Honestly, if you’re heading to the Land of the Mouse or just hanging out in Orange County right now, you’ve basically hit the weather lottery. Most people assume January in SoCal means "hoodie weather" and the occasional gloomy drizzle, but the weather in Anaheim for the week is throwing a total curveball. We are looking at a weirdly warm, borderline hot stretch that feels more like early May than the middle of winter.
It's 81°F outside as I write this. On January 17th. That is just wild.
While the rest of the country is likely scraping frost off windshields, Anaheim is sitting under a stubborn ridge of high pressure that’s keeping things dry and significantly warmer than the usual 68°F average for this time of year. But don't let the "mostly cloudy" label today fool you—the heat is real, and it's sticking around for a bit before a noticeable slide back to reality.
The Heat is On: Breaking Down the Forecast
If you're planning your days, you need to know that the peak of this "winter heat" is happening right now. Saturday is hitting a high of 82°F. Tomorrow, Sunday, isn't far behind at 79°F. This isn't just "nice" weather; it’s the kind of weather where you actually need to worry about hydration if you're walking five miles around a theme park.
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The real shift starts on Monday. We’re going to see the temperatures start a slow, steady descent.
- Monday and Tuesday: Expect beautiful, crisp sunny skies with highs in the mid-70s. This is the sweet spot.
- Mid-week (Wednesday/Thursday): The mercury drops into the low 70s and high 60s.
- Next Weekend: By the time we hit January 24th, we’re looking at a high of 63°F.
Basically, the weather in Anaheim for the week is a staircase. You're starting at the top floor in a t-shirt and ending at the bottom floor looking for a light jacket.
Rain? Not Really, But Keep an Eye Out
Everyone always asks about the rain. Southern California "winter" rain is notoriously unpredictable, but the data from Google Weather right now shows a very low risk for the majority of the week. We’re seeing maybe a 10% to 20% chance of a stray shower toward the end of next week (specifically Friday and Saturday), but honestly, it’s nothing that should ruin your plans. The humidity is currently sitting at a bone-dry 18%, which is typical for these offshore wind patterns we get this time of year.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Anaheim Winters
The biggest mistake visitors make is looking at the high temperature and forgetting the desert-adjacent geography. In Anaheim, the "diurnal temperature swing" is a real thing.
Even on a day like today where it hits 82°F, the temperature will crater as soon as the sun dips behind the Santa Ana Mountains. We are looking at lows of 51°F to 54°F every single night this week. That is a 30-degree drop. If you head out at noon in shorts and stay for the fireworks, you are going to be miserable by 8:00 PM.
It’s also worth noting the UV index. Even though it’s January and the "number" is low (around a 2 or 3 this week), that California sun is direct. You can still get a burn if you're out all day, especially with the clear skies predicted for Monday and Tuesday.
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Expert Tips for Navigating the Week
Since I’ve spent way too much time tracking these Santa Ana wind patterns, here is how you should actually handle this week:
- The "Morning Fog" Myth: Often, the forecast says "mostly cloudy" in the morning, which locals call the May Gray or June Gloom (even in January). Usually, this burns off by 11:00 AM. Don't cancel your outdoor lunch just because it looks gray at breakfast.
- Wind Patterns: Today we have a light breeze from the east at 5 mph. This is what’s keeping the air warm. When the wind shifts to the south or southwest later in the week, that’s when the ocean air kicks in and brings that chillier, damp feeling.
- The Theme Park Strategy: If you're at Disney, Monday and Tuesday are your "golden days." The sun is out, the air is mid-70s, and it’s not as stifling as the 82°F Saturday peak.
Actionable Next Steps
To make the most of the weather in Anaheim for the week, you need to be proactive. Here is your immediate checklist:
- Pack in layers: Carry a packable windbreaker or a light hoodie for after 5:00 PM.
- Hydrate early: With humidity at 18%, you’ll lose moisture faster than you realize without feeling "sweaty."
- Sun protection: Wear at least SPF 30 on Monday and Tuesday when the "sunny" conditions are at their peak.
- Check the wind: If you see the wind speed picking up toward Friday (forecasted at 6 mph from the south), expect the temperature to feel about 5 degrees cooler than the actual reading due to the Pacific influence.
This week is a transition period. Enjoy the heat while it lasts, because by next Saturday, the "winter" part of January is finally going to show up.