Right now, Sacramento is sitting at a crisp 44°F.
It’s about midnight on Friday, January 16, 2026, and if you’re standing outside near the Capitol or walking through Midtown, you’ve definitely noticed that the air has a bite to it. Is it "hot"? Absolutely not. Honestly, it’s the kind of night where you’re checking if you left the heater on before you hit the pillow.
The sky is completely clear, which is why the heat from the day just escaped straight into the atmosphere. We don’t have any cloud cover acting as a blanket tonight. Humidity is pegged at a heavy 95%, so that 44 degrees feels a bit more damp and bone-chilling than a dry cold would. There’s barely a breath of wind—just a tiny 1 mph nudge from the southeast—so the air feels pretty still and heavy.
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What to expect for the rest of Friday
If you're planning your day, don't let the midnight chill fool you. How hot is it in Sacramento right now might be "not very," but the sun is going to do some work once it comes up.
We’re looking at a high of 58°F later today. That’s pretty much the definition of a "Sacramento Winter." It'll be sunny for the most part, though there’s a tiny 10% chance of a stray shower passing through during the daylight hours. Basically, keep a light jacket handy. You’ll want it in the morning when it’s still hanging out in the low 40s, but by 2:00 PM, you might be carrying it over your arm while you grab lunch.
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The weirdness of January in the Valley
Usually, people think of Sacramento as this sun-scorched valley floor where everyone is melting. And yeah, in July, that’s 100% true. But January is a different beast.
Typically, we deal with the "Tule Fog"—that thick, soup-like mist that rolls in and stays for days. Today, though, we’re keeping it clear. The UV index is going to hit a 2, which is low enough that you won't burn, but high enough to remind you the sun still exists.
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Compared to the historical average for mid-January, which usually hovers around a high of 54°F to 56°F, today’s predicted 58°F is actually a little on the warmer side. Not "hot," but definitely "mild."
Practical tips for the next few hours
- Layer up: The 17-degree jump from the morning low of 41°F to the afternoon high of 58°F is enough to make you regret wearing a heavy wool coat by noon.
- Watch the dampness: With humidity at 95% right now, surfaces like car windshields or patio furniture are likely covered in a thick layer of dew. Give yourself an extra two minutes to defrost the car if you’re heading out early.
- Enjoy the sun: Since the chance of rain is so low (10%), it’s actually a great day for a walk along the American River trail before the clouds start to roll back in tonight.
By the time Friday night hits, the temperature is going to dip back down to 41°F with partly cloudy skies. It’s going to be a classic, quiet winter weekend in the City of Trees.
Actionable Insight: If you're heading out today, dress for the 50s but prepare for the 40s. The transition from the clear, chilly morning to the sunny afternoon will happen fast around 10:00 AM.