Palm Desert Weather in January
Palm Desert in January sees pleasant daytime temperatures of 21°C (70°F) and nighttime lows of 7°C (45°F). Low rainfall is typical, with around 19 mm (0.7 in) for the month.
Rainfall in Palm Desert in January
Based on our climate data of the past 30 years, about 2 days of rain are anticipated, with 19 mm (0.7 in) on average. Although rain is not especially frequent, individual showers can still be quite heavy.
Temperature in Palm Desert in January
January tends to be one of the perfect months in Palm Desert, with 21°C (70°F) in the afternoon and 7°C (45°F) overnight. January is in the winter season. Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. At 7°C (45°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Average water temperature in January
The water temperature is 15°C (59°F) — chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, January is a great time to visit.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Palm Desert's climate page.
Palm Desert Temperature in January
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
21°C (70°F)
Water Temperature
15°C (59°F) *
Chance of Rain
7%
Precipitation
19 mm (0.7 in)
Rainy days
2 days
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Palm Desert typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 21°C (70°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Palm Desert in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Palm Desert spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Palm Desert historical weather extremes in January
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Palm Desert between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- Palm Desert recorded its highest January temperature of 33°C (91°F) on January 31, 2003.
- The lowest daytime temperature in January was 9°C (48°F), recorded on January 6, 1993.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -7°C (19°F) on January 29, 1979, marking the coldest January night on record.
Best Places in the United States of America in January
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Palm Desert in January
For Palm Desert in January, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Almost no rain is expected, so no need to bring rain gear. With water temperatures around 15°C (59°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough.What To Do in Palm Desert in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Palm Desert's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Water Temp
See the full Palm Desert climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
