Honestly, if you're waking up in the Santa Clarita Valley this morning, you’ve probably already noticed that bite in the air. It’s that classic high-desert-adjacent winter vibe where the sun is blindingly bright but the shadows still feel like a refrigerator.
As of right now, we’re sitting at 65°F under partly sunny skies. It’s comfortable, sure, but the north wind is pushing through at about 4 mph, just enough to remind you it’s still mid-January. If you’re heading out to Central Park or planning a hike up Towsley Canyon, you’re looking at a pretty stellar day, provided you don't mind a little breeze.
Breaking Down the Santa Clarita Weather Today
Most people see a "sunny" icon on their phone and assume shorts weather. In Santa Clarita, that’s a rookie mistake. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we are looking at a high of 74°F. That sounds warm, right? But here's the thing: the humidity is hovering at a bone-dry 31%. When the air is this dry, the transition from sun to shade feels like moving between two different climate zones.
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The Numbers You Actually Need
- High Temperature: 74°F (expected peak in the mid-afternoon)
- Low Temperature: 46°F (prepare for a sharp drop after sunset)
- Wind: North at 6 mph, though some local gusts in the canyons could feel a bit peppier.
- UV Index: 2. It’s low, but the Santa Clarita sun is deceptive. You’ll still want the sunglasses.
The "mostly sunny" forecast is holding strong, but we do have a tiny 10% chance of rain during the day. Don't go canceling your outdoor BBQ plans just yet—that’s basically a meteorologist’s way of saying a stray cloud might sneeze on your windshield for three seconds.
The Evening Shift: Why the 46-Degree Low Matters
Santa Clarita is famous for its diurnal temperature swings. We’re gaining nearly 30 degrees from morning to afternoon, and we’ll lose them just as fast tonight. By the time the sky goes "clear" tonight, the temperature is plummeting to 46°F.
If you're heading to Town Center for dinner or catching a movie, a light hoodie isn't going to cut it. You'll want a real jacket. The humidity stays low at 31%, which means the air won't hold onto any of that daytime warmth. Once the sun dips behind the Santa Susana Mountains, the heat is gone.
Air Quality and Visibility
One upside to these north winds is the clarity. The South Coast AQMD is reporting "Good" air quality for the Santa Clarita Valley today, with an AQI of 36. Ozone is the primary factor, but everything is well within the healthy range. It’s one of those days where you can actually see the details on the ridgelines clearly.
Pro-Tips for Navigating the Day
- Hydrate: With 30% humidity, you’re losing moisture faster than you realize.
- Dress in Layers: This is the golden rule of Santa Clarita weather today. Start with a base layer, add a sweater, and keep a shell handy for the wind.
- Garden Check: With a low of 46°F, your sensitive tropicals should be fine, but if you have brand new seedlings, a little mulch wouldn't hurt.
Basically, it's a top-tier California winter day. It’s not "beach weather," but it’s perfect for literally anything else. Just don't let the 74-degree high fool you into thinking the 46-degree night won't happen. It’s coming for us.
Next Steps for Your Day:
If you're planning an afternoon at the park, aim for the window between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to hit that 74°F peak. If you're sensitive to dry air, keep some lotion and lip balm handy, as that 30% humidity will start to feel "scratchy" by late afternoon.