If you’re standing on Harbor Boulevard right now looking at the entrance, you’re probably feeling that weird California winter vibe. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and honestly, the weather today at disneyland is a classic example of why tourists from the Midwest laugh at us while locals are shivering in parkas.
We’ve got a high of 81°F hitting later this afternoon. Sounds like summer, right?
Wrong.
The low is bottoming out at 53°F. That is a nearly 30-degree swing. If you show up at rope drop in a tank top because the app said "81 and sunny," you are going to have a miserable morning. I’ve seen it a thousand times: families huddled in the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln lobby just to feel the heater because they didn't believe the "chilly morning" warnings.
What’s Actually Happening in Anaheim Today
Right now, it's mostly cloudy. The humidity is sitting at a crisp 26%, which is basically desert-dry. That lack of moisture is exactly why the temperature plummets the second the sun ducks behind the Matterhorn.
There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain, which in SoCal speak means "don't worry about it." You might see a stray drop on your windshield, but it’s not the kind of atmospheric river stuff we sometimes get in January. The wind is coming from the North at about 4 mph. It’s barely a breeze, but when you're sitting 180 feet up on the Pixar Pal-A-Round, you'll feel it.
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The Real-Time Stats for January 17, 2026:
- High: 81°F (Peaking around 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM)
- Low: 53°F (The "I need a hoodie" zone)
- Conditions: Mostly cloudy skies transitioning to full clouds tonight.
- UV Index: 2 (Low, but the California sun is deceptive; wear the SPF anyway).
The "Feels Like" Factor and the Marine Layer
People forget that Anaheim is only about 15 miles from the Pacific. We get this thing called the marine layer. It’s that thick, gray blanket of clouds that rolls in and makes everything feel damp and ten degrees colder than it actually is.
Today’s cloud cover is going to stick around for most of the morning. This is actually a gift for your photos—overcast light is "nature’s softbox," meaning you won't have those harsh shadows under your eyes in front of the castle. But it also keeps the heat from reaching the pavement early on.
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Strategy for the 30-Degree Swing
You’ve got to play the layering game. It’s the only way to survive the weather today at disneyland without spending $80 on a Spirit Jersey you didn't actually want.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): It’s going to stay in the 50s and low 60s. Jeans are a must. A light hoodie or a denim jacket is your best friend here.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): This is when that 81°F high kicks in. It’s going to feel hot in the sun, especially in stagnant areas like the Fantasyland lines. Peel off that outer layer. If you’re wearing a T-shirt underneath, you’ll be golden.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Close): The sun sets early in January. As soon as it goes down, that temperature drops like a rock. If you’re planning on watching the fireworks or the evening projections, get that hoodie back out.
Beyond the Thermometer: Crowds and Closures
Since it's mid-January, we're in a bit of a transition period. The holiday decorations are long gone, and we're officially in the "refurbishment season." Usually, this is when big E-ticket attractions like Splash Mountain (or Tiana's Bayou Adventure now) or Haunted Mansion might see some downtime.
Crowd-wise, it’s a Saturday. Even with "milder" weather, locals with Magic Keys tend to flood the parks on the weekends. Since it's not raining, expect the outdoor queues to be full.
Actionable Tips for Today’s Visit
- Rent a locker: Don't carry your heavy coat all day. Spend the few bucks to shove your morning layers in a locker on Main Street. Grab them at 5:00 PM when the chill sets in.
- Hydrate: 26% humidity is low. You won't feel yourself sweating because it evaporates instantly, but you'll get a "Disney headache" by 3:00 PM if you aren't chugging water.
- Sunscreen: A UV index of 2 doesn't mean zero. If you're fair-skinned, four hours in the 81-degree sun while waiting for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will still leave you pink.
Pack the hoodie, wear the T-shirt, and enjoy the fact that you aren't dealing with a Florida downpour or a Midwest blizzard. Just don't let that 81-degree forecast trick you into leaving your jacket at the hotel.