Honestly, if you're checking the month weather forecast Los Angeles right now, you’re probably seeing two very different stories. One side of the country is basically turning into a giant ice cube thanks to a polar vortex, while we're sitting here in Southern California wondering if we should’ve packed away the shorts.
It's January 18, 2026. The Rams are literally playing in the teens in Chicago today, but back home? It’s a whole different vibe.
The current situation in Los Angeles is weirdly warm. Like, "Is it actually winter?" warm. We’re coming off a Saturday that hit $79^\circ\text{F}$ and heading straight into a Sunday that’s looking at $78^\circ\text{F}$. If you’re planning your month, don't get too comfortable with the heat. The data suggests we’re about to hit a bit of a slide.
The Immediate Forecast: A Slow Fade from Summer Vibes
Most people assume L.A. is just "sunny" all the time, but the next ten days are going to show some real variety. We’re starting with these high-70s peaks, but by the time we hit the end of next week, things are cooling down significantly.
Basically, here is how the next few days are actually going to feel:
- Sunday (Jan 18): Peak sun. High of $78^\circ\text{F}$. It's the kind of day where you hit the beach but the water is still freezing.
- Monday-Tuesday: We stay in the mid-70s. Consistent, dry, and super low humidity (around 34-38%).
- The Shift (Wednesday-Thursday): This is where it gets real. We drop from $75^\circ\text{F}$ on Tuesday to $70^\circ\text{F}$ Wednesday, and then a much crisper $66^\circ\text{F}$ on Thursday.
You’ve gotta realize that a 12-degree drop in L.A. feels like a 30-degree drop anywhere else. People will be breaking out the parkas.
Rain Chances: Are We Getting Wet?
Looking at the month weather forecast Los Angeles, the big question is always the rain. We are currently in a La Niña pattern, though it’s expected to transition to neutral as we move into the spring of 2026. Historically, La Niña can mean drier winters for us, but it’s been unpredictable lately.
For the rest of January, the rain chances aren't zero, but they aren't exactly "storm of the century" levels either.
- Jan 23-25: We're seeing a bump in precipitation probability. Friday the 23rd shows about a 15% chance at night, rising to 20% on Saturday and Sunday.
- The "Wet" Spell: Expect light rain or at least very "grey" skies during that window. Highs will hover around $65^\circ\text{F}$—that’s the coldest it’s likely to get this month.
Why This January Feels Different
There's a lot of chatter about the "snow drought" in the West. While the East Coast is getting hammered by Arctic air, a high-pressure ridge is sitting over the West Coast. This is why we’re seeing those $79^\circ\text{F}$ days in the middle of January.
It’s unseasonably warm. Like, 10 to 15 degrees above the historical average for this time of year.
Usually, January averages around $64^\circ\text{F}$ or $66^\circ\text{F}$ for a high. Seeing $78^\circ\text{F}$ today is wild. But don’t let it fool you into thinking the whole month is a wash for winter gear. The nights are still dropping into the low 50s. If you leave the house at 10 AM in a t-shirt, you’re going to be miserable by 6 PM.
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Planning Your Month
If you're trying to schedule outdoor events, the window between January 26 and January 31 looks pretty solid. We’re looking at a return to clear, sunny skies with highs back in the $68^\circ\text{F}$ to $70^\circ\text{F}$ range.
It’s that classic "room temperature" weather that makes people move here in the first place.
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Actionable Tips for the Rest of January:
- The 3 PM Rule: In L.A. right now, the temperature starts diving the second the sun starts to dip. Carry a light jacket even if it’s $78^\circ\text{F}$ at lunch.
- Garden Watch: With the humidity hovering around 35% early this week, your plants might actually need a bit more water than usual for "winter."
- The Weekend of the 24th: If you have outdoor plans, have a Plan B. That 20% rain chance isn't huge, but it's the most moisture we've seen in the forecast for a while.
The month weather forecast Los Angeles is basically a story of two halves: a bizarrely warm start followed by a return to reality. Enjoy the heat while it lasts today, because the mid-60s are coming for us by Thursday.