Honestly, if you're checking the temperature in Riverside California right now, you’re probably either planning a move, heading to UCR for a weekend, or just trying to figure out if you actually need a jacket for dinner at the Mission Inn.
The short answer? Right now, on this Thursday night, January 15, 2026, it is 63°F.
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It’s clear. The wind is barely moving—just a light 4 mph breeze coming out of the north. If you step outside, it feels like that classic Southern California "winter" night where the air is crisp but not exactly "East Coast" cold.
But here’s the thing about Riverside. The "right now" temperature is almost never the whole story. This city has some of the most dramatic temperature swings in the region. Earlier today, the high hit 78°F. That’s a 15-degree drop already, and it’s going to keep sliding down to a low of 51°F before the sun comes up tomorrow.
The Inland Empire Temperature Trap
Most people from the coast—think Santa Monica or Huntington Beach—treat Riverside weather like a monolith. They think it’s just "hot."
That's a mistake.
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Riverside sits in a basin. This means it doesn't get that consistent, cooling marine layer that keeps LA or San Diego temperate. Instead, the heat gets trapped during the day, and the lack of humidity (it was only 26% today) means the heat radiates away quickly once the sun sets.
Basically, you’ve got to dress in layers. Always. You’ll start your morning in a hoodie, sweat through your t-shirt by 2:00 PM, and be reaching for that hoodie again by 6:00 PM.
What to expect for the rest of January 2026
If you're looking at the forecast for the next few days, we’re entering a bit of a shift. While today was a beautiful 78°F and sunny, the long-range outlook suggests some "chilly" transitions are coming.
- Mid-January (Now): We’re seeing a stretch of clear, sunny days with highs hovering in the mid-to-high 70s.
- Late January Outlook: Expect things to turn a bit more "winter-like." Historical data and current trends suggest we might see some rainy periods between the 19th and 23rd.
- Temperature Swings: Don't be surprised if the highs drop into the low 70s or even high 60s as those clouds move in.
Why Riverside is Different from Los Angeles
When people ask about the temperature in Riverside California, they usually compare it to LA. That's like comparing apples to... well, very hot oranges.
Riverside is about 50 miles inland. In the summer, that 50 miles can mean a 20-degree difference. If it’s 75°F in Santa Monica, it’s 95°F in Riverside.
In the winter, the gap narrows, but the "diurnal range"—the difference between the daily high and the nightly low—is much wider in Riverside. It’s a semi-arid, Mediterranean climate. It’s dry. Today’s humidity peaked at 35% tonight, which is actually quite comfortable, but it means there’s no "blanket" of moisture to hold the heat in.
Real Expert Tips for Navigating Riverside Weather
If you're living here or just visiting, you need a strategy. This isn't just about looking at a number on an app; it's about understanding how that number feels in the Inland Empire.
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- Ignore the "Average": The average high for January is around 65°F, but as we saw today with a high of 78°F, averages are just a suggestion. We are currently about 13 degrees above the "typical" January high.
- Watch the UV Index: Even in January, the sun is strong. Today’s UV index was a 2, but it climbs quickly. If you’re hiking Mt. Rubidoux, the exposure is real because there’s very little shade.
- The Wind Matters: We get North/Northeast winds here (7 mph today). Sometimes those turn into Santa Ana winds—hot, dry gusts that can make a 75-degree day feel like a 90-degree furnace and send fire risks through the roof.
Practical Next Steps
Check the hourly forecast before you head out, especially if you’re commuting. If you’re heading toward the coast, the temperature will likely drop. If you’re heading further inland toward Palm Springs, expect it to rise.
For tonight, enjoy the clear skies. If you're going for a walk, that 63°F is perfect, but keep that light jacket handy because it’ll hit 51°F by dawn.
Keep an eye on the sky starting Monday, January 19. That’s when the next real chance of rain hits the basin, which usually means the "comfortable" 70-degree days will take a backseat to some much-needed California moisture.