If you’re checking the 7 day forecast los angeles ca, you’re probably expecting the "California Dream" default: endless sun, maybe a light breeze, and zero reason to own an umbrella.
But honestly? January in LA is famously moody. It’s that weird transition month where the city can’t decide if it wants to be a desert or a subtropical rainforest. This week is no different. We are looking at a classic "front-loaded" week. It starts off with a surprising warmth that feels like an early spring, only to end with a damp, chilly reality check.
The Breakdown: Sun, Clouds, and the Late-Week Pivot
Right now, Saturday is kicking things off with a high of 80°F. Yeah, you read that right. In the middle of January. It’s cloudy, sure, but that humidity is sitting at 33%, making it feel like those dry Santa Ana winds might still be whispering in the background.
Sunday stays in that pocket, hovering around 79°F. It’s the kind of weather that lures you into a false sense of security. You’ll think about hiking Runyon Canyon without a jacket. Don't fall for it.
The Mid-Week "Sweet Spot"
Monday and Tuesday are basically perfection. We drop down to 75°F with clear, sunny skies. These are the days you’ve been waiting for. The UV index hits a 3, so while it’s not summer-intense, you’ll still want some SPF if you're out at the beach or the Getty.
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But pay attention to the nights. The lows are sticking to that 51°F to 54°F range. If you’re out in West Hollywood or Downtown after 6:00 PM, you’ll feel that sharp drop. Layering isn't just a fashion choice here; it's survival.
Why the Weekend Forecast is Changing
Everything shifts on Wednesday. The clouds start rolling in, and by Thursday, the "mostly cloudy" label starts to feel a bit more ominous.
We’re seeing a significant drop in temperature—from that 80-degree peak down to a high of 67°F on Thursday and a soggy 64°F by Friday. Humidity is going to spike from the low 30s all the way up to 72%.
The Rain is Real
If you have Friday night plans, you might want to move them indoors. The chance of rain jumps to 75% on Friday night. It’s not just a drizzle; the forecast is calling it "rain," plain and simple.
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Even Saturday, January 24, doesn't fully recover. We’re looking at a 40% chance of showers during the day. It’s a classic southern California winter pattern where the jet stream finally dips south and brings that Pacific moisture straight into the basin.
What to Do With This Information
People often get caught off guard because LA weather apps can look "fine" until they suddenly don't.
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- Plan your outdoor events for Monday or Tuesday. These are the "lock-in" days for sun.
- Wash your car early in the week. Doing it on Wednesday is a waste of money with the Friday rain coming.
- Check your wipers. We go so long without rain in LA that people forget their wiper blades have dry-rotted. Don't wait until you're on the 405 in a Friday downpour to find out.
Basically, enjoy the heatwave while it lasts. By the time next weekend rolls around, the city is going to feel a lot more like a gray January morning than a summer postcard.
If you're heading out this weekend, stick to light layers for Saturday and Sunday. Once Monday hits, enjoy the sun. But keep the rain gear by the door starting Wednesday night. The transition from 80°F to 64°F in less than a week is exactly why Angelenos are obsessed with talking about the weather.