Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Palm Desert, United States, January brings a mild climate, featuring a maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F), an average of 11°C (51°F), and a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F). While the month experiences a modest precipitation amount of 37 mm (1.5 in) spread across roughly 4 rainy days, the overall humidity remains high at 72%. This combination of warmth and occasional moisture paints a diverse picture for visitors and residents alike, making January a unique time to experience the area's stunning desert landscapes.
In Palm Desert, January temperatures present a refreshing winter climate, with average daily highs reaching a pleasant 25°C (77°F), while lows dip to around -2°C (29°F). This month marks the beginning of a gradual warming trend throughout the year, as daytime temperatures steadily rise. The consistent average of 11°C (51°F) during this period contrasts sharply with the soaring highs found later in spring and summer, where temperatures can escalate to a scorching 43°C (109°F) by June. As the region transitions from the chilly grip of winter, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the crisp mornings followed by comfortably warm afternoons, making January a delightful time to explore the desert's stunning landscapes.
In Palm Desert, January typically ushers in the region's wettest month, with an average precipitation of 37 mm (1.5 in), falling over just four days. Following January, rainfall slightly increases in February to 41 mm (1.6 in), before trending downward into the drier spring months, with March and April receiving only 26 mm (1.0 in) and 15 mm (0.6 in), respectively. This pattern continues into May, where virtually no rain is recorded, highlighting the stark contrast in precipitation as the year progresses. Interestingly, while January and December may share similar rainfall amounts, they are often bookended by significantly drier months, showcasing the typical arid climate that characterizes Palm Desert. Overall, these trends reflect a clear seasonal rhythm, where a brief but notable rainy period gives way to a predominantly dry environment.
In January, Palm Desert experiences a humidity level of 72%, setting the tone for a month characterized by a moderate moisture content in the air. As the year progresses into February, humidity rises slightly to 77%, marking the peak of winter dampness before it begins a steady decline. By March, the humidity drops to 67%, and continues to fall throughout the spring, reaching a low of 46% by May and maintaining this dryness through the summer months. However, as autumn approaches, the trend shifts; September sees a rise to 52%, a precursor to the dip back to 66% in November. By the end of the year, December concludes with 74% humidity, creating a cyclical pattern that reflects Palm Desert's intriguing climatic rhythm: a humid start blossoming into dry summers and a gradual return to moisture as the seasons change.
In January, Palm Desert experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for about 30 minutes of safe sun exposure before the risk of burning increases. This pattern sets the stage for a gradual rise in UV levels as winter gives way to spring, with February's index climbing to 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes. By March, the UV Index escalates to a very high rating of 9, prompting sunbathers to limit their exposure to just 15 minutes. The trend continues into April and May, where the index hits 11 and 12, categorizing these months as extreme, with burn times sharply reduced to just 10 minutes. As summer peaks in July and August, the UV Index remains at its highest, emphasizing the need for diligent sun protection. The year winds down gently, with October seeing a drop to 8, followed by a return to moderate levels in November and December at 5 and 4, respectively, each permitting a more forgiving 30 minutes of exposure. For those visiting or living in Palm Desert, understanding these trends is crucial for safe sun enjoyment throughout the year. For more details, check out the Palm Desert UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Palm Desert boasts 196 hours of radiant sunshine, laying the groundwork for a mesmerizing year ahead. As winter transitions into spring, the sun's embrace gradually strengthens, with February increasing to 252 hours, followed by a remarkable climb to 304 hours in March. By April, sunshine reaches 331 hours, heralding the full bloom of spring and inviting outdoor adventures. The sunny streak continues to peak in summer, culminating in 381 hours in July, illustrating why this desert oasis is a popular retreat. Despite a slight downturn in August and September, the sunshine remains plentiful, trailing off to 262 hours in November and 233 hours by December. This consistent pattern of increasing sunshine hours emphasizes Palm Desert's allure, making it an ideal sanctuary for sun seekers year-round.
In Palm Desert, United States, January welcomes a 63% chance of sunny weather, setting the stage for a pleasant start to the year. As the months progress, this likelihood gradually increases, peaking in May and August at an impressive 84% and 87%, respectively. The consistency of sunny days continues into the fall, with September also boasting an 87% chance. However, as winter approaches, the odds dip again, with December showing a notable 51% chance of sun. Overall, Palm Desert enjoys a trend of increasing sunshine as it moves from the cooler winter months into the vibrant warmth of spring and summer, making it an enticing destination for sun-seekers.
In Palm Desert, January marks the beginning of the year with 10 hours of daylight, a consistent amount that sets the tone for the month. As the days gradually lengthen, February maintains this same duration, hinting at a slow transition into spring. By March, however, the days extend to 11 hours, and this upward trend continues, reaching a peak of 14 hours during the sun-soaked summer months of June and July. As summer fades, daylight begins to decrease subtly, with August enjoying 13 hours and September offering 12 hours. The slide back toward winter sees daylight diminish to 10 hours in November and then 9 hours in December. This gentle fluctuation illustrates a rhythmic cycle of light that characterizes life in this vibrant desert oasis.
In Palm Desert, January greets residents and visitors with gentle breezes, characterized by an average wind speed of 1.8 m/s (4 mph). This calmness sets the stage as the winds gradually increase through the early months of the year, reaching 2.1 m/s (5 mph) in February and peaking at 2.8 m/s (6 mph) in April. As spring unfolds, the winds mellow slightly, stabilizing around 2.5 m/s to 2.7 m/s (6 mph) during March and May before dipping again in the warmer summer months. Notably, July sees a return to the quieter winds of January, with speeds dropping to 2.0 m/s (4 mph). As the year progresses into the fall and winter, the winds maintain a consistent lightness, lingering around 1.9 m/s (4 mph) in November and December. Overall, the trend reveals a reassuring rhythm in Palm Desert’s January winds, ushering in a season of tranquility before the breezes build in strength as the year unfolds.
The weather in Palm Desert changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Palm Desert and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between January and February, we see some notable differences. January features a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F) and reaches a pleasant average of 11°C (51°F), with a maximum of 25°C (77°F). In contrast, February experiences slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F), but maintains a similar average of 11°C (52°F) and a slightly higher maximum of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation also increases from 37 mm (1.5 in) over 4 days in January to 41 mm (1.6 in) over 5 days in February, accompanied by higher humidity levels of 77% compared to January's 72%. For more details about February weather, you can check out Palm Desert weather in February.
In January, temperatures in Palm Desert range from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F). This month experiences about 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over four days, accompanied by a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, March sees a slight rise in average temperature to 13°C (56°F), with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum reaching up to 30°C (87°F). Precipitation decreases to 26 mm (1.0 in) over five days, and humidity levels drop slightly to 67%. For more detailed information about March weather, you can check out Palm Desert weather in March.
In January, the weather is characterized by cool temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), reaching a maximum of 25°C (77°F). There is a higher humidity level at 72%, along with 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over 4 days, making it a relatively wet month. In contrast, April experiences much warmer conditions, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average temperature of 18°C (64°F), peaking at a maximum of 34°C (94°F). The humidity drops to 56%, and there is significantly less precipitation, with only 15 mm (0.6 in) falling over just 2 days. For a closer look at the climate trends, explore Palm Desert weather in April.
In January, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) to a mild 25°C (77°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F), while May experiences significantly warmer conditions with temperatures varying from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a scorching maximum of 39°C (102°F), averaging 20°C (69°F). Precipitation in January is relatively higher at 37 mm (1.5 in) over four days, whereas May enjoys a much drier climate with only 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain and no rainy days at all. Additionally, humidity is higher in January at 72%, compared to a more comfortable 46% in May. For more details on the pleasant weather conditions in May, check out Palm Desert weather in May.
January and June present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a mild average of 11°C (51°F), with a maximum peak of 25°C (77°F). This month also experiences about 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over four days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 72%. In contrast, June showcases a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 10°C (50°F), averaging 26°C (80°F), and soaring to a sweltering maximum of 43°C (109°F). Additionally, June is characterized by minimal precipitation of just 2 mm (0.1 in) and enjoys clear skies with no rainy days, along with a lower humidity of 48%. For a closer look at the warm weather conditions typical of this month, check out Palm Desert weather in June.
In January, temperatures in Palm Desert range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a milder maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F). The month experiences a total precipitation of 37 mm (1.5 in) over about 4 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 72%. In contrast, July features significantly warmer weather, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to a sizzling maximum of 42°C (107°F), averaging 30°C (86°F). The days are drier, with only 11 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation recorded over just 2 days, and the humidity drops to a comfortable 46%. For a more detailed look at July weather, visit Palm Desert weather in July.
January and August weather showcase a stark contrast in temperature and humidity. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -2°C (29°F) and peak at around 25°C (77°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F) and a relatively high humidity level of 72%. Precipitation is modest, with around 37 mm (1.5 in) over four days. In contrast, August experiences a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 16°C (62°F) and maximum temperatures soaring to 42°C (107°F), resulting in an average of 29°C (85°F). The humidity drops significantly to 42%, and the month receives only 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over just two days. For more detailed insights, check out Palm Desert weather in August.
January and September present markedly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a comfortable average of 11°C (51°F), with highs reaching 25°C (77°F). This month typically sees 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over about four days, coupled with a relatively high humidity level of 72%. In contrast, September enjoys a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 9°C (49°F) and reaching a significantly higher average of 26°C (79°F). The month can experience extreme highs of up to 43°C (110°F), but it is also much drier, receiving only 5 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over approximately just one day. Humidity levels drop to 52%, making for a more comfortable, albeit hotter, atmosphere. For more details, you can check Palm Desert weather in September.
In January, temperatures in Palm Desert range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F). The month experiences higher humidity at 72% and receives about 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over four days. In contrast, October boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a striking maximum of 37°C (99°F), averaging around 20°C (68°F). Additionally, October is drier, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) of rainfall spread over just two days, and a lower humidity level of 58%. For a detailed look at the climate, check out Palm Desert weather in October.
Comparing January and November weather reveals notable differences in temperature and precipitation. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -2°C (29°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F) and a warm maximum of 25°C (77°F). The month sees about 37 mm (1.5 inches) of rain over 4 days, resulting in higher humidity levels at 72%. In contrast, November experiences milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to an average of 15°C (59°F) and a peak of 29°C (85°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 16 mm (0.6 inches) over just 2 days, contributing to lower humidity at 66%. For more details on November weather specifics, check out Palm Desert weather in November.
January and December in Palm Desert exhibit very similar weather patterns, with only slight variations in temperature and humidity. In January, the temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), compared to December's temperatures which range from -1°C (30°F) to 24°C (76°F). Both months experience the same amount of precipitation—37 mm (1.5 in) in January and 37 mm (1.4 in) in December—over four days, contributing to a humidity level of 72% in January and 74% in December. For more detailed insights into December weather, check out Palm Desert weather in December.
January in Palm Desert marks a fascinating contrast to the hotter months, presenting a refreshing chill with temperatures dipping to a brisk 11°C (51°F) on average. While the maximum temperatures reach a pleasant 25°C (77°F), evenings can be quite cool, occasionally plunging to near freezing. This unique blend of warm days and crisp nights, coupled with brief periods of precipitation—averaging only 4 rainy days a month—makes January an ideal time for those seeking outdoor adventures without the intense heat. With humidity hovering around 72%, the atmosphere feels both invigorating and crisp. To learn more about what to expect throughout the year, dive deeper into the Palm Desert Climate for a comprehensive overview.