If you’ve spent any time in Southern California, you know the drill. People think it’s always 72 degrees and sunny. That’s the postcard version. But honestly, if you're looking at the orange county weather 10 day forecast right now in mid-January, you’re seeing something a lot more interesting—and a lot more confusing.
We aren't just coasting through a typical winter. Right now, we are in the middle of what meteorologists call a "winter heat wave."
The Heat Nobody Expected
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and it’s basically summer in the middle of winter. The temperature in Orange County, CA is sitting at a surprising 79°F. It’s mostly cloudy, which feels a bit weird when it's this warm. You’d expect the sun to be beating down, but instead, we’ve got this thick, high cloud cover and a light 3 mph breeze coming off the southwest.
It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to hit the beach in Huntington or Laguna, but keep a light jacket in the car because the humidity is only at 19%. That dry air is a telltale sign of the Santa Ana winds that have been kicking around the region lately.
Decoding the Orange County Weather 10 Day Outlook
So, what does the rest of the week look like? If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland or a hike at Crystal Cove, you need to look at the trend, not just the daily high.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, we’re looking at a high of 77°F and a low of 52°F. It’s going to be partly sunny, but the wind is going to stay pretty calm at about 5 mph.
Then, things start to "cool down"—if you can call it that. By Monday, January 19, the high drops to 73°F. Still beautiful. Still perfect for outdoor lunch at the Orange Circle. But the nighttime lows are starting to dip into the low 50s. If you're out past 5:00 PM (sunset is around 5:05 PM right now), you’re going to feel that sharp Pacific chill.
The Mid-Week Shift
Tuesday and Wednesday (January 20–21) stay in that "sweet spot" of 74°F and 71°F. These are the days to get outside. The UV index is low—around 3—but don't let that fool you. You can still get a burn if you’re out all day at the beach.
The real change happens toward the end of the week. By Friday, January 23, we see the high drop to 64°F. That’s a 15-degree swing from where we are today!
| Date | High Temp | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 17 | 79°F | Mostly Cloudy |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 77°F | Partly Sunny |
| Mon, Jan 19 | 73°F | Sunny |
| Tue, Jan 20 | 74°F | Sunny |
| Wed, Jan 21 | 71°F | Sunny |
| Thu, Jan 22 | 68°F | Partly Sunny |
| Fri, Jan 23 | 64°F | Partly Sunny |
| Sat, Jan 24 | 63°F | Partly Sunny |
| Sun, Jan 25 | 64°F | Light Rain |
| Mon, Jan 26 | 65°F | Mostly Sunny |
Why the "January Heat" Matters
You might hear locals complaining about the Santa Ana winds. Brian Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, recently noted that while these winds are driving the heat, the fire risk is actually pretty low this year. Why? Because we got so much rain at the end of 2025. The vegetation is still moist.
It’s a rare "safe" heat wave. Usually, these conditions mean red flag warnings and high anxiety for anyone living near the canyons in Anaheim Hills or Yorba Linda. For now, it just means you can wear a t-shirt to the grocery store.
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Rain on the Horizon?
Kinda. Maybe.
By next Sunday, January 25, the forecast is calling for a 20% chance of light rain. In Orange County speak, that usually means a few sprinkles on your windshield that leave spots on your car. But the humidity will jump up to 62%, making it feel a lot more like "real" winter.
If you’re visiting from the East Coast or the Midwest, you’ll probably laugh at us calling 64°F "cold." But honestly, when the sun goes down and that ocean air rolls in, it bites.
Practical Tips for the Next 10 Days
Don't trust the morning sun. You might wake up in Irvine or Costa Mesa and see nothing but blue sky, but by the time you reach the coast, the marine layer might have rolled back in.
- Layer like a pro. A hoodie is the unofficial uniform of OC for a reason. You’ll need it until 10:00 AM, you’ll toss it in the back seat at noon, and you’ll be hunting for it again by 5:15 PM.
- Moisturize. That 19% humidity is brutal on the skin. Between the dry Santa Ana air and the indoor heaters (if you even need them), you’ll feel like a raisin by Tuesday.
- Check the tide pools. With the calmer winds expected mid-week, it's a great time to hit the tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar or Dana Point. Just check the tide charts; the weather is only half the battle.
The orange county weather 10 day outlook shows a classic Southern California "whiplash." We start with record-challenging heat and end with a gray, drizzly Sunday. It’s not the consistent "perfection" people imagine, but it beats shoveling snow every single time.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds for tomorrow. If those northeast gusts pick up again, they can make driving a high-profile vehicle on the 241 or the 91 a bit of a workout. Otherwise, enjoy the "winter" heat while it lasts. It’ll be back to the 60s before you know it.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Plan outdoor activities for Monday through Wednesday to take advantage of the peak sunny conditions and mild temperatures.
- Prepare for a temperature drop of about 15 degrees starting Thursday, January 22; pull out the heavier sweaters for the weekend.
- Monitor local wind advisories if you are traveling through the inland canyons, as Santa Ana gusts can reach up to 35 mph in certain corridors today and tomorrow.