Honestly, if you’re looking at the 10 day weather forecast for Gallup NM, you’ve gotta prepare for a bit of a psychological roller coaster. Most people think "New Mexico" and imagine endless heat waves and Saguaro cacti. But Gallup? Gallup is sitting up at 6,647 feet on the Colorado Plateau. That elevation changes everything.
Right now, as we’re deep into mid-January, the town is basically a study in contrasts. You’ll have a afternoon where the sun is so bright you’re reaching for sunglasses and thinking about shedding your jacket, then three hours later, the temperature crashes faster than a bad Wi-Fi signal.
The Real Deal on the Next 10 Days
Let's look at what’s actually happening on the ground starting Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Today is actually one of the "warm" ones. We’re looking at a high of 54°F. That feels great under a clear sky, but don’t let it fool you. The low tonight is dropping to 22°F. That is a 32-degree swing. If you aren’t dressed in layers, you’re gonna have a bad time.
Friday stays pretty consistent with a high of 49°F and a low of 23°F. It’s sunny, but the wind is coming in from the northwest at about 10 mph. In the high desert, 10 mph hits differently. It’s that "gets under your skin" kind of cold.
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Saturday, January 17, is where things start to feel a bit more like proper winter. The high only hits 43°F. The low? A crisp 21°F. If you’re planning on visiting Red Rock Park or doing any morning hiking, this is the day you’ll want those thermal socks.
Mid-Forecast Shift: When the Clouds Roll In
By Sunday and Monday (Jan 18-19), the sky starts to lose that "Land of Enchantment" blue. Sunday is still mostly sunny with a high of 49°F, but we start seeing a tiny 5% chance of rain at night.
Monday, January 19, turns mostly cloudy. Highs stay around 47°F. There’s a 10% chance of some light rain during the day. It’s not a washout, but it’s gray.
Then we hit the midweek stretch. Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21) are actually pretty decent for January. Highs are hovering between 46°F and 49°F. The wind dies down a bit on Tuesday—only about 3 mph—which makes that 46°F feel way more comfortable than a windy 50°F.
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Watching for the "S" Word
If you’re waiting for snow, keep your eye on the back half of this forecast.
Thursday, January 22, through Saturday, January 24, looks a bit messy.
On Thursday, we’ve got a mix of clouds and a 15% chance of snow at night.
By Friday, January 23, the temperature stays capped at 43°F. There’s a 15-20% chance of snow flurries.
Now, 20% might not sound like much, but in Gallup, the "upslope flow" against the nearby mountains can turn a "maybe" into a "definitely" pretty quick. Saturday follows suit with a high of 44°F and another 15% chance of snow during the day.
High Altitude Realities
Why is the 10 day weather forecast for Gallup NM so jumpy?
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It’s the thin air. At over 6,000 feet, the atmosphere doesn't hold onto heat. Once that sun goes behind the mesas, the heat just... vanishes into space. You also have to deal with the UV index. Even on a cold 43°F day like we’re seeing this Saturday, the UV index is still at a 2 or 3. You can legit get a sunburn while you’re shivering.
Kinda wild, right?
Also, the humidity is consistently low—usually between 30% and 50% this week. This makes the "dry cold" feel less biting than a damp East Coast winter, but it’ll wreck your skin and keep you thirsty.
Survival Tips for the Week Ahead
If you’re in town or heading this way, here’s the move:
- Hydrate like it’s your job. Seriously. The high altitude and low humidity will dehydrate you before you even feel thirsty. If you get a random headache, drink a liter of water before you reach for the ibuprofen.
- The Three-Layer Rule. Base layer (moisture-wicking), middle layer (fleece or wool), and a windproof outer shell. You’ll be adding and removing these all day long.
- Check the Wind. A 13 mph wind (like we’re expecting next Friday) turns a 43°F day into something that feels like the 30s.
- Sunscreen is not optional. Even in January. The reflection off the red rocks can be intense.
The 10 day weather forecast for Gallup NM shows a classic New Mexico winter: lots of sun, big temperature drops at night, and a late-week hint of snow. It’s beautiful, but it requires some respect.
If you're planning any outdoor photography, aim for those early clear mornings before the Tuesday clouds move in—the light on the mesas at 7:20 AM is unbeatable right now. Otherwise, keep a heavy coat in the trunk of your car. You're gonna need it the second the sun drops.