Honestly, if you're looking at a palm springs ca weather 10 day forecast and expecting a straightforward "desert summer" vibe, you're in for a bit of a shock. It's January 2026, and the desert is doing that weird thing it does where it pretends to be three different climates in a single afternoon. You’ve probably heard people say it’s always "pool weather" out here.
Well, kinda.
The reality is a lot more nuanced. Right now, as we move through the middle of the month, the Coachella Valley is caught in this tug-of-war between high-pressure warmth and those sneaky offshore flows that can make things feel a bit... well, complicated. If you're planning to visit between now and late January, you aren't just looking at one temperature. You're looking at a moving target.
The 10-Day Reality Check
Let’s get into the actual numbers because that’s what everyone’s searching for. Today, Sunday, January 18, we’re looking at a high of 74°F. It’s cloudy right now, but it’ll clear up by tonight. If you think that sounds like perfect T-shirt weather, you're half right. By the time the sun drops, that temperature is going to plummet to 55°F.
That’s a 19-degree swing.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is actually the peak for the next week. We’re hitting 77°F under full sun. It’s going to be gorgeous. But look at what happens immediately after. Tuesday drops to 71°F, and by Thursday, the high is only 64°F.
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Wait, what?
Yeah, the "Palm Springs heat" takes a lunch break mid-week. We’re seeing a cooling trend where highs stay in the mid-60s for a few days—specifically 65°F on Friday and 66°F on Saturday. It’s still "nice," but it’s "light jacket while walking through the Design District" nice, not "laying by the pool for six hours" nice.
Humidity and Wind: The Silent Comfort Killers
Most people ignore the humidity and wind speed, but in the desert, they matter more than the raw temperature. Right now, the humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 24%. By Monday, it dips even lower to 17%.
Why does this matter?
Basically, dry air makes the heat feel less oppressive, but it also makes the cold feel sharper. When it’s 53°F at night with 17% humidity, that air is going to bite. You’ll want a moisturizer that actually works—none of that watery stuff.
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Wind-wise, we’re lucky. We’ve got light breezes coming from the east and northeast at about 3 to 4 mph. It’s not the sand-blasting wind you sometimes get near the San Gorgonio Pass. It’s just enough to move the air around. However, if you're heading up to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, forget these numbers. It can be 30 degrees colder at the top. Seriously, pack a real coat if you're going up the mountain.
Packing for the Palm Springs CA Weather 10 Day Forecast
You’ve got to dress like an onion. Layers. Lots of them.
During that Monday peak of 77°F, you’ll be fine in a polo or a sundress. But for the rest of the 10-day stretch, especially when those highs hover around 64°F or 67°F, you’re going to want:
- A denim jacket or a light cashmere wrap for the evenings.
- Comfortable sneakers (save the sandals for the 77°F days).
- A wide-brimmed hat because even at 64°F, the desert sun is intense.
- Swimwear (because most pools in the valley are heated to 84°F anyway).
If you’re here for the Southwest Arts Festival (Jan 23–25), notice that the forecast for those days shows highs of 65°F and 66°F with a 10% chance of rain. That’s basically the desert’s version of "wear a sweater and maybe bring an umbrella just in case." Honestly, 10% usually means a three-minute drizzle that dries before it hits the pavement, but it keeps the dust down.
What Most People Miss
The UV index right now is around a 2 or 3. It sounds low, but don't let it fool you. The elevation and the lack of cloud cover mean you’re still getting hit with direct radiation. You’ll see tourists with bright red "winter burns" because they thought the 65°F air meant the sun wasn't working. It's working. Trust me.
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Also, the sun sets early. On January 18, you’re looking at a sunset around 5:00 PM. The moment that sun disappears behind the San Jacinto Mountains, the temperature doesn't just "cool off"—it drops like a stone. One minute you’re sipping a cocktail in a T-shirt, and ten minutes later, you’re shivering.
Moving Toward Late January
Looking further out toward January 26 and 27, things start to rebound. We’re seeing highs climb back up to 67°F and 69°F. The low temperatures stay consistent in the low 50s. It’s a very stable, mild winter pattern.
Is it the "hot" Palm Springs everyone imagines? No.
Is it better than 20°F and snow in the Midwest? Absolutely.
If you’re attending the "Singing the Birds" festival on January 24, be prepared for that 66°F peak. It’s perfect walking weather. Just don't expect to be sweating.
The most important thing to remember about the palm springs ca weather 10 day forecast is that the desert is a place of extremes. It isn't just about the high; it’s about the range. When you see a high of 77°F and a low of 53°F, that’s a massive gap.
Actionable next steps for your trip:
Check your hotel’s pool heating policy before you arrive; if the high is 64°F, an unheated pool is basically an ice bath. Pack a high-quality SPF 30+ even for the "cool" days. Finally, download a local wind alert app if you plan on hiking—while the valley floor is calm at 4 mph, the ridges can be a totally different story.