Honestly, if you're looking at the Sacramento 30 day weather and expecting a predictable California sunshine loop, you’re in for a bit of a shock. Most people think of the Central Valley as this eternal oven. But right now, in the heart of January 2026, Sacramento is leaning hard into its "Mediterranean winter" personality, which basically means a messy mix of thick fog, crisp sun, and the occasional atmospheric river that’ll make you wonder where you parked your boat.
As of today, Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re sitting at a chilly 41°F under a mostly cloudy night sky. The air is heavy—95% humidity—which is classic "Tule fog" territory. If you’ve never driven through Tule fog, imagine trying to navigate through a bowl of clam chowder. It’s thick, it’s low, and it’s uniquely Sacramento.
The Next 30 Days: Breaking Down the Forecast
Don't let the "sunny" icons on your phone app fool you entirely. While we have a string of sunny days coming up—today and through the weekend—the temperatures are staying modest. We’re looking at highs of 57°F to 60°F and lows consistently hovering around 39°F to 41°F. It’s the kind of weather where you need a heavy coat at 8 AM, a light sweater by noon, and your heavy coat back by 5 PM.
The Immediate Week Ahead
- Today (Jan 16): A high of 57°F with plenty of sun. Perfect for a walk by the river, provided you don't mind a slight south wind at 4 mph.
- The Weekend: Saturday stays at 57°F but turns mostly cloudy. Sunday actually bumps up to 60°F, which will feel great if you're sitting in a sunny patch at a coffee shop in Midtown.
- Early Next Week: Monday through Wednesday (Jan 19–21) stays in that 57°F to 59°F range. Lows will dip to 39°F, so watch out for frost on your windshield if you’re an early commuter.
Looking further out into late January and early February, the pattern shifts. Historical data and the current 2026 outlook suggest a "chilly" turn around January 24th. We might see a slight increase in rain chances—around 20% by the 24th—as the transition toward February begins.
The Tule Fog Factor and Why It Matters
You can't talk about the Sacramento 30 day weather in January without mentioning the fog. It isn't just "cloudy." Tule fog is a radiation fog that forms in the damp Valley floor after a rain. Because we had a wet start to the year (Sacramento was at 124% of its normal precipitation by late 2025), the ground is saturated.
When the sky clears at night, the heat escapes, the ground cools, and—boom—instant visibility nightmare. It often lingers until mid-afternoon. If the forecast says "sunny" but you look outside and see gray, it's probably not clouds; it's the fog trapped under a high-pressure inversion.
February: The Rainy Season’s Last Stand?
As we move into the tail end of this 30-day window, February usually brings a slight warm-up but also more frequent rain. While January is statistically the wettest month (averaging about 3.6 inches), February isn't far behind.
The 2026 long-range forecast from the Almanac and local meteorologists suggests that while winter started warm and dry, late February might see some "stormy periods." We’re currently in a weak La Niña phase that is expected to fade into "neutral" conditions by spring. For Sacramento, that usually means a lot of uncertainty. You might get a week of 65°F "false spring" followed by three days of soaking rain.
What to Pack and Wear
Kinda obvious, but layers are your best friend.
- The Base: Something breathable.
- The Mid: A fleece or light down vest.
- The Shell: A waterproof windbreaker.
Even if the chance of rain is only 10% (as it is for much of this upcoming week), the humidity makes the 40-degree mornings feel much sharper than they look on paper.
Actionable Tips for Sacramento’s Current Weather
If you're planning your life around the Sacramento 30 day weather, stop looking for a "perfect" day and start preparing for the "Sacramento mix."
📖 Related: Finding 90 Days From 6/11/2025: Why This Specific Date Matters for Your 2025 Planning
- Check the Dew Point: If the temperature and dew point are within a few degrees of each other at night, expect Tule fog in the morning. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes for your commute.
- Don't Prune Yet: It’s tempting to start gardening on those 60°F sunny Sundays, but with lows still hitting 39°F, we aren't out of the frost zone. Wait until late February.
- Car Maintenance: High humidity and cold nights are brutal on old car batteries. If yours is over three years old, get it tested now before a 39-degree Monday morning leaves you stranded.
Basically, the next 30 days are going to be a classic NorCal winter: beautiful, slightly damp, and occasionally frustrating for anyone trying to plan an outdoor wedding. Stick to the layers, watch the fog, and enjoy the lack of 110-degree heat while it lasts.