You’ve seen the movies where everyone is lounging poolside in a bikini with a cocktail in hand, right? Well, if you’re heading to the Strip this week, keep those swimsuits at the bottom of the suitcase. Seriously. January in the Mojave Desert is a different beast entirely, and the seven day forecast for las vegas starting Sunday, January 18, 2026, is a perfect example of why "desert" doesn't always mean "hot."
Honestly, the weather right now is kinda perfect for walking, provided you aren't expecting a heatwave. We’re looking at a week of high-pressure stability, which basically means a lot of sun and very little drama in the sky. But don't let the clear blue fool you into thinking a t-shirt is enough once the sun drops behind the mountains at 4:50 PM.
The Week Ahead: Sunny Days and Chilly Nights
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the numbers.
Sunday starts us off with a high of 65°F and some lingering clouds, but the real story begins Monday, January 19. That’s when the sky clears up completely. We’re hitting a weekly peak of 69°F on Monday—which is actually a few degrees above the historical average of 58°F for this time of year. If you’re planning on hitting a golf course or walking between the Linq and Caesars, Monday is your gold-medal day.
The rest of the week settles into a very consistent groove.
From Tuesday through Thursday, temperatures hover almost exactly at 64°F for the highs. It’s the kind of weather that feels amazing in the direct sun but makes you shiver the second you step into the shade of a skyscraper. By Friday and Saturday, we creep back up to 65°F and 67°F, respectively.
| Day | High Temp | Low Temp | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday (Jan 18) | 65°F | 43°F | Mostly Cloudy |
| Monday (Jan 19) | 69°F | 43°F | Sunny |
| Tuesday (Jan 20) | 64°F | 39°F | Sunny |
| Wednesday (Jan 21) | 64°F | 39°F | Mostly Cloudy |
| Thursday (Jan 22) | 64°F | 43°F | Partly Sunny |
| Friday (Jan 23) | 65°F | 43°F | Sunny |
| Saturday (Jan 24) | 67°F | 45°F | Mostly Sunny |
The "Dry Cold" Factor
People always talk about "dry heat," but "dry cold" is its meaner cousin. Because there’s almost zero humidity in the air—we’re talking levels as low as 21% this Wednesday—the air doesn't hold heat.
The moment the sun sets, the temperature doesn't just "dip"—it falls off a cliff.
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We are looking at overnight lows between 39°F and 45°F all week. If you’re standing in a taxi line at 11 PM outside the Wynn, that 40-degree air is going to cut right through a light sweater. The desert has zero mercy because there’s no moisture to act as an insulator.
Wind is another factor that catches people off guard. While most of this week is relatively calm—winds are mostly staying under 5-8 mph—even a light 7 mph breeze from the north on Monday will make that 69°F feel more like 60°F.
Why the UV Index Still Matters
You might think you can ditch the sunscreen since it’s "winter," but the seven day forecast for las vegas shows a UV index of 3 for most of the week. That’s moderate. Because the air is so clear and you’re at a higher elevation than coastal cities, you can still get a "windburn" or a light sun sizzle if you’re out hiking Red Rock Canyon for four hours without protection.
What This Forecast Means for Your Plans
If you're here for the big conventions like the AVN Expo starting Wednesday, January 21, or if you're catching the Eagles at the Sphere over the weekend, your "commute" is the biggest variable.
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- For the Strip Walkers: Wear layers you can actually peel off. The casinos are kept at a constant, slightly aggressive 70°F or higher. If you wear a heavy parka, you’ll sweat inside and freeze the moment you step onto the sidewalk.
- For the Hikers: Wednesday and Thursday might be a bit cloudier, which is actually great for visibility at Valley of Fire. Just bring more water than you think you need; the 21% humidity will dehydrate you before you even feel thirsty.
- For the Night Owls: Saturday night is the "warmest" night of the week with a low of 45°F, but even then, a medium-weight jacket is non-negotiable.
Most people get Las Vegas wrong by thinking it's a tropical climate. It's not. It's a high-altitude desert. This week is a beautiful reminder of that—crisp, bright, and brilliantly clear, but with a bite that requires a bit of respect.
Actionable Insight: Pack a "hybrid" wardrobe. Think hoodies, a solid windbreaker, and definitely moisturizer. Your skin will thank you for the extra hydration in this single-digit dew point environment. If you're heading out to the Spring Mountains to see the snow-capped peaks, expect temperatures to be at least 15 to 20 degrees colder than the numbers listed for the Strip.