Honestly, if you're looking at the Grants Pass weather forecast 10-day outlook right now, you might think you’ve accidentally pulled up a forecast for a much warmer part of the country.
January in the Rogue Valley is usually a weird mix of "wear a parka" and "maybe just a light hoodie." Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re sitting at a crisp 36°F at night with a light 2 mph breeze coming out of the east. It’s mostly cloudy, which is pretty standard for this time of year, but the next few days are actually looking surprisingly pleasant.
The Banana Belt Effect is Real
People who don't live here don't always get it. Grants Pass has this reputation for being part of a "banana belt." Basically, while the rest of Oregon is drowning in grey slush, we often get these pockets of sunshine that feel totally out of place for mid-winter.
Check this out: tomorrow, Monday, January 19, we’re hitting a high of 58°F. That is nearly ten degrees above the historical average high of 48°F for January. It’s going to be sunny and clear. If you’ve been cooped up inside, Monday is your day to hit the Riverside Park trails or maybe finally clean out the garage without losing feeling in your fingers.
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Low temperatures are staying pretty consistent around 35°F to 36°F through the middle of the week. You’ll definitely still see frost on your windshield in the mornings.
The 10-Day Outlook: From Sun to Slush
The transition through the week is where things get interesting. We’re moving from "fake spring" back into "actual winter."
- Tuesday (Jan 20): High of 55°F. Mostly cloudy.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): High of 52°F. Partly sunny.
- Thursday (Jan 22): High drops to 47°F. This is where the shift happens.
- Friday (Jan 23): Light rain starts. High of 46°F, low of 34°F.
By next weekend, the "wet" part of the Oregon winter returns. Saturday, January 24, has a high of 47°F with a 25% chance of precipitation. It's listed as "light rain" in the forecast, but interestingly, the precipitation type is noted as snow in some data points—though at 47°F, don't expect it to stick unless you're heading up toward Sexton Summit or Smith Hill.
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Why the Humidity Matters
You've probably noticed it feels a bit "heavy" lately. Humidity is hovering around 60% right now and is expected to climb as high as 72% by Friday. In the Rogue Valley, high humidity and low temps usually mean one thing: fog.
The morning inversion is a classic Grants Pass staple. Cold air gets trapped in the valley bottom while it’s actually warmer 400 feet up the hill. If you’re commuting on I-5 toward Medford or north toward Roseburg, that fog can be a nightmare. Visibility often drops to near zero near the river corridors.
Practical Tips for the Next 10 Days
If you're planning your week, don't let the 58°F high on Monday fool you into thinking winter is over.
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Keep your layers handy. The UV index is incredibly low—peaking at a 2 on Monday and Tuesday—so even when it's sunny, the air lacks that "bite" of warmth you get in the summer.
Fishing for Steelhead on the Rogue is actually prime right now. The water temperatures are holding around 51°F, and the relatively calm winds (mostly under 5 mph) make for decent conditions on the river before the rain picks up next Friday. Just be ready for the colder temperatures when you're near the water; it always feels five degrees colder when you're standing on the bank.
By the time we hit Tuesday, January 27, the high creeps back up to 54°F, but the clouds will be thick. It's that classic Southern Oregon cycle. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts over the next 48 hours, because the typical January dampness is definitely waiting in the wings.
Check your tires if you're heading over the passes toward the coast or up north. While the valley floor stays mild, the 20% chance of snow-type precipitation late next week means the higher elevations will likely get a dusting.
Watch the morning fog through Wednesday. Use your low beams and give yourself an extra ten minutes for the commute. The roads are dry for now, but that moisture in the air can make things slicker than they look.