You’ve heard the rumors. People think Los Angeles is just one endless loop of 72-degree days and palm trees swaying in a predictable breeze. Honestly, if you’re planning to be in the city over the next week and a half, that "perpetual summer" myth is about to get a reality check.
The Los Angeles weather for 10 days ahead is looking a bit like a mood ring. We’re starting off with a weirdly warm spike before things settle into that crisp, slightly damp January vibe that locals either love or complain about incessantly. Basically, you’re going to need to master the art of the hoodie-under-a-denim-jacket look.
The Immediate Outlook: A Mini Heat Wave?
Right now, Sunday, January 18, we’re looking at a high of 77°F. It’s partly sunny, and if you’re down by the coast, it feels like peak vacation weather. The humidity is sitting low at 24%, so it’s that dry, "Santa Ana-ish" heat that makes the air feel a bit static.
Tomorrow, Monday, things stay bright with a high of 74°F. If you’re hitting Griffith Observatory or doing the Runyon Canyon slog, do it early.
By Tuesday, January 20, we hit 75°F under partly sunny skies. But here’s the kicker: the nights are still dropping into the mid-50s. You’ll be sweating in line for a food truck at 2:00 PM and shivering by the time you’re looking for parking in Koreatown at 8:00 PM.
Why the Mid-Week Shift Matters
Wednesday, January 21, marks the start of the "cool down." We’re talking a high of 72°F. That might not sound like a big deal, but the cloud cover is going to start rolling in.
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Thursday through Friday is where the "January in LA" reality sets in.
- Thursday, Jan 22: 70°F with a 5% chance of rain (basically a misting).
- Friday, Jan 23: 67°F. This is the coolest day of the stretch.
If you’re visiting from the East Coast or the Midwest, you’re probably laughing at us for calling 67 degrees "cool." But keep in mind, LA infrastructure is built for sun. When the marine layer hangs heavy and the temp stays under 70, the dampness gets into your bones. It’s a different kind of cold.
The 10-Day Breakdown (The "Real" Numbers)
Here is exactly what the thermometers are going to say, no fluff involved.
| Date | High Temp | Low Temp | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jan 18 | 77°F | 59°F | Partly Sunny |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 74°F | 56°F | Sunny |
| Tue, Jan 20 | 75°F | 57°F | Partly Sunny |
| Wed, Jan 21 | 72°F | 58°F | Mostly Cloudy |
| Thu, Jan 22 | 70°F | 56°F | Partly Sunny |
| Fri, Jan 23 | 67°F | 55°F | Mostly Sunny |
| Sat, Jan 24 | 68°F | 56°F | Partly Sunny |
| Sun, Jan 25 | 70°F | 56°F | Partly Sunny |
| Mon, Jan 26 | 71°F | 56°F | Partly Sunny |
| Tue, Jan 27 | 73°F | 57°F | Partly Sunny |
Wait, notice anything? Those rain chances are hovering around 10-15% for most of the later days. While the WeatherBug and AccuWeather data suggest some "sprinkles" or "light showers" toward the weekend of the 24th, it’s rarely a washout in January unless a major atmospheric river is parked over us. Right now? It's just gray.
What Most People Get Wrong About LA in January
The biggest mistake? Packing only shorts.
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Seriously. The UV index is still hitting 3 (Moderate) during the day, which means you can actually get a sunburn while feeling a chilly breeze. It’s a trap. Also, the "Microclimate" factor is huge. If the forecast says 72 for "Los Angeles," that usually means the Downtown/basins area.
If you go to Malibu, subtract 5 to 8 degrees.
If you go to Pasadena, add 5 degrees.
The geography of the basin means the ocean acts like a giant air conditioner. This 10-day window is a classic example of that struggle between the inland heat trying to push through and the ocean breeze saying, "Not today."
The "Rain" Factor
We see a 15% chance of rain on Saturday, January 24. In LA-speak, a 15% chance usually means it will rain for exactly four minutes on your windshield while you’re on the 405, and then the sun will come out and make everything humid and gross.
But don't ignore it.
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The roads in Southern California get incredibly slick during these light "sprinkles" because the oil hasn't been washed away by a real storm in a while. If you're driving a rental, give yourself extra space. People here drive like the world is ending the second a drop of water hits the pavement.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Week
If you want to survive and thrive during this 10-day stretch, do this:
- Layer like a pro. A light base layer, a hoodie, and a windbreaker. You’ll be shedding and adding clothes four times a day.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even on those "mostly cloudy" days like Wednesday the 21st, the UV is sneakily high.
- Check the surf. The wind is coming from the West/Southwest at around 2 to 5 mph. It’s light, which usually means the water is glassy, but the air temperature is going to feel much lower once you’re within a mile of the sand.
- Plan indoor backups for Friday. Since the 23rd is the "cold" spike at 67°F with more clouds, that’s your day for the Getty Center or the Academy Museum. Save the beach for Monday or Tuesday.
The bottom line? The Los Angeles weather for 10 days is actually pretty decent for sightseeing—it’s not too hot to walk around, but it’s not "winter" by any reasonable standard. Just don't let the 77-degree start fool you into thinking the whole week is a pool party. It's January, after all.
Pack a light jacket. Watch the 405. Enjoy the sun while it's out.