Laguna Beach in January is a bit of a mood. Honestly, if you’re looking for that "Endless Summer" postcard vibe with 80-degree heat and board shorts, you might want to adjust your expectations. But if you’re into crisp ocean air, dramatic cliffs, and having the sand mostly to yourself, this is actually the secret sweet spot.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the coast is looking a little moody. We’ve got a blanket of clouds and a current temperature of 61°F. It’s not freezing, but the breeze coming off the Pacific makes it feel a lot sharper than the number suggests.
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People think Southern California is just one long, unbroken sun-tan session. It isn’t. January is "real" winter here, which basically means you need a light jacket and a plan for when the marine layer decides to park itself over PCH for the afternoon.
Breaking Down the Laguna Beach Weather 10 Day Forecast
If you're planning a trip over the next week and a half, the vibe is shifting from "gray and gloomy" to "classic California sun." Here is what the actual numbers are looking like for the Laguna Beach weather 10 day forecast through late January.
The weekend starts off pretty quiet. Saturday remains cloudy with a high of 66°F and a low of 57°F. Sunday, January 18, brings a bit of a break with partly sunny skies and a high of 67°F.
Then, things get good.
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Monday and Tuesday (January 19-20) are the pick of the week. We’re talking full-blown sun. Highs will hit 68°F both days, which, in the direct Laguna sun, feels more like the low 70s. These are the days to hit the Crystal Cove hiking trails before the clouds roll back in on Wednesday.
The Mid-Week Shift and Late-Month Rain
By Wednesday, January 21, the clouds return. Temperatures dip slightly back to 66°F. As we move toward the end of next week, the chance of rain starts to creep up. Friday night (January 23) has a 35% chance of light rain, and Saturday, January 24, looks like a genuine "stay inside and drink coffee" day with a 45% chance of showers and a high of 66°F.
The moisture clears out relatively fast, leaving us with a cloudy Sunday on the 25th and mostly cloudy skies to wrap up the forecast on Monday, January 26, with temperatures hovering around 65°F.
What Most People Get Wrong About January in Laguna
The biggest mistake? Assuming the ocean is swim-ready.
The water temperature right now is sitting at about 61°F. That’s "ice cream headache" territory if you dive in without a wetsuit. You’ll see surfers out there, but they’re all in 4/3mm rubber. If you’re just visiting, keep your feet on the sand unless you’ve got a death wish for your internal body temp.
Also, the UV index is deceptive. Even on a cloudy Saturday like today, the index is low (around 1), but by Monday’s sunny spell, it jumps to a 3. You can still get a "Laguna Burn" in the middle of winter if you’re out at Main Beach all day.
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Real-World Packing for the Coast
Forget the flip-flops for a minute. You’ll want:
- Layers. A windbreaker is mandatory. The wind is currently coming from the northeast at 3 mph, but when it shifts to the southwest later in the week, it brings that damp, chilly ocean mist.
- Good shoes. The tide pools at Treasure Island or Shaw’s Cove are slippery, and the winter swells make the rocks extra sketchy.
- An umbrella for the 24th. That 45% rain chance isn't a joke; it’s usually that misty, soaking drizzle that ruins a good suede jacket.
Looking Ahead: The Actionable Plan
If you are in town right now, wait for Monday. The transition from the current 61°F cloudy gloom to the 68°F sunshine early next week is going to be dramatic.
- Monday/Tuesday: Best days for outdoor photography and beach walks.
- Friday Night/Saturday: Plan for indoor activities—maybe the Laguna Art Museum or some boutique shopping along Forest Avenue.
- Mornings: Expect it to be chilly. Lows are consistently hitting 55°F to 57°F, so don't expect to be in a t-shirt until at least 11:00 AM.
The coast is beautiful in the winter, just in a different, more rugged way. Watch the swells, grab a sweater, and enjoy the fact that you don't have to fight 50,000 people for a parking spot at the canyon.