Honestly, if you're heading out to the desert this weekend, you're probably picturing yourself poolside with a drink in hand and not a cloud in the sky. And for the most part? You’re right. But there is a little bit of a "but" coming for the next few days that might catch you off guard if you only packed swimsuits and flip-flops.
The weather for Palm Springs this weekend is looking pretty stellar, though we are seeing a noticeable dip in those daytime highs compared to the early week heat.
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Today, Friday, January 16, is basically the peak of the warmth. We’re looking at a high of 79°F. It’s gorgeous. Clear skies, a light breeze from the northwest at about 7 mph, and the kind of low humidity (15%) that makes your hair look great but your skin feel like parchment paper. If you’re hitting the Patti LaBelle show tonight at Agua Caliente, just know it’ll drop to around 59°F after dark.
Saturday: The Transition Day
Tomorrow is where things start to shift. Saturday, January 17, brings in some "periodic clouds," as the local forecast calls it. The high is going to hit 76°F, which is still fantastic for wandering around the TASTE food festival at The SHAG House.
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But here’s the kicker: the wind is picking up.
Expect a north wind around 9 mph. It doesn’t sound like much, but in the desert, that slight gust makes a 76-degree day feel more like 70. By the time the sun dips behind the San Jacinto Mountains—which happens earlier than you think because of the shadows—the temperature is going to plummet to 53°F.
Sunday: The Chill Sets In
If you’re sticking around for Sunday, January 18, pack a sweater for your brunch. The high is only reaching 71°F. It’ll be partly sunny, but there’s a tiny 10% chance of a stray shower. It probably won't rain, but the "threat" is there.
Wait.
I know 71 degrees sounds like a dream to anyone currently shoveling snow in the Midwest, but for Palm Springs in January, it’s a bit of a reality check. The low will stay at 53°F, so those late-night comedy sets like Matteo Lane at the Plaza Theatre will definitely require a real coat.
What Most People Get Wrong About Desert Winters
People think "desert" and they think "hot."
That is a mistake in January.
The temperature swings here are wild. You can easily see a 30-degree difference between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. It’s called diurnal temperature variation, and it’ll catch you out every time.
If you're planning to hike the Tahquitz Canyon trails this weekend, start early. The UV index is hitting a 3, which is moderate, so you still need sunscreen even if it feels "cool."
Actionable Advice for Your Weekend Trip
- The Onion Strategy: Layers are your best friend. Wear a tee, a light cashmere or wool sweater, and a denim or leather jacket. You will likely use all three within a six-hour window.
- Hydrate or Die (Kinda): With humidity hovering between 13% and 16% this weekend, you are going to get dehydrated without realizing it. Drink more water than you think you need.
- Mountain Watch: If you’re taking the Aerial Tramway up to the top of Mount San Jacinto, remember it’s often 30 degrees colder up there than in the valley. If it's 76 in town, it might be 40 at the Mountain Station.
- Dinner Reservations: If you're eating outdoors at places like Workshop or Farm, ask for a table near a heater. Even with a high of 76, once that sun is gone, the desert floor loses heat fast.
The weekend looks dry, mostly sunny, and perfect for the various festivals happening around town, just don't let that Friday high of 79 fool you into thinking Sunday won't be brisk.