If you’re looking at the forecast for Half Moon Bay this Saturday, January 17, 2026, and thinking it’s just another "grey coastal day," you’re kinda missing the lead. Honestly, the numbers tell a much more interesting story than the standard "cloudy" icon on your phone might suggest.
While the rest of the Bay Area might be shivering through a standard January funk, Half Moon Bay is pulling a bit of a fast one. We’re looking at a high of 65°F. For mid-January, that’s actually pretty stellar. Usually, you’d expect something closer to 57°F, but today is leaning into that "mild California winter" vibe everyone in the Midwest is jealous of.
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The sky? Yeah, it’s cloudy. Both day and night. But don't let that discourage you.
Why Saturday’s Forecast is a Bit Sneaky
Most people see "10% chance of rain" and start worrying about their hiking boots or outdoor brunch plans. Don't. A 10% chance of rain in Half Moon Bay basically means the air is damp and the ocean is thinking about it, but you're probably not going to get soaked. It’s more of a persistent mist or a "marine layer" feel than an actual storm.
The wind is the real hero here. It's coming from the east at 9 mph. That’s a light breeze. More importantly, an easterly wind is "offshore" for our stretch of the coast. For the non-surfers: that means the wind is blowing from the land toward the ocean. This creates that crisp, clean look on the water and keeps the chill from biting too hard when you’re standing on the sand.
The Saturday Breakdown
- Current Temps: We’re sitting at 56°F right now (nighttime), with a low of 52°F expected.
- The Peak: Expect that 65°F high to hit mid-afternoon.
- Humidity: It’s hanging around 66%. It feels like the coast. It’s that heavy, salty air that makes your hair go wild but feels great in your lungs.
- UV Index: It’s a flat 0. You won't need the heavy-duty sunscreen, but the clouds aren't a total shield, so maybe don't go totally unprotected if you've got sensitive skin.
If you’re heading down Highway 1, the tide is something you actually need to watch more than the rain. We had a low tide of -0.61 ft at 4:08 PM, which is pretty dramatic. If you missed that, the next high tide is 4.43 ft at 11:13 PM.
Surfing and Mavericks
Is Mavericks "on" this Saturday? Not exactly. The swell is coming in at about 2.5 to 3 feet with a long 17-18 second period. It’s "clean," thanks to those east winds, but it’s definitely not the giant-slayer day the pros wait for. It’s more of a day for the longboards at Princeton Jetty or maybe a mellow session at Surfer’s Beach.
The water temperature is holding at 56°F. That’s actually a couple of degrees warmer than the historical average for January. You still need the 4/3mm wetsuit and probably booties if you plan on staying in for more than an hour, but it’s not the "ice cream headache" cold we sometimes get.
Real Talk on Gear
Basically, you’ve gotta layer. It’s the golden rule of the San Mateo County coast. When the sun manages to poke through a thin spot in the clouds, that 65°F feels like 75°F. The second a cloud thickens or the breeze shifts, you’ll want a hoodie.
I’ve seen people show up in shorts and then look miserable by 2 PM. Don't be that person. Bring a light jacket, wear comfortable shoes for the Coastal Trail, and honestly, bring a camera. Cloudy days at Pillar Point are sometimes more photogenic than blue-sky days because the light is so soft and even.
What to do with this Weather
Since it's not pouring, it’s a perfect day for the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. The dirt might be a little soft from previous rains, but it shouldn't be a mud pit.
- Morning: Grab a coffee in town and head to the bluffs. The east wind will keep the fog from feeling too oppressive.
- Afternoon: Aim for the 65°F peak. This is your window for a beach walk or hitting the outdoor seating at one of the breweries near the harbor.
- Evening: It stays mild. A 52°F low is remarkably warm for a January night. It’s perfect "bonfire" weather if you can find a legal spot, or just a great night for a window-side table at a seafood joint.
Stop checking the radar every five minutes. The 10% rain chance is a ghost. Just get out there, enjoy the offshore breeze, and take advantage of a Saturday that’s nearly ten degrees warmer than it has any right to be in the middle of winter.