If you’re walking down the Strip this week, you’re probably seeing two very different kinds of people. There’s the tourist in flip-flops and a tank top, soaking up every bit of the high-desert sun. Then there’s the local, wrapped in a puffer jacket and looking like they’re bracing for an Arctic blast.
Honestly, they’re both right.
The temperature in las vegas this week is doing that classic desert dance where the numbers look great on paper but feel totally different once the sun dips behind the Spring Mountains. We are currently sitting in the middle of January 2026, and while most of the country is digging out of snow, Vegas is actually putting on a bit of a show.
What’s Actually Happening with the Thermometer?
Let’s talk raw numbers. We are looking at a week of high pressure that’s keeping things remarkably stable, but "stable" in the Mojave means a massive swing every 12 hours.
Today, Wednesday, January 14, we’re hitting a high of about 73°F. That is significantly warmer than the historical average for mid-January, which usually hovers around a much crisper 58°F. If you’re from the Midwest, this feels like a late spring miracle.
But here is the catch.
As soon as that sun goes down—which happens early this time of year—the heat just... vanishes. The dry air has zero "insulation" value. Tonight, we’re dropping into the mid-40s. That’s a 30-degree swing. If you leave your hotel at 2:00 PM in a t-shirt and don't come back until 9:00 PM after a show, you are going to be miserable.
The Daily Breakdown
It’s not going to stay in the 70s all week, though. We’ve got a slight cooling trend moving in.
- Thursday, Jan 15: Expect a beautiful, clear day with a high of 71°F. It’s perfect for golf or walking the LINQ Promenade. Lows stay around 46°F.
- Friday, Jan 16: A tiny bit of a dip. We’re looking at 67°F for the high. Still sunny, but you’ll start to feel that winter "bite" in the shade.
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): Saturday and Sunday will stay in the mid-to-low 60s. We might see some cloud cover creep in on Sunday, which actually makes it feel colder because you lose the direct radiant heat of the sun.
Is it going to rain? Probably not. We had some soggy weather back on New Year’s Day, but the current forecast shows less than a 10% chance of any precipitation through the weekend. It’s dry. Really dry.
Why Vegas "Cold" Hits Different
You’ve probably heard people talk about "dry heat" in the summer. Well, "dry cold" is a real thing too.
In a humid place like Florida or Seattle, 45°F feels damp and heavy. In Las Vegas, 45°F feels sharp. It’s the kind of cold that makes your skin feel tight and your nose dry out instantly.
Meteorologists often point to the "urban heat island" effect when talking about the Strip. All that concrete and neon absorbs heat during the day. If you’re walking between Caesars Palace and the Bellagio, it might feel five degrees warmer than it does out in Summerlin or Henderson.
But don't let the neon fool you. If the wind picks up—and Vegas is notorious for those 15-20 mph gusts coming off the mountains—that 60-degree afternoon will feel like 50 degrees very quickly.
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Common Misconceptions About January in Vegas
A lot of people think Vegas is "warm" year-round. It’s not.
January is technically the coldest month of the year here. While we are currently enjoying a warm spike, it’s not uncommon for the city to see overnight frosts. Back in the day, specifically 1985, the airport recorded a low of 8°F.
We aren't anywhere near that this week, but it’s a good reminder that the desert is a land of extremes. You aren't in the tropics; you’re in a high-altitude basin.
Expert Tips for Navigating the Week
If you’re packing right now, forget the heavy winter parkas unless you’re planning a side trip to Lee Canyon to see the snow. But also, don’t just pack for a summer vacation.
Layers are your best friend. A light hoodie or a denim jacket is the "uniform" for this week. You want something you can easily tie around your waist when you're in the sun but can throw on the second you step into a conditioned casino or walk outside after dark.
Also, hydration isn't just for July. Because the humidity is sitting at around 20-25% this week, you’re losing moisture through your breath and skin without even realizing it. Buy a big water bottle at a CVS or Walgreens on the Strip instead of paying $9 for one at a hotel bar. Your head and your wallet will thank you.
What to Do Outdoors
Since the temperature in las vegas this week is so mild during the day, it is actually the best time for hiking. Red Rock Canyon is usually unbearable by 10:00 AM in the summer. Right now? It’s peak season.
The hiking trails at Calico Basin are stunning in the mid-day sun when it’s 65°F. Just make sure you finish your hike by 4:00 PM. Once the sun goes behind the canyon walls, the temperature drops fast enough to catch you off guard.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
By Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21), we’re looking at highs settling back into the low 60s. It’s a return to "normal" for January.
Is there a chance of a "Big Chill"?
The long-range climate models (like the CFS version 2) have been leaning toward a slightly warmer-than-average winter for the West, thanks to the current La Niña setup. However, La Niña is notoriously fickle. It often brings drier air, which leads to those massive day-to-night temperature swings we’re seeing right now.
Basically, enjoy the 70s while they’re here today and tomorrow. By next week, you’ll definitely want that extra layer.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the wind forecast: A 65°F day with 5 mph winds is perfect. A 65°F day with 25 mph gusts is "stay inside" weather.
- Pack a saline nasal spray: The 23% humidity this week will wreck your sinuses if you aren't used to it.
- Book outdoor dining for lunch, not dinner: If you want to eat outside at Mon Ami Gabi or Lakeside, do it between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to catch the peak warmth.
- Sunscreen is still mandatory: Even at 60 degrees, the desert sun at this altitude is intense. You can get a sunburn in January just as easily as in June.