If you just landed at LAX and expected a "chilly" California January, you're probably staring at your suitcase full of sweaters with a bit of regret right now. Honestly, the weather in los angeles california next 10 days is doing that classic thing where it pretends winter doesn't actually exist on the West Coast.
We are looking at a stretch of weather that basically feels like a late-May dream, at least for the first half of the forecast. But don't get too comfortable in those flip-flops because the Pacific has a way of flipping the script just when you've forgotten where you put your umbrella.
The Immediate Outlook: Sun-Drenched and Balmy
Right now, Los Angeles is sitting under a high-pressure ridge that is keeping things significantly warmer than the "normal" 68°F average for this time of year. Today, Friday, January 16, we hit a high of 81°F. It’s sunny, it’s dry, and the humidity is hovering around 39%, which is basically the sweet spot for outdoor dining.
Moving into the weekend, Saturday (January 17) stays warm with a high of 79°F and a low of 56°F. It'll be mostly cloudy, but don't let that fool you—the UV index is still sitting at a 2, so you can still catch a burn if you're out at the beach all day. Sunday drops slightly to 76°F, maintaining that "mostly cloudy" vibe that keeps the heat from feeling oppressive.
💡 You might also like: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
The real "Chamber of Commerce" weather hits Monday and Tuesday (January 19-20). We're talking high temperatures between 74°F and 76°F with basically zero chance of rain. If you’ve got a hike planned for Griffith Park or a day at Santa Monica, this is your window. The wind is staying low, mostly southwest at about 2 mph, so there’s no real breeze to speak of.
When the Pattern Breaks: Rain is on the Radar
You've probably heard people say it never rains in Southern California. Kinda true, until it isn't.
By mid-week, things start to shift. Wednesday, January 21, marks the beginning of a cooling trend. We’ll see a high of 72°F and the humidity will start to creep up into the 30s. Then comes the transition. Thursday, January 22, is the pivot point. While the daytime high is a respectable 69°F, the nighttime precipitation chance jumps to a whopping 75%.
📖 Related: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
The 10-Day Breakdown
To make it easy to digest, here is how the numbers look for the weather in los angeles california next 10 days:
- Saturday (Jan 17): 79°F High / 56°F Low. Mostly cloudy.
- Sunday (Jan 18): 76°F High / 59°F Low. Mostly cloudy.
- Monday (Jan 19): 74°F High / 55°F Low. Mostly sunny and clear.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): 76°F High / 55°F Low. Perfectly sunny.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): 72°F High / 58°F Low. Mostly sunny, turning cloudy at night.
- Thursday (Jan 22): 69°F High / 56°F Low. Light rain expected overnight.
- Friday (Jan 23): 66°F High / 55°F Low. This is the wet one. Rain and showers all day.
- Saturday (Jan 24): 68°F High / 55°F Low. Lingering showers, then clearing.
- Sunday (Jan 25): 71°F High / 56°F Low. Partly sunny, recovering.
- Monday (Jan 26): 73°F High / 58°F Low. Back to the "classic" LA vibes.
Friday, January 23, looks to be the "messy" day. We’re expecting a high of only 66°F with rain chances holding steady at 75% through both day and night. Humidity will spike to 60%. If you're driving the 405 that day, good luck—everyone forgets how to drive the second a raindrop hits the pavement.
Why Does This Happen Every January?
It’s easy to look at an 80-degree day in January and think the world is ending, but meteorologically speaking, this is a result of offshore flow. When air moves from the high deserts down toward the coast, it compresses and warms up. This is often associated with the Santa Ana winds, though the current forecast shows very light wind speeds, meaning we're getting the warmth without the annoying gusts.
👉 See also: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
National Weather Service discussions for the Los Angeles/Oxnard area mention a "slow cooling trend" starting after this weekend. This is usually driven by the return of the marine layer—that thick wall of clouds that rolls in from the Pacific. It’s what keeps the beaches at 69°F while the valleys might still be pushing 80°F.
Actionable Tips for the Next 10 Days
Don't let the forecast catch you off guard. Here is what you actually need to do to handle the weather in los angeles california next 10 days:
- Hydrate Early: The humidity is exceptionally low this weekend (down to 23% on Saturday). You will get dehydrated faster than you realize, even if it doesn't feel "hot."
- The 2:00 PM Layer Rule: It’ll be 80 degrees at 2:00 PM and 55 degrees by 8:00 PM. Never leave the house without a light jacket in the car. The 25-degree temperature swing is a classic LA trap.
- Plan Indoor Activities for Friday: January 23 is the only real "washout" in the forecast. Use that day for the Getty Center, LACMA, or finally seeing that movie you've been putting off.
- Check Your Wipers: Since it hasn't rained much lately, your windshield wipers are probably dry-rotted. Check them now before the Thursday night showers arrive.
The bottom line? Enjoy the heatwave while it lasts. By the time we hit the end of next week, the temperatures will stabilize back into the low 70s, which is exactly why everyone pays the "sunshine tax" to live here.