You’ve finally booked the trip. The flights are set, the room at the Wynn or Caesars is confirmed, and you’re ready to hit the Strip. But then you check the las vegas 14 day forecast and realize you have absolutely no idea what to put in your suitcase.
Honestly, Vegas in late January is a bit of a trickster. People see "Nevada" and "Desert" and immediately think flip-flops and tank tops. Do that this week, and you’ll be the person shivering uncontrollably while waiting for an Uber in front of the Bellagio fountains.
📖 Related: Castle Kona Bali Kai: What the Glossy Photos Won't Tell You About This Oceanfront Classic
The Reality of Sin City’s Winter Chill
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, the desert is behaving exactly like a desert should in the dead of winter. It’s crisp. Today is looking at a high of 64°F or 65°F depending on which side of the valley you're on, with a low of 42°F or 43°F tonight. That’s a massive swing. You’ll be sweating in the sun at 2:00 PM and searching for a space heater by 6:00 PM.
The next few days follow a similar pattern. Monday, January 19, stays pretty pleasant with a high near 68°F, but the wind is going to kick up to about 11 mph from the north. That doesn't sound like much until it hits you between the tall buildings on the Strip. By Tuesday and Wednesday, things dip even further. We’re talking highs barely touching 60°F or 61°F and nighttime lows sticking stubbornly in the low 40s.
Breaking Down the Next Two Weeks
Basically, here is what the sky is doing for the rest of your trip:
- The Sun Phase: From now through Monday, expect mostly sunny skies. It’s that bright, blinding desert sun that makes everything look high-definition.
- The Cloud Cover: Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, are going to be mostly cloudy. This is actually when it feels the coldest because you lose that direct solar warmth. Highs will struggle to reach 59°F.
- The Recovery: Moving into next weekend (January 24-25), the sun returns. Temperatures creep back up toward the mid-60s.
If you’re looking at the full las vegas 14 day forecast, the second week (transitioning into early February) shows more of the same. Long-range models suggest we might see a bit of rain around January 28, with about an 80% chance of showers. Don't panic—rain in Vegas usually lasts about twenty minutes, but it does make the marble floors outside the casinos incredibly slippery.
Why the UV Index Matters (Even in January)
You might think you don’t need sunscreen because it’s 60 degrees. Wrong. The UV index is hitting a 2 or 3 most days this week. While that’s "low," the high altitude and lack of humidity mean the sun is still doing work on your skin. If you’re walking the four miles of the Strip, you’ll end up with a "Vegas V-neck" sunburn before you even hit the Flamingo.
Also, let's talk about the humidity—or the complete lack of it. It’s hovering around 22% to 35%. Your skin is going to feel like parchment paper. Your lips will crack. Your hair will be 50% static electricity. Buy the heavy-duty moisturizer and the good lip balm the second you land.
What to Actually Wear (The Expert Strategy)
I’ve seen it a thousand times: tourists in cocktail dresses and thin shirts freezing their tails off. The temperature inside the casinos is regulated to a permanent 72°F, but the walk between them is a different world.
The Layering Rule:
You need a "middle-weight" jacket. Not a parka, but definitely not just a cardigan. A leather jacket, a light puffer, or a wool overcoat is perfect.
For the daytime, a long-sleeve shirt or a stylish hoodie works. But the moment that sun drops behind the mountains at 4:30 PM, the temperature falls off a cliff. If you’re going to a show like The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere or catching the Eagles, remember that those venues are massive and can get drafty.
Betting Against the Weather
If the las vegas 14 day forecast looks too cold for your liking, take it as an excuse to lean into the "indoor" Vegas.
- The Spas: Winter is the best time for the Roman Baths at Caesars or the spa at Encore.
- Heated Pools: Yes, they exist. Places like Circa’s Stadium Swim keep their water at 94°F year-round. You can literally watch the playoffs in a swimsuit while it’s 45 degrees outside.
- The Conservatories: The Bellagio Conservatory is currently in its Lunar New Year display. It's indoors, it’s free, and it’s a great way to escape a windy afternoon.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you zip that suitcase, do these three things:
- Pack a Scarf: It sounds extra, but a light scarf is a lifesaver when the wind tunnels between the towers start acting up.
- Check the Wind Gusts: If the forecast says "15 mph wind," double it for the Strip. The buildings create a venturi effect that can turn a breeze into a gale.
- Hydrate Early: Start drinking twice as much water as you think you need 24 hours before you arrive. The dry air in the las vegas 14 day forecast will dehydrate you faster than the $20 cocktails will.
Enjoy the crisp air—it’s honestly a lot better than the 115-degree heat of July. Just don't forget that jacket.