Honestly, checking the weather in LA is usually a formality. You expect sun, you get sun. But January is that one weird month where the "Endless Summer" marketing actually hits a speed bump. If you’re standing in the middle of DTLA or grabbing a coffee in Santa Monica right now, things feel a little different than the postcard version of the city.
The Numbers: What is the temperature right now in Los Angeles California?
Right now, the mercury is sitting at 63°F in Los Angeles.
It’s currently nighttime, and the sky is mostly cloudy. For a city that basically runs on solar power and good vibes, it’s a bit of a moody atmosphere. There’s a light breeze coming out of the north at about 2 mph. You won't exactly be blown away, but you’ll definitely want a light jacket if you’re heading out to a late-night taco truck.
The humidity is hanging around 46%, which is pretty comfortable—not that bone-dry desert heat, but not sticky either. There is a tiny 8% chance of rain tonight, so while you probably won't get soaked, the clouds aren't just for show.
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Today’s Rollercoaster
If you feel like today was warmer than 63°F, you’re right. Earlier this Saturday, January 17, 2026, the high hit a very respectable 78°F. That’s the classic LA winter experience: literally "shorts weather" at 2:00 PM and "where did I put my hoodie" by 6:00 PM.
The low for tonight is expected to drop all the way down to 51°F.
That 27-degree swing is why Angelenos are obsessed with layers. You see people in the morning wearing parkas and UGG boots when it’s 55°F, only to see them in tank tops four hours later. It's not a fashion statement; it's survival.
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What’s Coming Tomorrow and Beyond
If you’re planning a hike at Griffith Park tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, you’re in luck. The forecast is looking solid.
- High: 76°F
- Condition: Sunny (mostly cloudy in the morning)
- Low: 59°F
Basically, tomorrow will be a slightly cooler version of today but with more consistent sunshine once the morning marine layer burns off. Looking further into the week, Monday and Tuesday are staying in that sweet spot of 74°F to 75°F.
The "Microclimate" Trap
Here’s the thing about asking what is the temperature right now in Los Angeles California: "Los Angeles" is a massive, sprawling area. The 63°F you see on your phone is likely the reading from LAX or a central station.
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If you are in Malibu, it might be five degrees cooler because of the ocean. If you’re in the Valley—say, Burbank or Van Nuys—it could be five degrees warmer. In the winter, the "marine layer" acts like a cold blanket over the coastal spots, while the inland areas soak up the sun.
Actionable Advice for Your LA Night
If you're out and about right now, don't trust the "78°F" you saw earlier today.
- Grab a mid-weight layer. 63°F isn't "cold" by East Coast standards, but with the 46% humidity and the north wind, it feels brisk.
- Check your tires. If that 8% chance of rain turns into a reality, LA roads get notoriously slick. The oil buildup on the 405 after a dry spell makes the first few drops of rain surprisingly dangerous.
- Plan for a clear Sunday. Since the UV index is going to hit a 2 tomorrow, you won't need heavy-duty sunblock, but you'll definitely want sunglasses for that morning glare.
Bottom line? It's a typical, slightly chilly January night in the city. Enjoy the break from the heat before the sun comes back in full force tomorrow morning.