Honestly, if you ask someone what the temperature in California is right now, they’ll probably say "sunny and 70." It’s the classic postcard answer. But man, is that a simplification. California is basically a dozen different countries masquerading as one state when it comes to the thermostat.
Right now, as of Thursday, January 15, 2026, the general vibe across the state is mostly sunny, with an average current temperature sitting at 47°F. That sounds a bit chilly for the "Golden State," doesn't it? Well, that's because it's mid-January. We're in the thick of winter, even if our winter looks a lot like everyone else's spring.
Today’s forecast is looking at a high of 64°F and a low of 38°F. But here is the thing: nobody lives in "average" California. You’re either in the fog-chilled streets of San Francisco, the sun-baked valleys of Riverside, or the literal freezing peaks of the Sierras.
The Coast vs. The Inland Reality
Most people visiting don't realize how much the Pacific Ocean acts like a giant, moody air conditioner. You can be standing in Santa Monica enjoying a crisp 68°F afternoon, drive forty minutes inland to San Bernardino, and suddenly you’re stripping off your jacket because it’s hit 75°F.
In Northern California, it’s even weirder. The San Francisco Bay Area is currently seeing highs in the low 60s, but that morning fog—the "Tule fog" as the locals call it—can make 50°F feel like you're standing inside a refrigerator.
Actually, a lot of the state is dealing with some pretty intense humidity right now—around 90% this morning. That’s why it feels "raw" out there even if the sun is shining. The wind is barely a whisper, coming from the southeast at just 1 mph, so there isn't much of a breeze to clear out that dampness.
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Why 2026 is Feeling a Bit Different
We’ve been hearing a lot from experts like Dr. Daniel Swain over at Weather West about the "weather whiplash" we’re seeing lately. This year, we’re transitioning out of a La Niña pattern. Usually, La Niña means a bone-dry winter for Southern California, but 2026 has been a rebel. We had some massive storms earlier this month that dumped inches of rain on Los Angeles and San Diego, which is why everything looks so unnaturally green right now.
Basically, the climate is being a bit of a wildcard. While the UV index is low (around 2 or 3), don't let the clouds fool you if you're up in the mountains. The snowpack is thinner than we’d like this year because it’s been a "warm" winter overall.
- Los Angeles: Hovering around 68°F for the high today.
- San Francisco: Struggling to get past 61°F.
- The Central Valley: Cold, damp, and foggy, with highs near 58°F.
- The Sierras: Freezing at night, but bright and clear during the day.
What to Actually Pack
If you’re coming here this week, forget the "summer all year" myth. You need layers. Seriously.
When the sun goes down in California, the temperature drops like a rock. You’ll go from a comfortable 64°F at 2:00 PM to a shivering 45°F by the time you’re heading to dinner. It’s that dry air—it doesn't hold the heat.
The humidity is also something to watch. With it sitting at 76% to 90% across various regions today, that morning chill is going to bite. If you're near the coast, watch out for the "sneaker waves." The National Weather Service actually put out a warning about them for this Thursday. The water looks calm, but the Pacific has a way of surprising you.
The 2026 Outlook
Looking ahead, NOAA is suggesting we might have a 75% chance of moving into a "neutral" phase by the spring. What does that mean for your vacation? It means the predictability is out the window. We could have a "March Miracle" with tons of rain, or it could just get hot early.
For now, just enjoy the sunny skies and the 0% chance of rain for the rest of today. It’s a great day for a hike, just make sure you’ve got a beanie in your pocket for when the sun dips behind the hills.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check the specific "microclimate" of your destination before you head out. If you're moving between the coast and inland valleys, keep a medium-weight jacket in the car—you will 100% need it by 5:00 PM. If you're heading to the beach, stay off the rock jetties today due to the elevated sneaker wave risk.