pool weather," which is basically the gold standard for anyone flying in from the Pacific Northwest or the East Coast right now.
The humidity is sitting at a crisp 23%. Your hair will look great, but you’re gonna need twice as much moisturizer as you think. Trust me.
Tonight is staying clear with a low of 59°F. That is incredibly mild. Usually, the desert floor loses its heat the second the sun ducks behind the San Jacinto Mountains, but this week, the heat is sticking around like an uninvited (but welcome) party guest.
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Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Breakdown
If you’re planning your week, here is the shorthand. Friday, January 16, keeps the streak alive with a high of 81°F and a low of 58°F. It’s sunny, it’s dry, and the wind is a non-issue at about 6 mph.
Saturday, January 17, sees a tiny dip to 80°F. Clouds start rolling in by evening, which usually makes for a killer sunset. If you’re heading to see Jay Leno at the McCallum Theatre that night, the walk from the parking lot will be "light sweater" weather at most.
Then, things get a little "desert moody."
Sunday, January 18, brings some clouds and a high of 76°F. There is a tiny 10% chance of rain during the day, but honestly, in Palm Springs, a 10% chance usually just means the clouds look dramatic for twenty minutes.
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Monday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 20, bounce back into the high 70s and low 80s. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to cancel your return flight.
The Late-Week Cool Down
By Wednesday, January 21, the highs settle into a very comfortable 76°F. It stays in that mid-70s range through the end of the week.
- Thursday, Jan 22: 76°F High / 53°F Low (Partly sunny)
- Friday, Jan 23: 74°F High / 53°F Low (Full sun returns)
- Saturday, Jan 24: 75°F High / 54°F Low (Mostly sunny)
Basically, you’ve got a ten-day window of what I’d call "High Desert Spring." It’s the sweet spot.
Why This Matters for Your Trip
If you’re coming for The American Express golf tournament in La Quinta (Jan 16–19), this forecast is basically a dream. No one wants to watch golf in a windstorm. With winds staying under 10 mph for the entire week, the conditions are about as stable as they get.
Also, if you're hitting up VillageFest on Thursday nights, the clear skies are a big win. Nothing ruins a street fair like a random desert downpour, which, while rare, can be surprisingly intense.
Real Talk on Packing
Most people pack all wrong for Palm Springs. They see "80 degrees" and pack five swimsuits and a pair of flip-flops.
Don't do that.
Even with a high of 80°F, once that sun drops behind the peaks at 4:30 PM, the temperature falls off a cliff. By 8:00 PM, it’ll feel like 60°F, and with the zero-percent humidity, that 60 feels more like 50. Pack a denim jacket or a light puffer. You’ll thank me when you’re sitting on a patio at 1501 Uptown Gastropub and everyone else is shivering.
Understanding the Microclimates
One thing the standard Palm Springs 10 day forecast won't tell you is the "Tramway Factor."
If you take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, you are essentially traveling from Mexico to Canada in ten minutes. While it’s 82°F at the bottom station today, it could easily be 40°F and snowing at the top.
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I’ve seen tourists show up at the Tram in tank tops while people are getting off the gondola with snowshoes. It’s a hilarious sight, but don't be that person. Check the mountain station weather separately if you're heading up.
Actionable Tips for Your 10-Day Window
- Hydrate more than you think. 18% humidity (forecasted for Monday) will literally suck the moisture out of your skin. Drink water even if you aren't thirsty.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. The UV index is hitting a 3 this week. It sounds low, but the desert sun hits different.
- Book your dinners early. With the Palm Springs Film Festival just wrapping up and major events like the American Express starting, the city is busy. High 70s weather brings everyone out to the patios.
- Download a wind app. Wind is the only thing that actually "ruins" a Palm Springs day. This week looks calm, but if you see gusts over 20 mph in the forecast later, plan for indoor activities like the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The next ten days are looking like some of the best weather we will see all year. No extreme heat, no major storms, just consistent desert sun. Enjoy the "warm" winter while it lasts.
To make the most of this forecast, grab a table at a spot with westward-facing mountain views around 4:15 PM—the "Golden Hour" over the San Jacintos during this clear-sky stretch is something you won't want to miss. For those planning to hike Indian Canyons, the Monday/Tuesday window with highs near 80°F is peak timing before the slightly cooler air moves in later in the week.