It's 7:00 AM on a Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, and if you’re standing on the Las Vegas Strip expecting that classic desert heat, you’re in for a cold awakening. Honestly, people forget that the Mojave Desert doesn't just "cool off" in the winter—it gets downright chilly.
The current temp in las vegas nv is a crisp 41°F.
That’s a far cry from the triple digits everyone associates with Sin City. While the rest of the country is currently battling a massive winter blast across the Midwest and East Coast, Vegas is sitting under partly sunny skies with a light 4 mph breeze coming from the northwest. It’s a dry cold, sure, but 41 degrees is still "heavy jacket" weather for anyone heading out to grab breakfast at a casino cafe.
Why the current temp in las vegas nv feels different
Desert air is famously low in humidity. Right now, the humidity in Las Vegas is sitting at 39%. For locals, that’s actually a bit high, but for someone visiting from Florida or Houston, it feels like the air is trying to turn your skin into parchment paper.
Because there’s so little moisture in the air to hold onto heat, the temperature swings here are wild. You can wake up with the thermometer at 41°F and be sitting in a t-shirt by 2:00 PM. Today, for instance, we’re looking at a predicted high of 65°F. That’s a 24-degree jump in just a few hours.
The Sun Factor
Don't let the "partly sunny" label fool you. Even when it’s 41°F, that high-altitude desert sun has a bite. The UV index is currently at 0 because it's early morning, but it'll hit a peak of 1 later today. It sounds low, but the lack of cloud cover means you’re getting direct exposure.
- Current Condition: Partly Sunny
- Wind: 4 mph (Northwest)
- Precipitation Chance: 5%
- Humidity: 39%
Looking at the week ahead: Is it getting warmer?
Basically, if you’re planning your outfits for the next few days, don't pack away the layers just yet. We’re in a fairly stable winter pattern, though tomorrow looks like the "warm" outlier.
Monday, January 19, is looking pretty spectacular with a high of 68°F and clear sunny skies. It’s perfect for a round of golf or walking the Strip without breaking a sweat. However, keep an eye on the wind. It’s expected to kick up to 11 mph from the north, which makes that 68 degrees feel a lot more like 60.
By Tuesday, we drop back down to a high of 61°F. It stays in that 60-to-65-degree range for most of the week. There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain on and off, but honestly, in Vegas, a 10% chance usually means you might see a single cloud look at you funny.
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Real-world averages vs. today
Is this normal? Yeah, pretty much. Historically, the average high for mid-January in Las Vegas is around 58°F to 59°F. Today’s expected high of 65°F means we’re running about 6 degrees warmer than the long-term historical average. We aren't breaking records, but it’s definitely a pleasant winter day by Nevada standards.
Practical advice for the current Las Vegas weather
If you are currently in town or arriving later today, here is the "expert" way to handle a 41-degree morning that turns into a 65-degree afternoon:
- The Layering Rule: Wear a light hoodie or a denim jacket over a t-shirt. By noon, you'll want that jacket off. By 5:00 PM when the sun drops behind the Spring Mountains, you'll want it back on immediately.
- Hydrate or Die: It sounds dramatic, but the 39% humidity will dehydrate you faster than you realize, especially if you're drinking alcohol on the casino floor.
- Sunscreen is still a thing: Even at 65°F, the reflection off the glass buildings on the Strip can give you a weird "winter burn."
- Footwear: Leave the flip-flops for the hotel room. The concrete on the Strip stays cold in the shade, and your toes will feel it.
The current temp in las vegas nv of 41°F is just a temporary morning low. By the time the Raiders or the Golden Knights fans are out and about this afternoon, the city will feel like a different world. Enjoy the sun while it's out, because the desert cools down the second that light disappears.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the wind speeds if you plan on visiting the High Roller or any rooftop bars tonight.
- Pack a moisturizer with at least SPF 15 to combat the dry desert air.
- Monitor the 11 mph north wind forecast for Monday if you have outdoor tee times booked.