Honestly, if you’re looking at the 10 day weather forecast for palm springs and thinking your weather app is broken, you aren't alone. We’re deep into January 2026, and the desert is doing that weird thing it does where it completely ignores the "winter" memo.
Usually, this time of year means light sweaters and maybe a brisk wind off the San Jacinto Mountains. Not this week. We are currently sitting in a bizarre bubble of high pressure that has the Coachella Valley feeling more like late April than mid-January.
If you’ve got a trip planned, or you’re just a local trying to figure out if it’s finally time to drain the pool heater, here’s the actual deal.
The 10 Day Outlook: Sun, More Sun, and a Tiny Bit of Reality
Right now, Friday, January 16, we are peaking. It’s a gorgeous 82°F outside with basically zero humidity. If you’re at a resort like the Parker or the Ace, the pool decks are probably packed. But the big question is how long this "January Thaw" is going to stick around.
The Short Term (Today through Monday)
The heat is holding steady for the next 72 hours. We're looking at highs of 83°F today and 80°F tomorrow. By Sunday, we might see a slight dip to 76°F as some "partly sunny" clouds roll in, but that’s still way above the historical average of 68°F for this date.
Monday, January 19, brings us right back up to 79°F. It’s basically perfect golf weather. Or tennis weather. Or "sitting on a patio with a cold drink" weather.
The Mid-Week Shift (Tuesday through Thursday)
Tuesday is looking like the repeat winner of the week with another 80°F day. Pure sun. Clear skies.
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However, Wednesday, January 21, is when things start to get a little "unsettled," at least by desert standards. We’re expecting a high of 77°F, but the humidity starts to climb toward 19%, and by Thursday, January 22, it hits 23%. There’s a 15% chance of rain on Thursday night.
Now, 15% usually means "it might sprinkle for ten minutes and leave spots on your car," but in the desert, that often comes with a shift in wind.
The Following Weekend (Friday through Sunday)
As we head into the tail end of the 10 day weather forecast for palm springs, the temperatures finally start to behave. Friday, January 23, stays around 76°F.
Saturday, January 24, is the outlier. The forecast shows a high of only 72°F with a bump in cloud cover. This is the first time in the 10-day window where you’ll definitely want a jacket if you’re heading out to dinner.
By Sunday, January 25, we’re back to 75°F. It’s a very slow cooling trend, but we’re still not seeing those "chilly" 60-degree days that January is technically supposed to provide.
Why is it so hot right now?
Basically, the "Polar Vortex" everyone is talking about on the East Coast is having the opposite effect on us. While the eastern half of the U.S. is getting slammed with Arctic air, it’s pushing a massive ridge of high pressure over the Southwest.
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According to recent reports from KESQ and the National Weather Service, Palm Springs is seeing temperatures 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the "normal" 30-year average. We’re currently one of the warmest spots in the entire country.
It's great for tourism, but it's weird for the ecosystem. You’ll notice the desert lavender and brittlebush starting to think it’s spring already.
What Most People Get Wrong About Desert Winter
People pack for "Palm Springs" and think "Hawaii." Big mistake.
Even when the high is 83°F, the "low" is consistently dropping into the mid-50s. Tonight, we’re looking at 59°F. By Sunday night, it hits 55°F.
The sun in the desert is intense. When it’s up, 80°F feels like 90°F. The second it drops behind those 10,000-foot mountains, the temperature cratering is real.
- Dress in layers. I know everyone says it. But seriously. A t-shirt at 2:00 PM is fine. A t-shirt at 6:00 PM is a recipe for a cold.
- Hydrate. The humidity is currently 12%. That is "nosebleed dry." You won't feel yourself sweating because it evaporates instantly. Drink twice the water you think you need.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. The UV index is hitting 3 today. It’s not summer levels, but with 8 hours of direct sunshine, you will burn if you’re out hiking the Indian Canyons.
Looking Past the 10 Days
If you’re planning further out, keep an eye on the end of the month. The Old Farmer’s Almanac and some long-range models are suggesting a much colder "snap" coming in late January or early February.
We might see those highs drop back into the 60s or even 50s if a storm system actually breaks through the ridge. But for now, the 10 day weather forecast for palm springs is a green light for every outdoor activity you can think of.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
Check your specific neighborhood. Palm Springs is a wind tunnel. If you’re staying in the north end (near the tramway), it’s always windier and feels about 3-5 degrees cooler than South Palm Springs or over in Indio.
If you’re hiking, go early. Even at 76°F, the trails in the sun can feel brutal because there is zero shade.
Final thought: Keep an eye on Thursday the 22nd. That’s the only day with a real "chance" of rain (15%), so if you have an outdoor wedding or event, have a "Plan B" just in case those clouds decide to over-deliver.
Otherwise, enjoy the heatwave. It's the best version of winter you're going to find anywhere in the States right now.
Check the local wind speeds before heading to the Aerial Tramway. Even if it's 80°F at the bottom, the mountain station can be 40 degrees colder with 30 mph gusts. Pack a heavy coat if you're going up.
Keep an eye on the Tuesday, January 20 forecast. It's predicted to be the most "stable" sunny day of the week, making it the best bet for long-distance hiking or photography.
Prepare for the "overnight drop." With lows hitting 55°F regularly this week, ensure your rental or hotel has the heat set to kick on around 9:00 PM so you don't wake up in a frozen room.