If you’ve stepped outside on Atlantic Avenue this morning, you probably noticed the air feels a bit different. Kinda crisp. Maybe even a little sharp if you’re used to that heavy South Florida humidity that usually sticks to your skin like glue. Honestly, January in Delray Beach is always a bit of a wildcard, but the 10 day weather forecast delray beach is showing us a rollercoaster that most people—tourists and locals alike—usually get wrong.
People think "Florida" and they pack nothing but swimsuits and flip-flops. Huge mistake.
Right now, we are looking at a system that just dumped a bunch of rain on us. Today, Thursday, January 15, we had about an 85% chance of rain during the day with a high of 69°F. But here is the kicker: tonight the temperature is diving down to 43°F. Yeah, 43. That is "light the fire pit and find your only hoodie" weather. If you’re heading to the Night Market or just walking near Old School Square, you’re going to feel that 13 mph wind coming off the northwest. It makes the 51°F current temp feel more like 47°F.
The 10-Day Outlook: From Shivering to Sizzling
So, what does the rest of the week look like? It’s basically a slow climb back to reality.
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Tomorrow, Friday the 16th, stays cool. We’re looking at a high of 66°F and another chilly night at 44°F. It’ll be partly sunny, so it’s actually perfect for a long walk on the beach—just don’t expect to jump in the water unless you’ve got some serious cold tolerance or a thick wetsuit. Even though the water temp is hovering around 75°F, that air-to-water transition is brutal when it’s in the 60s.
By Saturday, things start to shift. We’ll see the high jump to 74°F, though there is a lingering 20% chance of light rain. Sunday and Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) are looking like the sweet spots. We’re talking highs of 76°F on Sunday and a slightly cooler 66°F on Monday with tons of sun. It’s ideal for the South Florida Strawberry Festival happening just down the road in Boca or the Artisans of Wine & Food event running through the 18th.
Breaking Down the Daily Numbers
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Mostly sunny, high of 71°F. Great for golf or tennis.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Warming up to 73°F. The humidity starts creeping back.
- Thursday, Jan 22: We hit 76°F again. Mostly cloudy, but that tropical feel returns.
- The Big Finale: By next Saturday, January 24, we are looking at a high of 80°F.
Basically, you’re going from a winter coat on Thursday night to a tank top by the following weekend. That is classic Delray.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Delray in January
Everyone talks about the "Goldilocks" weather, but they forget about the wind. When the wind comes from the North or West, like it is right now at 19 mph, it strips the heat right off the land. The 10 day weather forecast delray beach shows wind directions shifting from West to North, then finally to the East by mid-next week.
When that wind flips to the East, it brings the warmth of the Gulf Stream back to the shore. That’s why we see that jump from 66°F on Monday to 80°F by Saturday.
Beach Safety and "Sea Pests"
If you are planning to hit the sand, keep an eye on the flags. With these shifting winds, rip currents are a real threat. Currently, several local beaches have been flying Yellow or Purple flags. Purple means "sea pests"—and this time of year, that usually means Man-O-War. These purple, balloon-like creatures get blown in by the onshore winds. They look cool, but their sting will absolutely ruin your vacation. Always swim near a lifeguard stand, especially at Delray Public Beach where the currents can get tricky around the sandbars.
How to Pack for This 10-Day Stretch
Since we're seeing a 37-degree swing between today’s rain and next week’s 80-degree sun, you need a strategy.
- Layers are everything. You need a windbreaker for the 19 mph gusts we’re seeing today.
- Forget the umbrella. In Delray, the wind usually breaks umbrellas or blows the rain sideways anyway. Get a decent rain shell.
- Nighttime gear. 43°F is cold for Florida. If you’re dining al fresco at Elisabetta’s or Dada, make sure you have a real sweater. Most places have heaters, but they can’t fight a 13 mph northwest wind.
The Local Vibe During This Forecast
Despite the chill, the city is at "High Season" capacity. Everything is open, but everything is busy. Because the weather is "cooler," you’ll find more people crowding the boutiques and galleries on Atlantic Avenue rather than sitting on the sand. The Delray Winter GreenMarket at Old School Square this Saturday (9 AM - 2 PM) is going to be packed because 74°F is the perfect temperature to wander around with a coffee and a pastry.
Honestly, the best part of this 10 day weather forecast delray beach is the lack of major storms. Aside from the rain we just had, the precipitation chances stay low (between 0% and 25%) for the rest of the period. It’s dry, it’s bright, and it’s why everyone pays the "sunshine tax" to live here.
Your Next Steps for a Delray Visit:
If you're heading out this weekend, aim for Sunday if you want the most sun and the least wind. Check the beach flags at the intersection of Atlantic and A1A before you set up your chairs. If you see purple, stay on the sand. Grab a reservation for any indoor dining on Friday night now—the cold temperatures will drive everyone off the patios and into the dining rooms, making tables even harder to find than usual.