You’re packing for Disneyland and you think it’s all tank tops and flip-flops. Honestly, that’s how people end up shivering in a $70 Spirit Jersey they didn't want to buy. The weather forecast in Anaheim California is a bit of a trickster, especially right now in mid-January.
Today, January 15, 2026, we’re looking at a high of 81°F. That sounds like summer, right? Wrong. By tonight, it’s dropping to 54°F. That’s a nearly 30-degree swing. If you aren't ready for that, you're going to have a bad time.
The current conditions show a "partly sunny" sky with a humidity of 27%. It’s dry. Really dry. The wind is barely a whisper at 4 mph from the west, but don't let the calm fool you.
The 10-Day Reality Check
If you’re looking at the week ahead, the weather forecast in Anaheim California shows a slow slide out of this mini-heatwave. Friday holds steady at 80°F, but Saturday brings the clouds and a high of 79°F.
Wait for it.
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By next Thursday, January 22, the high struggles to hit 64°F. That is a massive difference from the 81°F we’re seeing today.
- Thursday (Today): Sunny, 81°F / 54°F.
- Friday: Sunny then cloudy at night, 80°F / 53°F.
- Saturday: Cloudy all day, 79°F / 56°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, 77°F / 53°F.
- Next Thursday: Partly sunny, 64°F / 52°F.
Notice that low? It stays in the low 50s. Every single night.
Why the Santa Ana Winds Matter
Why is it 81°F in the middle of January? It’s basically the Santa Ana winds. These are those hot, dry winds that blow in from the desert. They compress as they come down the mountains, and compression equals heat.
The humidity today is only 27%. When the Santa Anas kick in, that number can tank even lower. It makes the air feel "crispy." Your skin gets dry, your nose might get a bit sensitive, and the sky looks impossibly blue because all the haze gets pushed out to sea.
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But these winds are fickle. The second they stop, the "Marine Layer"—that thick, wet fog from the Pacific—is waiting to rush back in. That’s why we see the forecast dropping toward the mid-60s by next week. The ocean is taking back control.
Packing Like a Local (Not a Tourist)
If you see 81°F on your weather app, you'll be tempted to wear shorts. Go ahead. But you’ve gotta carry a backpack.
In Anaheim, the "feels like" temperature changes the moment you step into the shade. Because the humidity is low, the sun feels intense (even with a UV index of 2 or 3), but the shade feels chilly.
- Morning (8 AM - 10 AM): High 50s. You need a hoodie.
- Mid-day (12 PM - 4 PM): Low 80s. T-shirt weather.
- Evening (6 PM onwards): Mid 50s. Back to the hoodie, maybe even a light puffer jacket if you’re sitting still for a show or fireworks.
Rain? Not Likely, But...
The weather forecast in Anaheim California shows a 0% chance of rain for the next few days. Saturday and Sunday have a tiny 10% flicker of hope for a sprinkle, but it’s mostly just "cloudy."
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January is technically one of the wetter months for Southern California, but "wet" is relative. We usually average about 3 inches of rain for the whole month. Most of that comes from one or two big storms rather than constant drizzle. If the forecast says 10%, you're probably safe, but keep an eye on Friday night—there's a 10% chance of rain then too.
Survival Tips for the Anaheim Climate
Don't trust the high temperature. It only lasts for about three hours in the afternoon.
Hydrate more than you think. With humidity at 27-36%, you're losing moisture just by breathing. People get "Disney headaches" not just from the crowds, but from dehydration.
Watch the wind. Saturday will see the wind kick up to 8 mph from the north. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make 79°F feel much cooler if you’re in the shade.
By the time we hit January 25, the humidity is expected to drop to a bone-dry 11%. That is desert-level dryness. Chapstick is not optional.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the 24-hour breakdown: Look at the hourly temps, not just the "High."
- Layering is king: Wear a breathable base layer and bring a wind-resistant outer layer.
- Sunscreen still applies: A UV index of 3 can still give you a burn if you’re out for six hours.
- Plan for the "Big Drop": Expect the temperature to plummet the moment the sun goes behind the buildings or the horizon.