Honestly, if you're looking at the temperature in palm springs ca today, you've basically hit the desert jackpot. January in the Coachella Valley is a weird, beautiful paradox where the rest of the country is shivering, and we're over here debating if it’s "pool weather" or "light sweater weather."
It’s January 18, 2026.
The air is crisp, but the sun still has that distinct desert bite.
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What the numbers actually say right now
Let's cut to the chase. The high for today is hitting 77°F. That’s the official word. Most people assume the desert is just "hot" all the time, but this mid-70s vibe is the sweet spot for basically any outdoor activity that doesn't involve melting.
The low? It's dropping down to 55°F.
That 22-degree swing is classic Palm Springs. You’ll see tourists in shorts at 2:00 PM and then wrapped in Patagonia puffers by 6:00 PM. It’s kinda hilarious, but you’ve gotta be prepared for it.
The sky is looking mostly cloudy for the better part of the day.
Don't let that bum you out, though. Cloud cover in the desert is actually a blessing. It keeps the glare off your phone and stops the sun from frying your skin while you're out at brunch on Palm Canyon Drive. Plus, the light hits the San Jacinto Mountains in a way that makes everything look like a filtered Instagram post.
The wind and humidity factor
It’s dry. Like, "I need to buy three more bottles of lotion" dry.
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Humidity is sitting at 19%.
For context, if you’re coming from the East Coast or the South, this is going to feel like a different planet. You won't feel "sweaty" because the moisture evaporates off your skin instantly.
Wind is a non-issue today. We’re looking at a gentle 2 mph breeze coming from the southwest. In Palm Springs, the wind can sometimes whip through the pass and knock over your patio umbrella, but today is calm. It’s the kind of day where the palm fronds barely even flicker.
Why 77°F is the "Goldilocks" zone
According to historical data from sources like WeatherSpark and local Palm Springs meteorologists, the average high for mid-January is usually closer to 68°F or 70°F. Today’s 77°F is significantly warmer than the historical norm.
We're actually coming off a Saturday where the high hit 82°F—which was the national high for the entire country!
Being 7 to 10 degrees above the "normal" average makes today perfect. It’s warm enough to sit by the pool at a place like The Saguaro or Ace Hotel, but it’s not so hot that you’ll regret going for a hike at Indian Canyons.
- UV Index: It's only a 1.
- Rain Chance: About 10% during the day.
Basically, the chance of a downpour ruining your tee time is almost zero. If it does rain, it'll likely be a few "desert drops" that dry up before they even hit the pavement.
The "Morning Chill" Misconception
Most people check the temperature in palm springs ca today and only look at the high. Huge mistake.
Earlier this morning, it was 59°F with a northwest wind.
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If you went out for coffee at Koffi at 7:00 AM in a t-shirt, you were probably miserable. The desert floor loses heat fast once the sun goes down behind the mountains. Speaking of which, the sun sets "early" here because of the peaks. Even if the official sunset isn't until later, the shadow of the mountains will hit the main strip and drop the temp by 5 degrees in about ten minutes.
What to actually wear
- Bottoms: Jeans or tech chinos. Shorts are okay for the afternoon, but you'll regret them by dinner.
- Tops: Layers. A breathable base layer with a denim jacket or a light hoodie.
- Shoes: Anything goes, but keep the socks handy if you're in sandals.
Is it actually "Pool Weather" today?
This is the million-dollar question.
Honestly, it depends on if the pool is heated. Most resorts in Palm Springs keep their water at a steady 82°F to 86°F. If the water is heated, 77°F air temperature is delightful. If it’s an unheated backyard pool? Forget it. You’ll jump in, lose your breath, and realize the water is likely in the low 60s.
If you're planning on a pool day, aim for the window between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM. That's when the sun is highest and the "mostly cloudy" sky usually has enough breaks to get some color on your skin.
Looking ahead to tonight
As we move into Sunday night, the clouds are expected to clear out.
When the clouds leave, the heat leaves with them. We're looking at a clear night with that low of 55°F.
It’s a great night for a fire pit. Most of the mid-century modern rentals in the Movie Colony or Deepwell neighborhoods have them for a reason. There’s nothing quite like a clear desert night, a cold drink, and a warm fire when the air hits that mid-50s mark.
Actionable Takeaways for Today
If you're in town or heading here, keep these things in mind to make the most of the current weather:
- Hydrate more than you think. 19% humidity will sneak up on you. You're losing water through your breath and skin without noticing it.
- Hike early. Even though 77°F is mild, the sun is intense. Hit the Museum Trail or Lykken Trail before noon to enjoy the views before the afternoon clouds thicken.
- Check the mountain forecast. If you’re taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, remember it can be 30 degrees colder at the top (Mt. San Jacinto State Park) than it is downtown. Don't go up there in just a t-shirt!
- Sunscreen is still a thing. Even with a UV index of 1 and clouds, the desert reflection is real.
The temperature in palm springs ca today is a reminder of why this place became a Hollywood playground in the first place. It’s predictable, comfortable, and just a little bit better than wherever you probably flew in from. Enjoy the 77-degree breeze while it lasts.