Right now, it is 49°F in Las Vegas.
If you’re standing on the Strip tonight, January 17, 2026, you’re feeling a crisp, clear night. Honestly, it’s that specific kind of desert cold that sneaks up on you the second the sun dips behind the Spring Mountains. Most people pack for Vegas like they’re heading into a blast furnace, but right now? You’d be shivering in a t-shirt. The wind is basically non-existent—clocking in at 0 mph from the west—which helps, but that 29% humidity means the air is bone-dry.
It’s clear skies out there. Perfect for looking up at the neon, though maybe not for a poolside cocktail.
Why the Temperature in Vegas Right Now Matters More Than You Think
Vegas weather is a liar. People see "desert" on a map and think 100 degrees year-round. Wrong. We’re currently in the middle of January, which is technically the coldest month in the valley. Earlier today, we hit a pleasant high of 69°F, but the drop-off is aggressive.
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You’ve probably heard the term "diurnal temperature variation." It’s a fancy way of saying the desert doesn't hold onto heat. Since there’s no moisture in the air to trap the warmth, the temperature plummeting 20 or 30 degrees in a few hours is totally normal. If you're heading out to dinner at the Wynn or catching a show at the Sphere, that 49°F is going to feel much colder because of how fast it arrived.
The Real Forecast for Today: Saturday, January 17, 2026
If you’re planning the rest of your Saturday, here is the breakdown of what the sky is actually doing:
- Daytime High: We reached 69°F. It was a gorgeous, sunny day with a UV index of 3.
- Tonight's Low: It’s heading down to 42°F.
- Sky Conditions: Currently clear, but it’ll transition to mostly cloudy as we get deeper into the night.
- Rain Chance: Basically zero. There's a tiny 10% chance of a stray shower overnight, but don't bet your bankroll on it.
The wind is staying calm at around 5 mph from the north. In Vegas terms, that’s a "dead calm" day. When the wind actually kicks up here, it funnels through the buildings on the Strip and creates a wind-chill effect that feels like a slap in the face. You’re lucky tonight; it’s still.
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What Most People Get Wrong About January in the Mojave
There’s this weird myth that Vegas is a tropical escape in the winter. It’s not. It’s a "dry cold" escape.
If you’re coming from Chicago or New York, sure, 49°F feels like a heatwave. But if you're coming from LA or Phoenix, you're going to want a real coat. I’ve seen tourists huddled under the outdoor heaters at Beer Park looking absolutely miserable because they only brought hoodies.
The low tonight of 42°F is actually pretty standard for mid-January. Historical averages usually hover around a high of 58°F and a low of 38°F. So, today was actually significantly warmer than the "normal" Vegas winter day. We’re in a bit of a warm patch, relatively speaking.
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Looking Ahead: Sunday and Monday
If you're staying through the weekend, the ride stays pretty consistent.
Sunday, January 18, cools down a bit with a high of 64°F and another chilly low of 42°F. It’ll be mostly cloudy during the day, so that "pleasant sun" won't be there to take the edge off the air. Monday, January 19, jumps back up to 69°F under sunny skies. Basically, it’s classic desert winter: beautiful days, jacket-required nights.
Practical Steps for Your Vegas Night
Since it's 49°F and dropping, here’s how to actually handle the city tonight:
- The Walk is Longer Than It Looks: Walking from Caesars Palace to the Bellagio takes about 15 minutes. At 49°F with no sun, you will feel every minute of it. Wear a mid-weight jacket.
- Hydrate Harder: Dry air (29% humidity) plus alcohol plus walking is a recipe for a massive headache. The cold hides how much you're dehydrating. Drink a water between every drink at the casino.
- Forget the Pool: Unless your hotel has a specifically heated indoor-outdoor setup or a very aggressive hot tub scene, pool season is dead. Most Strip pools are closed for maintenance or "winterized" right now.
- Indoor Comfort: Every casino is cranked to about 70-72°F. The "thermal shock" of walking from a 49-degree sidewalk into a 72-degree casino is real. Layers are your best friend.
Vegas is great in January because the crowds are thinner and the air is crisp, but you have to respect the thermometer. It isn't the "surface of the sun" Vegas right now—it's the "chilly high-desert" Vegas. Pack accordingly and enjoy the clear views of the lights.