You think you know the Jersey Shore. You've seen the boardwalks, smelled the saltwater taffy, and probably dodged a seagull or two. But Keyport is different. It’s tucked away in the "nook" of the Raritan Bay, and that geography does some weird, fascinating things to the local climate. Honestly, if you're just looking at a generic state map for the weather for keyport nj, you’re missing the nuance of why this "Pearl of the Bayshore" feels so distinct.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the town is sitting at exactly 32°F. It’s a damp, grey kind of morning with light rain falling. There’s a tiny bit of wind—only 2 mph coming from the southeast—but the humidity is a heavy 97%. It feels like the air is holding its breath.
The Weird Science of the Raritan Bay
People usually assume coastal weather means "warmer in winter, cooler in summer." While that’s basically true, Keyport’s position on the bay creates a micro-environment. Because the bay is shallower than the open Atlantic, it warms up faster in the late spring. This means early June in Keyport can feel like a tropical soup compared to the crisp, chilly breezes you’d find down in Cape May or Avalon.
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Conversely, that shallow water loses heat quickly. By January, the bay isn't providing much of a thermal blanket. Today's high is only expected to hit 34°F. As the sun goes down, things take a turn. We’re looking at a transition from light rain to light snow tonight, with the temperature dropping to a low of 24°F. The wind will shift too, picking up to about 6 mph from the northeast.
Rainfall, Snow, and the Humidity Factor
Keyport isn't exactly a desert. The town averages about 49 inches of precipitation annually. In January, you're usually looking at about 3.7 inches of that. Snow is the real wildcard here. On average, Keyport gets 27 inches of snow a year, but it rarely stays pretty for long. The high humidity—currently at 93% for the daily forecast—means that when it snows, it’s often that heavy, heart-attack "mashed potato" snow.
If you're planning a trip, keep these stats in mind:
- Hottest Month: July (Avg High 86°F)
- Coldest Month: January (Avg High 41°F)
- Wettest Month: July (approx. 5 inches)
- Windiest Month: March (avg 15.7 mph)
Why the "Sunny Day" Flooding Matters
You can't talk about the weather for keyport nj without mentioning the water. It’s the town's greatest asset and its biggest headache. Because Keyport is low-lying, it deals with what experts call "nuisance flooding" or "sunny day flooding."
Basically, you don't even need a storm. A particularly high tide, pushed by a certain wind direction, can send the Raritan Bay bubbling up through the storm drains. The First Street Foundation notes that about 20% of properties in Keyport are at risk. If you’re visiting and see water on the road near the waterfront on a clear day, don't be shocked. It’s just the bay saying hello.
Best Times to Actually Visit
Most people think summer is the only time to be here. They’re wrong. Late September is actually the sweet spot. The humidity finally breaks, the crowds head back to school, and the bay is still warm enough to keep the evenings pleasant. You get about 13.8 hours of clear or sunny skies a day in September, which is the highest for the entire year.
Spring is a gamble. One day it’s 65°F and the daffodils are popping up near the Yacht Club; the next, a nor'easter is dumping three inches of slush.
What to Do Next
If you're heading to Keyport today, pack for the slush. The chance of precipitation is 100% during the daytime. Since it’s hovering right at freezing, sidewalks will be slick.
For the long term, if you live in the area, keep an eye on the NOAA tide gauges for the Raritan Bay at Keansburg. It’s the closest reliable data point for predicting when the waterfront might get soggy. Check your sump pump now, because even though today is just "light rain," that 100% chance of snow and rain means the ground is going to be saturated for a while.