Honestly, if you're living in Sacramento, you already know the drill for January. One minute you're staring at a wall of Tule fog so thick you can't see your own mailbox, and the next, the sun breaks through and it feels like a teaser for spring. This coming weekend, January 17th and 18th, 2026, is shaping up to be a classic "Sacramento mix." We aren't looking at any major atmospheric rivers—thank goodness—but you’ll definitely want to keep that windbreaker or light coat handy if you’re heading out to Dine Downtown or catching The Lion King at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.
The big story for the weather in Sacramento CA this weekend is the transition from those moody, overcast Saturday vibes to a much brighter Sunday.
Saturday: The Clouds Are Moving In
Saturday, January 17th, isn't going to be a total washout, but it’s definitely the "cozy inside" day of the pair. We are looking at a high of 57°F. That’s a bit of a dip compared to the low 60s we’ve seen earlier in the week. The sky is going to stay pretty much locked in with clouds all day and night.
If you’re planning on hitting the Wasteland Expo at the Press Club or doing that tree planting event over at Jefferson Park, just be aware that the air will feel a bit damp. Humidity is sitting high at around 81%. While the "official" chance of rain is low—only about 10%—that kind of humidity often manifests as a misty drizzle or just that "wet air" feeling that sticks to your skin.
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Winds are going to be super mellow, coming from the west at just 3 mph. It’s not enough to blow your hat off, but it won't be doing much to clear those clouds away either.
Saturday Night Details
- Low Temperature: 41°F
- Condition: Cloudy
- Precipitation: 10% chance
- Wind: Light and variable
Sunday: The Sun Finally Makes an Appearance
Now, Sunday, January 18th, is where things start looking up. If you have the choice between doing outdoor chores on Saturday or Sunday, pick Sunday. No contest.
The clouds are expected to break, giving us a mostly sunny day with a high of 61°F. It’s funny how a four-degree difference can feel so significant when the sun is actually hitting your face. It’s the perfect weather for the last day of the Dine Downtown event—maybe grab an outdoor table if the restaurant has heaters.
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The wind picks up just a tiny bit, moving to 4 mph from the northwest. Still very calm. The humidity stays high (around 80%), which is typical for the Valley this time of year, but with the sun out, it won't feel nearly as heavy as Saturday.
What Most People Get Wrong About January in the Valley
A lot of folks from out of town see "sunny and 61" and think they can walk around in a t-shirt. Don't do that. Sacramento’s humidity in the winter means that 60 degrees feels a lot colder than 60 degrees in, say, the high desert. Once that sun dips behind a building or a cloud, the chill sets in fast.
Also, we’ve got to talk about the fog. While the specific forecast for this weekend shows "cloudy" and "sunny," January in Sacramento is prime time for Tule fog. Even when the forecast says sunny, we often deal with "high fog" or a morning layer that takes until 11:00 AM to burn off. If you’re driving on I-5 or Hwy 99 early Saturday or Sunday morning, give yourself extra space.
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Real Expert Advice for the Weekend
If you're heading to the Sacramento International Sportsmen’s Expo at Cal Expo, you'll be fine inside the buildings, but the walk from the parking lot can be a bear if the damp Saturday wind picks up.
For those looking at the 21st annual Dine Downtown, remember that Sunday night is the final night. With a low of 41°F forecast for both Saturday and Sunday night, the "Central Valley chill" is real.
Basically, the weather in Sacramento CA this weekend is predictable but requires layers. You don't need a heavy parka, but a sweatshirt under a light jacket is the local "uniform" for a reason.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Weekend:
- Saturday Planning: Stick to indoor activities like the Club Kinetic industrial ball or a show at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. If you must be outside, wear water-resistant shoes due to the high humidity and damp ground.
- Sunday Planning: This is your window for the Farmers Market or a walk along the Sacramento River. The sun will be out, so even with a UV index of 1, it's the better day for photography or outdoor exercise.
- Driving Precautions: Check the Caltrans QuickMap before heading out early in the morning. Even if the forecast doesn't scream "FOG," the Valley floor can surprise you with zero visibility in pockets.
- Check the Thermostat: With lows hitting 41°F, make sure your HVAC filters are clean. It’s that time of year where the heater is working overtime at night, and the AC might actually kick on for ten minutes in the afternoon if your house gets direct Sunday sun.