You’d think "desert" means "blistering" 24/7, right? Honestly, that’s where most people mess up their Vegas packing list. If you stepped outside onto the Strip earlier this morning, you probably weren't reaching for the sunscreen—you were looking for a denim jacket.
The high temperature in Las Vegas today hit exactly 71°F.
It’s January 16, 2026. While a good chunk of the country is currently wrestling with snow shovels and black ice, Vegas is basically showing off. But here is the thing: 71 degrees in the desert feels a bit different than 71 in a humid coastal city. The air is incredibly thin and dry—humidity dropped to a bone-dry 18% today. Without that moisture to hold the heat, the second you step into the shade of a casino like the Wynn or Caesars, it feels ten degrees colder.
The Breakdown of Today’s Numbers
If you’re the type who needs the raw data to plan your walk from the Bellagio fountains to the Eiffel Tower at Paris, here’s how the day actually shook out. We started the morning at a crisp 45°F. That’s the kind of temperature that makes you question why you didn't bring heavier pajamas.
As the sun climbed, things stayed sunny and clear. We didn’t see a single drop of rain. In fact, the chance of precipitation stayed at a firm 0%. Wind was coming out of the north at 12 mph, which provided just enough of a breeze to make that 71-degree peak feel "fresh" rather than "warm."
Why Today Was Actually Kind of Weird
Check this out: the average high for mid-January in Vegas is usually around 58°F. We blew past that by 13 degrees today. We were actually flirting with the record books. The all-time record for January 16 was 73°F back in 1976. We came within two degrees of tying a fifty-year-old record.
Basically, if you’re here for a convention or just to lose a few bucks at the tables, you hit the weather jackpot.
👉 See also: Why Is the Turnpike Closed Today? What Most Drivers Get Wrong About Highway Shutdowns
What’s Happening the Rest of the Week?
Don't get too comfortable in those short sleeves. The desert is moody. Tomorrow, Saturday, we’re looking at a high of 66°F. By Sunday? It drops to 62°F.
It’s also worth noting that while it was beautiful here, there’s some weird stuff happening globally. Metereologists are tracking Typhoon Nokaen over in the Northwest Pacific. Even though that's thousands of miles away, those massive systems can shift the jet stream. That’s likely why we’re seeing this weird "warm" spike today before the temperatures start sliding back down toward the low 60s next week.
Survival Tips for This Weather
If you’re heading out for dinner tonight, keep in mind that the "high temperature" is a fleeting moment in the afternoon. Once the sun dips behind the Spring Mountains, the temperature crashes. We’re expecting an overnight low of 45°F.
- Layering is the only way. Wear a t-shirt for the 2 PM sun, but keep a hoodie or light jacket in your bag for 5 PM.
- Hydrate or die. Okay, that’s dramatic, but with 18% humidity, your skin will feel like parchment paper by noon if you aren't drinking water (and no, watered-down cocktails don't count).
- Check the UV. Even though it’s "cool," the UV index was at a 2 today. It’s low, but if you’re sitting poolside at Stadium Swim at Circa (which is open year-round, by the way), the desert sun can still sneak up on you.
Looking Ahead
The "Goldilocks" weather—not too hot, not too cold—is why January is becoming a massive month for Vegas. Between the tech crowds and the sports fans, the city is packed. Tomorrow’s forecast is still "mainly sunny," but that 5-degree drop will be noticeable. If you’re planning a hike at Red Rock Canyon or a trip up to Mt. Charleston (where it’s actually in the low 40s right now), do it sooner rather than later.
The heat is coming back eventually—it always does in Nevada—but for right now, enjoy the rare 70-degree January day. It’s basically the best version of Las Vegas weather you’re ever going to get.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Pack a versatile mid-weight layer if you’re heading out for the evening, as the temperature will drop nearly 25 degrees by midnight.
- Use a high-quality moisturizer to combat the 18% humidity levels currently affecting the valley.
- If planning outdoor activities like golf or hiking, aim for the 1 PM to 3 PM window to catch the peak 71°F warmth before the evening chill sets in.