So, you're looking at Palm Desert for a quick escape? Honestly, the weather here is basically the reason people move to California in the first place. But if you’re checking the 10-day forecast Palm Desert California, don't let those "winter" dates on the calendar fool you. We aren't exactly dealing with shoveling snow out here.
Right now, as of Thursday, January 15, 2026, the desert is showing off. It’s 66°F tonight with clear skies. Kinda perfect for a patio dinner if you've got a light sweater. But the next week and a half? It's a bit of a rollercoaster, moving from "is it summer?" to "okay, definitely January."
The Heat is Staying (For Now)
Let’s get into the weeds. Thursday and Friday are going to feel like a dream. We’re talking highs of 83°F and 81°F. That is prime pool weather. If you’re coming from the Midwest or literally anywhere else with a real winter, you’ll probably be in shorts the second you step off the plane.
The humidity is hovering around 18% today and dropping to 14% tomorrow. It's dry. Like, "apply lip balm every twenty minutes" dry. Wind is barely a factor either, just a light 4 to 5 mph breeze coming from the west.
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But things shift. Sunday, January 18, brings a little reality check.
The high drops to 76°F, and we might actually see a cloud or two. There's even a tiny 10% chance of rain during the day. In desert terms, that usually means three raindrops hit your windshield and then the sun comes back out. Still, it’s a sign that the peak "winter heat" is taking a breather.
A Breakdown of the Week Ahead
You’ve gotta plan for the swing. Desert temperatures are famous for their range. You can go from sweating at noon to shivering by 8:00 PM. Here is the vibe for the next several days:
- Monday & Tuesday (Jan 19-20): Expect mid-to-high 70s. Monday hits 76°F and Tuesday climbs back to 78°F. Nights stay cool but manageable at 56°F to 59°F.
- The Mid-Week Dip: Wednesday, January 21, is looking like the "coolest" day of the stretch with a high of 75°F. It’s also when the humidity creeps up slightly to 18%.
- The Late Week Horizon: Toward the end of the 10-day window, specifically Friday, Jan 23 through Sunday, Jan 25, we’re settling into a very consistent 74°F. It’s sunny, it’s stable, and it’s basically the definition of "pleasant."
Dealing With the "Dry" Factor
One thing nobody tells you about the 10-day forecast Palm Desert California is how the low humidity affects your body. When the humidity is 13% (which is the forecast for Saturday, Jan 17), you don't feel the heat the same way. You don't get that "sticky" feeling.
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But you do dehydrate faster.
If you’re hitting the trails at Bump and Grind or even just walking around El Paseo, drink more water than you think you need. Even if it's only 79°F, that dry air is a sponge.
Sun Safety in January
Don't ignore the UV index. It’s sitting at a 3 for most of this forecast. That might sound low compared to a 10 in July, but the desert sun is direct. If you’re out for hours, you’ll still catch a burn.
Most locals use the "morning window." Between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, the temperature is usually in that sweet spot between 60°F and 70°F. By 1:00 PM, when it hits that 83°F peak today, you’ll want to be under an umbrella or near some AC.
What to Actually Pack
Honestly, packing for Palm Desert is a puzzle. You need two different wardrobes.
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- The Daytime Kit: Light fabrics, linen, shorts, and definitely sandals.
- The Sunset Transition: Around 5:00 PM, the sun dips behind the San Jacinto mountains and the temperature plummets. It can drop 20 degrees in an hour.
You’ll see people at dinner in puffer jackets while the tourists are still trying to make their t-shirts work. Trust me, bring a denim jacket or a solid fleece. Saturday night is hitting a low of 56°F. That feels much colder when you’ve spent the afternoon in 79°F heat.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the Wind: While the 10-day forecast shows light winds (2-5 mph), always keep an eye out for "North" or "East" wind shifts. These can bring in dust or sudden chill from the mountains.
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: With humidity levels as low as 13%, carry a reusable bottle.
- Layers are King: Don't trust the daily high. Plan your outfit around the nightly low.
- Book Outdoor Dining Early: The 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM window is prime time because it’s still warm enough to sit outside before the deep chill sets in.
The forecast for Palm Desert is looking incredibly stable for the next ten days. No major storms, no crazy heatwaves—just classic, high-quality desert winter. Enjoy the sun while the rest of the country is digging out of the snow.