You’re probably checking the weather because you’re tired of the slush and gray skies back home. Trust me, I get it. Palm Springs is usually the answer to everyone's winter blues, but desert weather is a fickle beast if you don't know the rhythm.
Basically, if you're asking what is the temperature in palm springs today, you're looking at a high of 81°F. It’s gorgeous. It’s sunny. It’s exactly why people pay way too much for mid-century modern Airbnbs this time of year.
But here is the thing: don't let that number fool you into packing nothing but swimsuits.
The Reality of January in the Coachella Valley
Honestly, the desert has a bit of a split personality. While that 81°F peak feels like a dream during a poolside lunch, the temperature doesn't stick around. We're looking at a low of 58°F tonight.
That’s a 23-degree swing.
In some places, a 20-degree drop happens over a week. Here? It happens the second the sun dips behind the San Jacinto Mountains. It’s like someone flipped a switch and turned off the heater. One minute you're sipping a cold drink in a t-shirt, and the next, you're hunting for that Patagonia Nano Puff you almost left in the car.
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- Current High: 81°F
- Expected Low: 58°F
- Condition: Sunny and clear
- Wind: Light, around 3 mph
Most people get this wrong. They see "81 degrees" on their phone and think "summer." It isn't summer. It’s desert winter. The humidity is sitting at a crisp 23%, which means the air doesn't hold onto heat.
Why Today is Actually "Hot" for January
If you look at the historical data, today is actually an overachiever. Typically, Palm Springs averages a high of about 71°F in mid-January. We are nearly ten degrees above the norm.
Is it climate change? Maybe. Is it just a lucky break for the tourists? Definitely.
Usually, January is the "coldest" month here. Local residents—the ones who have lived through 120-degree Augusts—will be walking around in Ugg boots and heavy coats when it hits 65. You'll spot the tourists easily because they’re the ones in shorts, soaking up every bit of that UV index of 3.
It’s a light UV day, but don't be reckless. The desert sun at 81 degrees hits differently than a 81-degree day in humidity. You’ll burn before you even feel hot because the dry air wicks away your sweat instantly.
Survival Tips for the 23-Degree Swing
If you're out and about today, maybe heading to the Thursday night VillageFest or grabbing dinner on Palm Canyon Drive, plan for the "Shift."
The sun is going to set, and the mountain shadow hits the city earlier than you'd expect. Because those mountains are so tall, the "golden hour" ends abruptly.
- The Layer Rule: Start with a base that works for the 80s, but have a real jacket—not just a flannel—for after 5:00 PM.
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: With 23% humidity, you are losing moisture just by breathing. If you wait until you’re thirsty, you’re already behind.
- The Pool Paradox: The air is 81°F, which is perfect. However, unless your hotel pool is cranked up to 84 degrees or higher, getting out of the water is going to feel like an ice bath. That evaporation chill is real.
Looking Ahead
The forecast for the rest of the week stays fairly consistent, but today is a bit of a peak. We’re seeing clear skies and almost no wind—just a light breeze from the southwest at 3 mph. It’s basically the perfect day for the Aerial Tramway, though remember: it’ll be about 30 degrees colder at the top of the mountain than it is downtown.
If you’re heading up there, pack like you’re going to a different state.
Basically, enjoy the 81 degrees while it lasts. It’s rare to get this kind of heat in the dead of winter, even in the land of palm trees and golf courses. Just don't be the person shivering at an outdoor dinner table because you trusted the "high" and ignored the "low."
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check your hotel’s pool heating status before you commit to a "pool day," and ensure you have a windbreaker or medium-weight sweater ready by 4:30 PM to handle the rapid sunset cooling.