Honestly, if you're checking the 10 day weather forecast palm desert ca, you're probably trying to figure out if you need a parka or a swimsuit for your El Paseo stroll. People think the desert just "shuts off" in the winter. It doesn't.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, we are sitting in a bit of a sweet spot. The current temperature in Palm Desert is a crisp 56°F. It’s nighttime, the moon is likely doing its thing, and the wind is barely a whisper at 2 mph coming from the west. If you're out at one of the fire pits at the JW Marriott, you’ve probably noticed the humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 19%. Basically, it's perfect "sweater weather" without the actual bite of a real winter.
The Immediate 10-Day Outlook for Palm Desert
Let’s look at the numbers. They aren't just digits; they're the difference between a good round of golf and a miserable one.
Today, Sunday, we’re hitting a high of 75°F. It’s sunny. There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain, but let’s be real—10% in the desert usually means one cloud looked at the ground funny and moved on. Tonight it drops to 56°F.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is when things get interesting. We’re spiking to 79°F. If you’ve got a pool, this is your window. The UV index is a 3, which is moderate, so don't be that person who skips the sunscreen because "it’s January." You’ll still turn into a lobster.
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Tuesday the 20th cools down slightly to 72°F. Still sunny. Then we hit a bit of a "gray patch" starting Wednesday. We’re looking at a high of 68°F with mostly cloudy skies. That 68°F trend sticks around through Thursday (66°F) and Friday (65°F).
Is it going to rain?
Probably not in any way that matters. The 10-day forecast shows hovering precipitation chances between 0% and 10%. Wednesday and Sunday the 25th have the "highest" chances at 10%. In Palm Desert terms, that's basically a humidity spike, not a downpour.
Speaking of humidity, it’s going to climb from the current 13% up to 39% by next Sunday. You might actually feel the air for once.
What the Averages Aren't Telling You
The historical data for January in Palm Desert usually suggests a high of 64°F and a low of 42°F. We are currently obliterating those averages. Seeing 75°F and 79°F this week means we’re running about 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the "typical" January.
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Why does this happen? The Coachella Valley is a geographical fluke. You’ve got the San Jacinto mountains blocking the coastal dampness, and the Santa Rosa range acting as a giant granite heat sink. Even when the rest of California is getting hammered by atmospheric rivers—like the ones currently threatening the Pacific Northwest—Palm Desert usually just gets a nice breeze.
Wind Patterns to Watch
The wind this week is gentle. We’re talking 3 to 5 mph. Sunday the 18th has an east wind at 4 mph, and Monday shifts to the northeast at 5 mph.
If you're a tennis player or a golfer, these are dream conditions. You don't have to compensate for a 20 mph gust coming off the canyon. It’s stable.
The Reality of a Desert Winter
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- Morning (7 AM - 10 AM): It’s 50°F to 54°F. You need a light puffer or a heavy fleece.
- Mid-Day (11 AM - 3 PM): It’s 75°F. You’re in a t-shirt.
- Evening (5 PM onwards): The sun vanishes behind the mountains fast. The temp drops 10 degrees in an hour. Back to the jacket.
By the time we get to the end of this forecast—Tuesday, January 27—the clouds return with a high of 71°F and a low of 55°F. It's a remarkably consistent stretch of weather. No extreme heat spikes, no freezing nights. Just solid, predictable desert "winter."
If you're planning outdoor activities, stick to the mornings for hiking the Bump and Grind trail. By 1 PM, even at 75°F, that sun reflects off the sand and rock, making it feel closer to 85°F. Trust me, the rocks don't care what the thermometer says; they hold onto that heat and radiate it right back at your shins.
Actionable Insights for the Week:
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable: Monday’s 79°F high comes with a UV index that will catch you off guard.
- Hydrate early: Low humidity (13-19%) means you’re losing water through your skin without even sweating. Drink more than you think you need.
- Check your tires: Desert temperature swings from 52°F to 79°F can mess with your tire pressure. If that little light pops on your dashboard, it’s probably just the physics of air expansion.
- Outdoor dining: Wednesday through Friday will be cloudier and cooler (mid-60s). If you’re booking a patio table, make sure they have the heaters turned on.
Enjoy the sun while the rest of the country is digging out of the snow. This is exactly why we live here.