So, you’re thinking about heading to the Delaware coast this week? Honestly, most people assume Bethany Beach basically shuts down the second the lifeguards pack up their chairs in September. But if you're looking at the Bethany Beach 10 day forecast right now, you’ve probably noticed things are getting a little... intense.
We aren't talking about a light sea breeze. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the town is currently sitting at a chilly 36°F with a "feels like" temperature of 27°F. If you’re standing on the boardwalk, that 13 mph wind coming straight out of the north is going to bite. Plus, there’s a 98% chance of rain today, though the local transition into snow is the real story for tonight.
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The Mid-Winter Rollercoaster
January in the "Quiet Resorts" is usually a game of chicken between the Atlantic moisture and the Canadian air dipping down. This week is no different.
By tomorrow, Monday, January 19, the rain and snow mix clears out, leaving us with a crisp, sunny day. It’ll hit a high of 39°F, but the low is dropping to a bone-chilling 22°F. You've gotta love that 57% humidity—it makes the cold feel a bit "sharper" than it would in a drier climate like out west.
What the next few days look like:
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Bright sun but genuinely cold. High of 29°F and a low of 21°F. This is probably the coldest day for a walk on the beach.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: We see a slight "warm-up" to 41°F. The wind shifts to the south at 19 mph, bringing in some clouds by evening.
- Thursday, Jan 22: The outlier. It’s going to be 48°F. If you’re local, this is your window to get outside before the next dip.
Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
In Bethany Beach, the thermometer only tells half the story.
Since the town sits right on the edge of the Atlantic, the wind direction is everything. On Sunday, Jan 25, we’re looking at northeast winds hitting 23 mph. When that wind comes off the water in the winter, it brings "heavy" air. Even if the high is 34°F that day, you’ll want a serious windbreaker over your wool coat.
Snow showers are actually in the forecast for both Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th. It's not exactly a blizzard, but with a 40% chance of snow on Sunday, the dunes might get a rare white dusting.
Fire, Ice, and Bad Timing?
Ironically, the cold snap aligns perfectly with the town's social calendar. The Fire & Ice Festival is the big talk around here. While the main event hits its stride toward the end of the month—with ice sculpture tours and live carvings—the pre-game is happening now.
Today, Jan 18, there’s actually a drink competition at Mango’s from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. It’s a ticketed event benefiting Beebe Healthcare. Honestly, given the 98% chance of rain and snow mix today, staying inside with a cocktail is probably the smartest move anyone could make.
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Later in the week, specifically Jan 30 and 31, the town shifts into high gear with a skating rink at the Garfield Parkway parking lot and a drone show. If the Bethany Beach 10 day forecast holds its current trajectory, it’s going to be a cold one for the ice carvers, which is great for the sculptures but tough on the spectators.
Survival Tips for a Bethany Winter
If you're actually visiting this week, don't just pack a light jacket. You need layers.
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- Waterproof Footwear: Between the slush today and the potential snow showers next weekend, sneakers will get soaked in minutes.
- The Windbreaker Layer: A heavy puffer is good, but if it doesn't block the wind, the Atlantic breeze will cut right through it.
- Check the Tide: Even in winter, a high tide combined with 20+ mph winds can cause some minor overwash on certain streets.
Basically, the back half of this 10-day window (Jan 24–27) is looking sunny but frigid, with highs barely cracking 30°F. If you’re coming for the views, they’ll be stunning. The winter light on the ocean is incredibly clear when the humidity drops like it's expected to on Tuesday (down to 40%).
Next steps? If you're planning to attend the Fire & Ice festivities, grab your tickets for the Taste of Bethany walking tour early, as indoor spots fill up fast when the forecast looks this "brisk." Check the wind speeds on the morning of the 25th before heading to the boardwalk—anything over 20 mph from the northeast means you'll want goggles if you're planning a long walk!