Honestly, if you’re looking at the weather in cathedral city 10 days out, you’ve probably realized by now that the "desert" label is a bit of a trick. People hear Coachella Valley and think of 110-degree days that melt your flip-flops. But right now, in the middle of January? It’s a completely different vibe.
We’re talking about a sweet spot. Today, January 17, it’s a crisp 78°F and sunny. But don't let that daytime glow fool you—the desert has a way of dropping the temperature the second the sun dips behind the San Jacinto Mountains.
The 10-Day Outlook: What to Actually Expect
So, here’s the deal for the next week and a half. We are looking at a very consistent stretch, but there are some nuances you’ll want to catch if you’re planning a hike or a tee time.
Saturday is hitting a high of 81°F, which is basically perfect. But look at Sunday—it drops to 76°F with a slight 10% chance of rain. It’s not a "washout" rain; it’s more like a "the desert smells amazing for five minutes" kind of rain.
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The temperatures stay in that comfortable mid-to-high 70s range through most of the week. Monday and Tuesday (Jan 19-20) are looking sunny with highs of 79°F and 77°F. Then, as we move toward next weekend, things get a little moodier. By Sunday, Jan 25, the chance of rain ticks up to 20%, and the clouds will be hanging around a lot more.
The "Jacket Rule" You’ll Probably Forget
Here is what most people get wrong: they pack for the high, not the low.
Every single night for the next 10 days, the mercury is going to plunge. We’re talking lows consistently between 56°F and 58°F. If you’re sitting outside at the Agua Caliente Casino or walking around Town Square after 6:00 PM, that 3-4 mph wind from the north is going to feel a lot colder than it sounds on paper.
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Basically, if you aren't wearing layers, you're gonna be miserable.
Rain in the Desert? It’s a Thing.
While Cathedral City is famously arid, January is one of those rare months where we actually see some moisture. For this 10-day window, the humidity is starting very low at 11% today but will climb up to 37% by next Saturday.
You’ll see "mostly cloudy" or "partly sunny" on the forecast for Jan 22 and Jan 25. In most cities, that means a gray day. In Cathedral City, it usually means the light is going to be incredible for photos because the clouds catch the sunset over the mountains in a way that looks like a painting.
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How to Plan Your Days
If you're trying to hit the Cimarron Golf Resort or the Cathedral Canyon Golf Club, aim for the Tuesday-Wednesday window. The wind is low (around 3 mph), and the sun will be out in full force.
For those planning to do the CVLink—that huge 40-mile path for runners and bikers—the upcoming Thursday (Jan 22) is actually your best friend. It’ll be "mostly cloudy" with a high of 75°F. Why is that good? Because the desert sun is brutal even when it’s 70 degrees. Having that cloud cover makes a long bike ride way more tolerable.
Beyond the Thermometer: Expert Local Tips
If you're coming in for the Palm Springs International Film Festival events or just checking out the Mary Pickford Theatre, remember that the "Thermal Belt" effect is real. Because of the surrounding mountains, the foothills can stay a few degrees warmer at night, but Cathedral City sits in a spot where the wind can funnel through.
- Sun Protection: Even with a UV index of 2 or 3 this week, the desert sun is deceptive. You’ll burn before you feel hot.
- Hydration: It's 11% humidity today. You are losing water just by breathing. Drink more than you think you need.
- The "Friday Dip": January 23rd sees the humidity jump to 25%. It’s still dry by anyone else's standards, but for us, it might feel a little "soft" outside.
Your next move: Check your evening itinerary. If you have dinner reservations outdoors between now and Jan 26, make sure you have a medium-weight jacket or a solid sweater ready for those 56°F nights.