You’re heading to see the Mouse, or maybe catching a game at the Honda Center, and you figure, "Hey, it’s Southern California. I’ll pack shorts and a tee and call it a day." Honestly? That’s the easiest way to end up shivering in a $70 souvenir sweatshirt by 6 PM.
The weather in Anaheim California this week is doing that classic desert-fringe dance where the daytime feels like a mid-summer dream and the night feels like a brisk autumn morning. We are looking at a week starting Sunday, January 18, 2026, that kicks off with a massive temperature swing. Today, the high is hitting a whopping 81°F under full sun. But don't let that fool you into thinking the heat sticks around. By the time the sun dips, it’s plummeting to 47°F.
That’s a 34-degree difference. If you aren't prepared for that kind of shift, your California dreaming turns into a chilly reality real fast.
The Mid-Week Fade: What to Expect Through Saturday
The heat doesn't stay at those peak levels for long. Basically, Sunday is the outlier. As we move into Monday, January 19, things "cool down" to a very pleasant 75°F with clear skies. It’s perfect walking weather.
Tuesday stays in that sweet spot around 77°F, but you’ll start to see some "mostly cloudy" conditions creeping in by the evening. This marks a shift in the atmospheric pressure. By Wednesday, January 21, the clouds really move in, capping the high at 73°F. You might even feel a tiny bit of moisture in the air, though the rain chance is hovering at a low 10%.
The Late-Week Humidity Creep
Something weird happens toward the end of the week. While the temperatures keep dropping—hitting 71°F on Thursday and settling at 68°F for Friday and Saturday—the humidity actually starts to climb.
We go from a very dry 27% humidity on Sunday to a much "heavier" 62% by Friday, January 23. This is typical for January in Orange County. The marine layer starts to get a bit more stubborn, and those "partly sunny" days feel a bit more damp than the crisp, dry heat of the weekend.
Real Talk on the Rain "Threat"
Let's look at the numbers for the back half of the week.
Thursday, January 22, shows a 15% chance of rain during the day and night.
Friday stays at 10% for the day but jumps to 15% at night.
Saturday, January 24, is the most "unsettled" with a 20% chance of rain during the nighttime hours.
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Is it going to pour? Probably not. We’re talking about "nuisance rain"—the kind of stuff that makes the pavement look dark but doesn't actually require a full poncho. Still, with the humidity rising to 61% on Saturday, that 68°F high is going to feel significantly cooler than the 75°F you enjoyed on Monday.
Why January in Anaheim is Kinda Sneaky
Most people look at the average January high of about 68°F and think it’s "cool." But as this week shows, the variation is wild. You have an 81-degree Sunday followed by a 68-degree Saturday.
The wind is also a factor, though it’s pretty calm this week. We’re seeing speeds between 3 mph and 6 mph, mostly coming from the South or Southwest. It’s not enough to blow your hat off, but that 6 mph southern breeze on a cloudy 68-degree Saturday will definitely make you glad you brought a light jacket.
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Expert Packing Hack: The "Three-Tier" System
Since you’re dealing with everything from 81°F to 47°F, you have to layer.
- The Base: A breathable cotton tee for the afternoon sun.
- The Mid: A light hoodie or a flannel.
- The Outer: A windbreaker or a light puff jacket for the late-night walk back to the hotel.
If you’re at Disneyland, keep in mind that the concrete holds heat during the day but radiates "cold" once the sun is gone. You’ll feel that 49°F low much more intensely when you’re standing still for a fireworks show.
Looking Ahead: Sunday, January 25
If you’re extending your stay into next weekend, the weather in Anaheim California this week ends on a slightly warming note. Sunday, Jan 25, is looking to bounce back to 70°F with a low of 47°F. The rain chance stays low at 15%, so the pattern of "partly sunny with a hint of clouds" remains the dominant vibe.
Basically, it's a stellar week for travel as long as you respect the sunset. When that sun goes down, the desert air takes over, and the "California heat" disappears in an instant.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Pack at least one pair of long pants; you'll regret shorts by 7:00 PM every night this week.
- Check the UV index on Sunday and Monday—it's only a 2 or 3, but that 81°F sun can still give you a surprise burn if you're out all day.
- Keep a lightweight, water-resistant layer in your bag for the Friday/Saturday evening window when the rain chance hits 20%.