So, you’re thinking about heading to the coast? Honestly, the Jersey Shore weather this weekend is looking a bit more "hot cocoa by the fire" than "toes in the sand." If you were hoping for a surprise January thaw, I’ve got some news that might dampen those spirits—literally. We’re looking at a pretty classic winter setup across the boardwalks, from Sandy Hook all the way down to Cape May.
It's cold. Like, actually cold.
📖 Related: Why Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre Is Still Bangkok’s Best Kept Secret
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Jersey Shore is starting off under a thick blanket of clouds. The current temperature is sitting right at 27°F, which is exactly the kind of "crisp" that makes you regret forgetting your gloves. We’ve got a very light breeze coming from the east at just 1 mph, so at least the wind chill isn't biting too hard yet. Humidity is high at 87%, and there’s a tiny 10% chance of some snow flurries floating around right now.
What to expect from the Jersey Shore weather this weekend
If you’re planning to be outside, the high for today is only hitting 37°F. That's about as good as it gets. By tonight, we’ll drop back down to a low of 25°F. The clouds aren't going anywhere, and the chance of snow actually bumps up a bit to 25% during the day and 20% tonight. The wind is also going to pick up, shifting to the south at 11 mph.
It’s not exactly a blizzard, but it’s definitely not beach weather.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things take a bit of a turn. The high temperature is actually going to be lower than today, struggling to reach 27°F. We’re expecting light snow throughout the day, and it likely turns into a more steady snow by Sunday night. The low will dip to a freezing 20°F. With a west wind at 10 mph, it’s going to feel significantly colder than the thermometer says.
Surf and Tide Realities
For the brave souls (or maybe just the surfers) wondering about the water, the ocean isn't being particularly kind either.
- Saturday Surf: You’re looking at 2-3+ foot choppy waves with a sideshore current.
- Sunday Surf: It cleans up a little bit with 2-3 foot waves, but with air temperatures in the 20s, you better have a very thick 5/4mm wetsuit and some serious dedication.
- Tides: High tide today is around 6:03 AM and 6:26 PM. Tomorrow, look for high tide at 6:43 AM and 7:05 PM.
Is there anything actually happening?
Believe it or not, people still do stuff down here in the winter. The Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood is actually scheduled for today, Saturday, January 17. If you want to see people voluntarily jump into the frigid Atlantic while the air is 37 degrees, that's the place to be. There’s also an Ice Carving Competition over at Pier Village in Long Branch from 12 PM to 3 PM today, which, frankly, is the perfect weather for not having the art melt.
If you’re more into indoor vibes, the Wildwood Comic Con is running today at the Convention Center, and there’s a Pokemon Market at Bell Works in Holmdel.
Survival tips for the Shore this weekend
Don't be the person who shows up in a light hoodie and canvas sneakers. The dampness from the ocean air makes 30 degrees feel a lot colder than it does inland.
- Layer up. Seriously. Thermal base layers are your friend if you’re walking the boards.
- Check the roads. With snow chances hovering around 20-25%, the Garden State Parkway could get slick, especially on the bridges over the inlets.
- Wind protection. That 11 mph wind coming off the water will cut right through a knit sweater. Use a windbreaker or a heavy wool coat.
Basically, the Jersey Shore weather this weekend is telling you to stay cozy. If you're heading down for the events, enjoy the "off-season" quiet, but keep the heater on and the boots laced tight.
To stay ahead of the conditions, keep an eye on the sky starting Sunday afternoon as that light snow begins to move in, and make sure your travel plans account for potential dusting on the roads before the Sunday night freeze.