You’re staring at your suitcase, and if you’re like most people heading to the desert in January, you’re about to make a classic mistake. You see a high of 80°F and think, "Sweet, it’s basically summer."
Slow down.
Palm Springs weather is a bit of a trickster this time of year. While the Palm Springs 10 day forecast looks like a dream on paper—especially if you're escaping a snowstorm elsewhere—the reality on the ground requires a bit more strategy than just tossing in a swimsuit and some flip-flops.
The Desert Temperature Rollercoaster
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re sitting at a comfortable 70°F under clear night skies. It’s still. The wind is barely moving at 1 mph. But if you look at the stretch ahead, you’ll see some wild swings.
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Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is looking like the peak of the week. We’re hitting a high of 80°F with total sunshine. It’s perfect pool weather. But here’s the kicker: the low is 55°F. That’s a 25-degree drop the moment the sun slips behind the San Jacinto Mountains.
The mountains are beautiful, sure, but they act like a giant dimmer switch. In downtown Palm Springs, the sun "sets" behind the peaks as early as 4:30 PM. One minute you’re sweating in a tank top, and the next, you’re looking for a parka.
Rain in the Desert? Sorta.
We don’t get much rain here, but the next ten days aren’t perfectly dry.
Tuesday, January 20, stays warm at 78°F, but we’re expecting clouds to move in by the evening. By Wednesday, things get a little moody. We’re looking at a high of 74°F with a 10% chance of rain during the day and night. It’s not a washout—honestly, 10% usually just means "look at the pretty clouds"—but it’s enough to make it feel "chilly" to the locals.
The temps start a slow slide after that:
- Thursday (Jan 22): 73°F High / 54°F Low
- Friday (Jan 23): 71°F High / 55°F Low
- Saturday (Jan 24): 71°F High / 54°F Low
By the time we hit next Tuesday, January 27, we’re back up to 80°F. It’s a literal wave of heat, then cool, then heat again.
What’s Actually Happening in Town
If you’re coming for the events, the weather is mostly on your side. The American Express PGA Tour is running from January 19 to 25. Those golfers are going to have prime conditions—mostly sunny and mid-70s.
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If you’re planning to hit the Southwest Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club (Jan 23-25), Friday and Saturday will be the "coolest" days of your trip at 71°F. That’s actually the best walking weather you could ask for. Just remember that the Polo Club is out in Indio, where it can feel a bit more exposed than the sheltered streets of downtown Palm Springs.
The Packing List Most People Get Wrong
Forget what you heard about "desert heat." In January, you need to pack like you’re visiting three different climates in one day.
1. The "Midday Hero" Outfit
Shorts, t-shirts, and linen. When that sun is at its zenith on Monday or next Tuesday hitting 80°F, you will feel every bit of it. The UV index is hovering around 3, which sounds low, but the desert sun is direct. Bring the SPF.
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2. The "Sun-Down" Layer
You need a medium-weight jacket. Not a windbreaker, but something with some substance. A denim jacket or a light down puffer is standard "local" attire once 5:00 PM hits.
3. The Footwear Trap
I see tourists in sandals at 8:00 PM all the time. They look miserable. Your feet will get cold. Bring sneakers or closed-toe boots for the evenings, especially if you’re doing the VillageFest street fair on Thursday night.
Actionable Strategy for Your Trip
- Monitor the Humidity: It’s sitting around 19-22% most days. You will get dehydrated before you feel thirsty. Drink twice the water you think you need.
- Check the Wind: We’re lucky this week; winds are staying low (around 2-3 mph). If those Southwest winds pick up to 15+ mph, that 70-degree day will feel like 60.
- Plan the Tram Wisely: If you take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the mountain station, ignore the valley forecast. It can be 30 degrees colder up there. If it's 74°F in town on Wednesday, it might be 40°F and snowing at the top.
Stay flexible. The desert is gorgeous this time of year precisely because it’s not a monotonous blast of heat. Enjoy those 80-degree afternoons, but have that sweater ready for the sunset.