You’re finally doing it. The bags are half-packed, the Disney Genie+ (now Multi Pass) strategy is mapped out, and you’re ready to hit Space Mountain. But then you look at the forecast for Anaheim this week and see something weird. 85 degrees on a Saturday? In January?
Honestly, Southern California weather is a total mood swing. People think "winter" in Anaheim means light sweaters and maybe a breezy afternoon. Usually, that's true. But this week is throwing a curveball that could absolutely wreck your park day if you aren't ready for the heat—and the eventual rain.
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The Weird Heat Wave and the "Real" Weather at Disneyland This Week
If you’re hitting the parks today, Saturday, January 17, leave the heavy spirit jersey in the hotel room. It is going to be 85°F. That is not "mild winter" weather; that is "I need a Dole Whip immediately because I'm melting in the Haunted Mansion queue" weather.
The air is dry too. We're looking at 22% humidity. It’s that crisp, biting heat that feels hotter than the number on the screen.
But here is the kicker: the desert climate doesn't care about your afternoon tan. Once the sun dips behind Pixar Pier, the temperature is going to crater. We're talking a drop from 85°F down to 51°F tonight. That is a 34-degree difference. If you go in wearing a tank top and shorts, you will be shivering by the time the first firework hits the sky.
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Breaking Down the Daily Vibes
Don't expect the heat to stick around forever. It’s tapering off fast.
- Sunday (Jan 18): Still warm at 81°F, but the clouds are starting to roll in.
- Monday & Tuesday: The "Sweet Spot." Highs of 76°F. This is basically peak Disneyland weather. Sunny, clear, and you won't need to change outfits three times a day.
- The Mid-Week Fade: Wednesday and Thursday start the cooling trend, dipping into the mid-70s with more clouds.
- The Weekend Pivot: By Friday, January 23, we’re down to 68°F.
Then comes Saturday, January 24. If you’re planning a weekend trip, listen up. The high is only 69°F, and there is a 40% chance of rain. Not just a "mist," but actual light rain forecasted for both day and night.
Why This Week is a Crowd Wildcard
Weather at Disneyland this week isn't the only thing you're fighting. You are smack in the middle of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend.
Usually, January is the "slow" season. Not this weekend. Between the holiday on Monday, January 19, and the fact that it's unseasonably warm, locals are going to swarm. Experts like Heather Thomas from WDW Prep School and the folks at Disney Tourist Blog have been flagging this specific window (Jan 16–19) as a high-crowd alert.
Basically, the parks will be packed while it's hot, then they'll get emptier as it gets colder and wetter.
The Refurbishment Trap
Because it's January, Disney is doing its "housekeeping." This is the time of year when big-name rides often go dark for maintenance. Specifically, it's a small world and Haunted Mansion frequently see downtime in January to remove their holiday overlays. If you're coming specifically for those, check the app daily.
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Also, keep in mind that Lunar New Year starts Friday, January 23 at Disney California Adventure. This is huge. It brings special food booths, Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, and a massive influx of people who just want to eat specialized dumplings. If you’re at DCA on Friday or Saturday, expect the walkways near Little Mermaid to be a literal parking lot of humans.
Dressing for the 34-Degree Swing
You’ve got to layer. There’s no way around it.
I’ve seen people try to power through a 50-degree night in a t-shirt because they didn't want to carry a jacket during the 85-degree day. Don't do that. You’ll end up buying a $75 Disney hoodie out of pure desperation.
- The Midday Strategy: For Saturday and Sunday, wear breathable fabrics. Think moisture-wicking shirts.
- The Locker Hack: If you don’t want to carry a coat, rent a locker on Main Street or just outside the park gates first thing in the morning. Stash your hoodies and beanies there.
- The Saturday Rain Prep: For Jan 24, don't buy the $15 plastic ponchos in the park. They're basically trash bags with armholes. Buy a decent reusable one or a lightweight rain shell before you get to the gate.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Stop checking the "average" January temperatures. They’re irrelevant this week. Anaheim averages 68°F in January, but you're hitting 85°F. Trust the immediate forecast, not the history books.
What you should do right now:
- Hydrate early: With 22% humidity today and tomorrow, you’ll get a headache before you realize you’re thirsty.
- Mobile Order everything: On a holiday weekend, the line for a corn dog will be 45 minutes. Use the Disneyland app.
- Pack for the rain now: If you’re staying through next Saturday, get your umbrellas and waterproof shoes ready.
- Check the "Sweethearts' Nites" schedule: There’s an event on Thursday, January 22. The park will close early to regular guests. If you don't have a special event ticket, you’ll be kicked out of Disneyland Park around 8:00 PM. Plan to hop to California Adventure or head to Downtown Disney that night.