Honestly, if you're waking up in Key West today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you've basically hit the jackpot, even if the sky looks a little indecisive. It's that classic "winter" in the Conch Republic where the locals pull out a light hoodie while everyone from up north is already in the pool.
Current conditions are sitting pretty at 72°F, but because of the humidity—which is hovering around 83%—it actually feels like 76°F. Not bad for mid-January, right?
The wind is coming in from the northeast at a gentle 9 mph. It’s just enough to keep the air moving so it doesn't feel stagnant, but not so much that it'll ruin your hair for those sunset photos at Mallory Square. Speaking of the sun, we're looking at a high of 72°F and a low of 70°F for the day. It’s a tight window, temperature-wise, which is typical for an island surrounded by moderating ocean waters.
The Forecast: Sunny, Cloudy, and Everything In Between
The day started out sunny, but things are shifting. As we move into the afternoon and evening, expect the clouds to move in. Most of the local radar is showing a "messy" cloud cover, with a few shallow showers darting across the water.
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You’ve got a 10% chance of rain during the day, which jumps to 20% tonight. It’s the kind of rain that usually lasts ten minutes—enough to make the tropical plants happy and then disappear before you can even find your umbrella.
What’s Happening on the Water?
If you’re planning on hitting the reef, the marine weather is actually quite decent despite the clouds. Surface sea water temperatures are holding steady at 75°F. That’s warmer than the air!
- Winds: North to northeast at 5 to 10 knots.
- Seas: 2 to 3 feet, though they might subside to 1 or 2 feet by tonight.
- Visibility: Averaging about 27 feet near Looe Key.
The big news for boaters is the cold front lurking on the horizon. It’s expected to push through late Sunday or Sunday night. Once that hits, things are going to get rough—we’re talking 20 to 25-knot winds and seas up to 9 feet by Monday. If you were planning a trip to the Dry Tortugas, today is definitely the day to do it before the "real" winter weather kicks in next week.
Key West Weather Today and the Big Race
It’s a massive weekend for the island. The 28th Annual Key West Half Marathon & RunFest is officially underway. Runners are lucky today; a high of 72°F with a light northeast breeze is almost perfect marathon weather. It’s cool enough to keep the sweat from becoming a problem but warm enough that you won't freeze at the starting line.
There's also the Southernmost Youth Regatta over at Truman Waterfront Park. The overcast skies predicted for the afternoon might actually be a blessing for the spectators, providing a bit of natural shade from the UV index, which peaked at a 4 earlier today.
Quick Snapshots for Your Saturday
Sunset today is at 6:01 PM. Since the forecast calls for cloudy skies tonight, we might not get one of those legendary "green flash" sunsets, but the cloud layers often make for some incredible purple and orange hues over the Gulf.
The moon is a 3% Waning Crescent, so once those clouds clear late tonight, it'll be a great night for stargazing or a late-night stroll down Duval Street.
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Why the Local Forecast Matters
Most people see "cloudy" on their phone and assume the day is a wash. In Key West, "cloudy" often means "thank god I'm not getting roasted by the sun."
With the humidity at 83%, a full-sun day can feel much hotter than the thermometer suggests. This afternoon’s overcast transition is actually making the outdoor events, like the Connections Project in Islamorada or the Movies Under the Stars (School of Rock) at Tropic Cinema, much more comfortable.
Planning Your Next Few Hours
If you’re looking for actionable moves based on the current weather:
- Get on the water now. The winds are calm (5-10 knots), but they will nearly triple by Sunday night.
- Dress in layers. That 72°F feels like 76°F right now, but as the 9 mph breeze picks up and the sun goes down, you'll want a light jacket for the 70°F evening.
- Watch the radar. With a 20% chance of rain tonight, check the local KBYX radar before heading to the Coral Reefer Band concert at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.
- Prepare for the Front. If you have a boat in the water, double-check your lines tonight. The northerly breezes coming Monday are going to be "fresh to strong," and the nearshore waters will get very rough.
Key West weather today is a reminder that paradise doesn't always need a cloudless sky to be perfect. Enjoy the 72-degree breeze while it lasts.