You’ve probably seen the movies where Las Vegas is a shimmering, heat-distorted mirage of 110-degree days and poolside cocktails. But if you’re looking at the las vegas seven day weather forecast right now, you might be reaching for a sweater instead of a swimsuit. Vegas in mid-January is weird. It’s sunny, but there’s a bite to the air that catches tourists off guard every single year.
Honestly, the desert doesn’t do "mild" very well; it does "extreme shifts."
Right now, we are looking at a week defined by high-pressure ridges and crystal-clear skies. It's beautiful. It's also deceptive. If you are walking down the Strip at 2:00 PM, you’ll feel like a hero in a light jacket. By 6:00 PM? You’ll be hunting for a North Face outlet.
The Breakdown: Las Vegas Seven Day Weather Forecast
Let's get into the actual numbers because that’s why you’re here. We are currently seeing a stretch of weather that is significantly warmer than the historical January average of 58°F.
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- Wednesday, Jan 14: High of 73°F, Low of 46°F. Perfectly sunny.
- Thursday, Jan 15: High of 72°F, Low of 47°F. Another bright one, barely any wind.
- Friday, Jan 16: High of 67°F, Low of 45°F. A slight dip as the ridge shifts.
- Saturday, Jan 17: High of 66°F, Low of 45°F. Great for walking, still clear.
- Sunday, Jan 18: High of 65°F, Low of 45°F. Expect some "partly sunny" intervals here.
- Monday, Jan 19: High of 65°F, Low of 45°F. Steady and dry.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: High of 63°F, Low of 45°F. Closing out the week with a gradual cooling trend.
The big takeaway here is the lack of rain. According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, we are sitting at a nearly 0% chance of precipitation for the next several days. While Italy is currently getting slammed with a volatile cold wave and record temperature swings, the Mojave is staying stubbornly dry.
Why the Temperature Drop Feels Like a Trap
There is this thing called "radiational cooling." Because there’s almost no humidity in Vegas—relative humidity is hovering around 23% to 26% this week—there is nothing to trap the heat once the sun goes behind the Spring Mountains.
The heat just escapes into space.
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You see that 73-degree high on Wednesday? That’s fantastic. But the 46-degree low happens fast. Most people plan their outfits for the high and end up shivering in a taxi line once the sun drops. If you’re heading to the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) or catching the Eagles residency at the Sphere, the walk between venues is where the "desert chill" hits.
The Wind Factor
Vegas is a bowl surrounded by mountains. When the wind picks up, it channels through the valley like a wind tunnel. Luckily, this week's forecast shows light winds, mostly under 10 mph. However, if you’re planning a trip out to Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, be careful. The NWS has been flagging gusty north winds in the Colorado River Valley, sometimes hitting 30-40 mph near Laughlin. That makes the water choppy and the air feel ten degrees colder than it actually is.
Packing for the Vegas "Winter"
Don’t bring your heavy parka. You’ll look like an amateur. But don't just bring tees and shorts either.
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The locals know the "Vegas Layer." Basically, you need a base layer that breathes because the casinos pump the heat to roughly 72 degrees. Then you need a mid-weight jacket for the outdoors.
- Denim or leather jackets are the gold standard here.
- Light scarves are surprisingly useful when the wind kicks up on the Strip.
- Comfortable walking shoes that aren't mesh—once the sun sets, the pavement gets cold, and mesh shoes let that chill right into your socks.
Common Misconceptions About January in Nevada
Most people think it never rains in Vegas. While it's true we only average about 4 inches a year, January and February are actually our "wet" months. This specific las vegas seven day weather forecast is an outlier because it’s so dry. Usually, we see at least two or three days of light drizzle this time of month.
Another myth: It’s always warm because it’s the desert.
Wrong.
Last week, some parts of the valley saw sub-freezing temperatures for the first time this season. If you go up to Mount Charleston, which is only 45 minutes from the Strip, you’ll find actual snow and skiing conditions. You can literally ski in the morning and play golf in a polo shirt in the afternoon.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip This Week
- Check the Dew Point: If you see the dew point dropping into the teens, your skin is going to hate you. Pack heavy-duty moisturizer. The air is going to be incredibly dry this week.
- Sunset Timing: The sun is setting around 4:45 PM to 5:00 PM. Plan your outdoor photos for "Golden Hour" around 4:15 PM, but have your evening jacket ready the second the sun disappears.
- Stadium Swim: If you're heading to Circa's Stadium Swim, don't worry about the air temp too much. The pools are heated to 94 degrees, but the walk from the water to the towel is a brutal ten-second sprint in 50-degree air.
- Hydrate: You won't feel yourself sweating because the air evaporates moisture so fast. Drink twice the water you think you need, especially if you're hitting the casino bars.
Keep an eye on the Friday shift. While the beginning of the week is hitting those low 70s, the drop to a 63-degree high by next Tuesday signifies a return to more seasonal, chilly weather.
Monitor the official National Weather Service (NWS) Las Vegas updates if you're planning on hiking Red Rock Canyon. While the valley stays clear, the canyons can trap cold air and clouds, making a 60-degree day feel like 45 degrees in the shade. Pack a light windbreaker and extra water for any trail time.