Honestly, if you're looking at the 10 day weather for Palm Springs right now, you’re probably seeing a wall of sun icons and temperatures in the high 70s or low 80s. It looks like a postcard. It looks like perfection. But if you just pack a swimsuit and a pair of flip-flops based on those high numbers, you are going to be miserable by 5:00 PM.
Desert weather is a bit of a trickster.
Right now, in mid-January 2026, we are sitting in that sweet spot where the Coachella Valley feels like the only civilized place left on the planet. While the rest of the country is digging out of snow, Palm Springs is hovering around 81°F to 84°F for the next few days. It's glorious. But here is the thing: the sun in the desert doesn't just go down; it vanishes behind the San Jacinto Mountains, and the temperature follows it off a cliff.
The 10 Day Weather for Palm Springs: What's Actually Happening
We’re looking at a very consistent, high-pressure ridge holding over Southern California for the next week. This means "severe clear" skies.
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Basically, the 10 day weather for Palm Springs is showing a slow, graceful cooling trend. We’re starting the week with highs near 84°F, which is actually well above the historical January average of 70°F. By the time we hit next Friday, January 23rd, those highs will drift back down to a more "normal" 73°F.
Here is the breakdown of what the next week and a half looks like:
- The Heat Peak: Thursday and Friday (Jan 15-16) are the winners. Expect 81°F to 80°F with zero cloud cover. The UV index is around a 3, which doesn't sound high, but the desert air is so thin and dry that it’ll bake you faster than you think.
- The Dip: Over the weekend, we see a tiny bit of moisture trying to creep in. We’re talking a 10% chance of rain on Friday night—which in Palm Springs usually translates to "three raindrops hit your windshield and then it’s over." Highs will stay around 79°F.
- The Real Winter: Toward the end of the 10-day window, the lows start to bite. We are looking at nighttime temperatures dropping to 54°F.
If you are coming from Seattle or Chicago, 54 degrees sounds like a spring day. In Palm Springs, with the wind coming off the snow-capped peaks of Mt. San Jacinto, that 54 feels like 40.
Why the Wind Changes Everything
You can't talk about the weather here without talking about the "wind." If you’ve ever driven the I-10 past the thousands of windmills in North Palm Springs, you know exactly what I mean.
We currently have weak Santa Ana conditions blowing through. Usually, Santa Anas bring heat, but they also bring incredibly low humidity—we’re talking 16% to 19%. Your skin will feel it before you even leave the airport.
If you’re staying in the North End (anything north of Vista Chino), you're going to feel those gusts. If you want a calm pool day, head south toward the Indian Canyons or the deeper residential pockets of South Palm Springs. The mountains act like a giant shield there.
Microclimates are real
I’ve seen it happen a dozen times: it’s 80°F at the Kimpton Rowan rooftop downtown, but if you take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the Mountain Station, it’s 45°F and there is snow on the ground.
That is a 35-to-40-degree difference in a ten-minute cable car ride.
Survival Gear for the Next 10 Days
Since the 10 day weather for Palm Springs is playing the "Hot Day, Cold Night" game, you need to layer like a pro. Locals call it the "Desert Uniform."
- The Base: T-shirt and shorts for 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- The Mid: A light hoodie or a denim jacket for when the sun dips behind the mountain at 4:30 PM.
- The Heavy: A real puffer jacket if you plan on doing the Villagefest on Thursday night or dining outdoors.
Don't be the person shivering in a sundress at a fire pit. It’s not a good look.
Is it actually going to rain?
The forecast shows a "chance" of rain around Jan 17th and Jan 22nd.
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Honestly? Don't cancel your tee time. Palm Springs gets about 5 inches of rain a year. Most of that comes in weird, violent bursts or barely-there mists. The 10-day outlook suggests "mostly sunny" or "partly cloudy," which usually just means some pretty clouds for sunset photos rather than a washout.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
If you’re heading out here this week, keep these three things in mind to make the most of this specific weather window:
- Hydrate way more than usual: With humidity hovering under 20%, you are losing water just by breathing. If you're drinking margaritas by the pool, double your water intake.
- Book the Tram early: Since the valley is hitting 80 degrees, everyone wants to go see the snow up top. The 10-day window is peak tourist season, so those tram cars fill up.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable: Even though it’s January and the "highs" are dropping into the 70s next week, the desert sun is direct. You will get a "winter burn" if you aren't careful.
The 10 day weather for Palm Springs is basically calling for the best winter weather in the United Kingdom or Canada—just localized in one desert valley. Enjoy the sun while it's out, but keep that jacket handy the second the shadows get long.