If you’re packing a suitcase for Sin City this week, stop right there. Seriously. Throw out that mental image of 100-degree pool days and melting pavement. January in the Mojave Desert is its own weird beast, and if you show up in nothing but a tank top, you’re gonna have a bad time.
Honestly, the weather for the week in Las Vegas is looking surprisingly decent, but "decent" by desert standards still means you’ll be hunting for a hoodie the second the sun ducks behind the Caesars Palace towers.
The Reality Check: No, It’s Not Summer
Most people think "Desert = Hot." They’re wrong.
Right now, we are sitting in the middle of the "mild and dry" phase of the Nevada winter. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is basically a perfect winter day. We’re looking at a high of 69°F and a low of 43°F. It’s sunny, the wind is a lazy 3 mph out of the north, and the humidity is a bone-dry 16%.
But don't let that 69-degree peak fool you.
The temperature in the desert drops like a rock once evening hits. It’s a literal cliff. You’ll be walking from a heated casino floor onto a sidewalk that feels like a walk-in freezer.
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What the Next 7 Days Actually Look Like
I’ve been looking at the National Weather Service data for the Las Vegas Valley, and we’re in a very stable pattern. It's basically "Groundhog Day" weather, minus the snow.
- Sunday (Jan 18): Expect more clouds. The high dips slightly to 65°F with a low of 43°F. There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain, but honestly, in Vegas, a 10% chance usually means you might see one lonely cloud cry a single tear over the Red Rock Canyon.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 19): Back to the bright stuff. It’ll be a crisp 69°F again. If you’re heading out to Lake Mohave, watch out for gusty north winds picking up. They’re predicting waves of 2 to 4 feet, which is no joke if you're on a small boat.
- Tuesday & Wednesday (Jan 20-21): Steady as she goes. Highs around 65°F, lows hovering at 41°F to 42°F. It’s the kind of weather where you wear a t-shirt in the sun and a parka in the shade.
The "Wind Factor" Everyone Ignores
The secret killer of Vegas vacations isn't the heat; it's the wind.
When the wind picks up in the valley, it channels between the high-rise hotels like a wind tunnel. Even a 10 mph breeze (which we’re expecting by next Saturday) can make a 65-degree day feel like 50.
Luckily, for most of this week, the wind is staying remarkably quiet. We’re seeing speeds mostly under 5 mph. That’s rare for January. Usually, this month likes to throw a few 30 mph "dust-up" days at us, but the jet stream seems to be behaving itself for now.
Is It Going to Rain?
Short answer: Probably not.
Long answer: Vegas gets about 4 inches of rain a year. January usually accounts for maybe half an inch of that. The forecast through the 24th shows almost zero precipitation.
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If you see a raindrop, take a picture. It’s basically a local holiday.
Survival Tips for the Mojave Winter
If you’re coming for a convention or just to lose some money at the craps table, follow these rules. I’m not kidding.
1. The Onion Strategy
Layering is the only way to survive. You need a base layer for the stuffy, 75-degree casino interiors, a mid-layer for the walk to the Uber, and a real jacket for the outdoor fountains at Bellagio.
2. Hydrate or Die (Kinda)
The humidity is at 16%. Your skin will turn into parchment paper within 48 hours. Drink twice as much water as you think you need, especially if you're hitting the cocktails.
3. Sunscreen is still a thing
The UV index is low (around a 3), but the desert sun is intense even when it’s cool. If you’re doing the High Roller or walking the Strip all day, you’ll still get a "winter burn."
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Final Verdict on the Week Ahead
This is actually one of the best weeks to visit if you hate the heat. You get the neon and the crowds without the triple-digit misery.
By next Saturday, January 24, we might see a shift. The wind is projected to pick up to 10 mph out of the southwest, and the high will stay around 67°F. It’s the start of a cooling trend that might bring more clouds by Sunday the 25th.
If you have tickets for the UFC 324 event on the 24th, just be aware the Harrison vs. Nunes fight is officially off due to Harrison’s surgery—so the "heat" in the Octagon might be a little different than originally planned, but the weather outside will remain chilly and consistent.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Pack a medium-weight jacket: You’ll need it every night after 5:00 PM.
- Check the Lake Mohave wind alerts: If you’re planning any water activities for the holiday weekend, the NWS is warning of choppy 4-foot waves.
- Moisturize: Buy a travel-sized lotion the second you land at Harry Reid International.