You’ve probably heard the jokes about Sacramento weather. One day you’re looking for a light sweater, and the next you’re wondering if you should’ve invested in a kayak for the commute. Honestly, that’s just life in the Valley. As we head into the middle of January 2026, the local atmosphere is settling into a pattern that’s actually pretty decent for anyone tired of the grey, soggy stretches we usually get this time of year.
Current conditions are hanging out at a cool 44°F as of early Saturday morning. It’s mostly cloudy, and the humidity is sitting at a thick 98%. Basically, it’s that classic, damp Sacramento morning where the air feels like a wet blanket. If you’re heading out early, there’s a tiny 7% chance of rain, but mostly you’re just dealing with some light 2 mph breezes coming from the east.
The 5 Day Weather Forecast Sacramento CA Explained Simply
If you’re planning your week, the 5 day weather forecast Sacramento CA looks surprisingly stable. We aren’t seeing any massive atmospheric rivers or "Pineapple Express" systems threatening to flood the basement. Instead, it’s a mix of clouds and some genuinely nice sun peaks.
Here is the breakdown of what the next few days actually look like:
Saturday (Today): Expect a high of 60°F. It’s going to stay mostly cloudy for the better part of the day, with a 20% chance of a stray shower. Not enough to cancel plans, but maybe enough to keep the car windows rolled up. Tonight, it dips to 41°F with north winds around 3 mph.
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Sunday: This might be the winner of the weekend. We’re looking at 62°F and mostly sunny skies. It’s perfect for a walk down by the river or hitting a mid-day farmer's market. Lows will hover around 40°F.
Monday: Back to business, and the weather is staying chill. High of 60°F with partly sunny conditions. If you’re commuting, the winds are negligible—just 2 mph from the west. Lows hit 39°F.
Tuesday: Solid sunshine. We’re holding at 60°F for the high and 39°F for the low. It’s that crisp, bright winter weather that makes the Valley actually look pretty good.
Wednesday: Clouds start creeping back in, making it mostly cloudy again. Temperatures stay consistent at 60°F, but the UV index drops to a 1, so it’ll feel a bit gloomier than Tuesday.
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What Most People Get Wrong About January in the Valley
A lot of folks assume January is just a lost cause for outdoor activities here. Historically, Sacramento averages about 3.74 inches of rain in January, which makes it one of our wettest months. But 2026 is giving us a bit of a breather right now. While we had some wild flash flooding earlier this month—specifically around January 8th and 9th—this current window is much calmer.
Actually, the big thing to watch for isn't the rain this week; it's the Tule fog. With humidity levels hitting 98% overnight and winds being almost non-existent, that thick, "can't-see-your-own-hood" fog is a real risk. It’s the kind of weather where 1-5 traffic becomes a literal crawl.
Why This Forecast Matters for Your Plants and Pipes
If you’re a gardener, these 39°F lows are the danger zone. We aren't hitting a hard freeze (usually defined as staying below 28°F for several hours), but it’s cold enough to make your sensitive succulents a little grumpy.
- Water your plants: Wet soil holds heat better than dry soil. A quick drink in the afternoon can actually protect roots from those 39-degree nights.
- Check your tires: Drastic temp swings from daytime highs of 60 to nighttime lows of 39 can mess with your tire pressure. If that little light pops up on your dashboard, it’s probably just the cold.
- Layers are everything: You’ll want a heavy coat at 7:00 AM, but by 2:00 PM in the sun, you’ll be stripping down to a t-shirt. It’s the Sacramento struggle.
The "comfort" factor this week is actually pretty high. Even with the humidity, the lack of biting wind makes 60°F feel like a dream compared to the East Coast or even the higher elevations in the Sierras.
The most important takeaway for the next five days is the consistency. We are stuck in a "60/40" loop—sixty degrees during the day, forty at night. It’s predictable, which is rare for a California winter. Take advantage of Sunday and Tuesday if you need to get things done outside.
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Actionable Insights for the Week:
- Best Day for Outdoor Plans: Sunday, January 18th. It has the highest temp (62°F) and the most reliable "mostly sunny" outlook.
- Commuter Warning: Watch for "patchy fog" on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Those light winds and high humidity are the perfect recipe for low visibility.
- Energy Savings: With highs hitting 60°F, you can probably give your heater a break during the mid-afternoon hours to save a few bucks on the PG&E bill.