You’ve probably seen those memes about California having only two seasons—hot and slightly-less-hot. Well, if you are looking at the forecast for Sunday, January 18, 2026, those jokes are basically reality.
Honestly, the weather in Los Angeles right now is doing that weird thing where the calendar says winter, but the thermometer is screaming July. If you're planning a hike at Runyon or just trying to figure out if you need a jacket for dinner at the pier, the short answer is: bring the sunscreen, keep the hoodie in the car.
The Numbers: What’s the weather tomorrow in Los Angeles?
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what’s actually happening tomorrow. We are looking at a high of 80°F. Yeah, you read that right. In the middle of January.
The daytime is going to be cloudy, which might actually be a blessing given that heat. We aren't talking about gloomy, rainy clouds, though. It’s more of that high-altitude cover that traps the warmth but keeps the direct glare off your face.
The Essentials for Sunday, Jan 18:
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- High Temp: 80°F
- Low Temp: 54°F
- Humidity: 33% (dry as a bone)
- Wind: 5 mph from the North
- UV Index: 2
Even though it’s 80 degrees, the UV index is sitting at a 2. That’s the "January" part of the equation kicking in. The sun is lower in the sky, so you won’t burn quite as fast as you would in June, but with 33% humidity, you’re definitely going to feel the dryness in the air.
That 10% Chance of Rain
You might see a little "10% chance of precipitation" on your phone. In LA-speak, a 10% chance of rain basically means it’s not going to rain.
The National Weather Service is calling for "periodic clouds" overnight, and while the moisture is technically there, it's mostly just enough to make your car look dusty if a single drop actually falls. Don't cancel your outdoor plans. Seriously.
Why is it so hot right now?
Usually, Los Angeles in January averages around 66°F. We are nearly 15 degrees above the "normal" mark. This isn't just a random fluke; we've been seeing a massive ridge of high pressure sitting over the West Coast.
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According to the latest Area Forecast Discussion from the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office, this offshore flow is what’s driving the heat. It’s pushing the cool ocean air away and letting the inland warmth settle over the basin.
The winds are coming from the North at about 5 mph, which isn't enough to be a "Santa Ana wind event" in terms of destruction, but it’s enough to keep the marine layer—that classic LA fog—from cooling us down.
Nighttime Vibes
Once the sun goes down, things change fast. This is the classic desert-adjacent climate trap.
The temperature is going to drop to 54°F at night. That’s a 26-degree swing. If you’re heading out to a show in Hollywood or grabbing drinks in Santa Monica, you’ll start the evening in a t-shirt and end it wishing you had a fleece. The sky will stay mostly clear with those periodic clouds, making it a pretty decent night for stargazing if you can get away from the light pollution.
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What to actually do with this weather
Since it's going to be a cloudy 80 degrees, it’s basically the perfect "active" weather.
- Hit the beach, but maybe don't swim. The air is 80, but the Pacific is still freezing this time of year. It’s great for a sand volleyball game or a bike ride from Venice to Santa Monica.
- Hike early. Even with cloud cover, 80 degrees with 33% humidity is dehydrating. If you're doing Fryman Canyon or the Griffith Observatory trails, do it before noon.
- Moisturize. I’m not kidding. 33% humidity is low for the coast. Your skin will feel it.
Looking ahead to Monday and beyond
This little heatwave isn't staying forever. The forecast models suggest a slow cooling trend will start early next week. By Wednesday, we should see the high pressure break down, and that sweet, sweet onshore flow (the sea breeze) will return to bring us back to the 60s.
But for tomorrow? Enjoy the "Winter Summer."
Next Steps for your Sunday:
- Pack a light layer for after 5:00 PM when the temp drops.
- Hydrate more than usual to combat the low humidity.
- Check for local "High Fire Danger" signs if you're heading into the canyons, as the dry air and north winds can be a tricky combo.