Honestly, most people think of Coney Island as a ghost town once the Wonder Wheel stops spinning and the Nathan’s Hot Dog lines thin out. They’re wrong. There’s a specific, moody magic to the boardwalk when the Atlantic starts acting up, but you’ve gotta be prepared for the reality of a Brooklyn January.
Right now, if you're looking at the Coney Island weather forecast, things are getting pretty real. As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re dealing with a current temperature of 33°F, but it feels like 27°F because of that northeast wind. It’s not just "chilly"—it’s that damp, salt-air cold that gets right into your bones.
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What’s actually happening outside?
Basically, we’ve got light rain falling at the moment. The humidity is sitting at a heavy 99%, which explains why the air feels so thick. If you’re planning on headed toward the shore this evening, don't let the "light rain" label fool you. With a 74% chance of precipitation currently and a 9 mph wind from the north, you’re going to want more than just a windbreaker.
The rest of today is looking even messier. We’re expecting a mix of rain and snow with a daytime high of 35°F.
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The Night Ahead: Snow is on the Menu
Tonight is where the forecast takes a turn. While the high was 35°F, we’re dropping down to a low of 26°F. The chance of snow jumps significantly to 90% during the night.
If you’ve ever seen the boardwalk covered in a fresh layer of white, you know it’s stunning. But practically speaking, the north wind and the drop in temperature mean any of that rain from earlier is going to turn into a slick, slushy mess.
Quick Snapshot: Today's Numbers
- Current Temp: 33°F (Feels like 27°F)
- Today's High/Low: 35°F / 26°F
- Precipitation: 87% chance of snow during the day; 90% at night.
- Wind: 9 mph from the North.
- Conditions: Rain and snow transitioning to cloudy by late night.
Why the Forecast Matters for Your Visit
Look, if you’re coming down here to take photos of the empty amusement park, today is your day for "moody." But if you’re traveling in from elsewhere in the city, keep in mind that the Coney Island weather forecast often feels five degrees colder than Manhattan because there are no skyscrapers to block the wind coming off the water.
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The UV index is a flat 0, so don't worry about sunscreen, but do worry about waterproof boots. With the humidity at 98% for the daily average, nothing dries out quickly.
Actionable Advice for Navigating the Chill
- Waterproof Everything: With a mix of rain and snow and 99% humidity, a standard wool coat will just act like a sponge. Wear a shell.
- Check the Trains: High humidity and freezing temps can sometimes mess with the outdoor sections of the N, D, F, or Q lines. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes.
- Timing the Snow: If you want that perfect "Snowy Coney" photo, tonight is the window, but the condition shifts to "cloudy" after the snow passes, so the lighting will be flat.
- The Wind Factor: 9 mph doesn't sound like much on paper, but on the beach, it's constant. Face protection is a game-changer here.
Coney Island in the winter is for the locals and the brave. Enjoy the quiet, but keep one eye on that 90% snow chance for tonight.