Look, I get it. You see a forecast for Southern California in January and you immediately think it’s all board shorts and tank tops. But honestly, if you're looking at the Long Beach 14 day forecast right now, you’ve gotta be a bit more strategic than that.
The reality on the ground for Sunday, January 18, 2026, is actually pretty pleasant—we're sitting at 71°F right now with a southwest wind at 4 mph. It’s mostly cloudy, but the air is dry with humidity at 28%. If you’re heading down to the Pike or hanging out near the Aquarium of the Pacific today, it’s basically perfect "light jacket" weather.
But things are shifting. Fast.
The Week Ahead: Sun, Clouds, and That Random Rain Chance
People always ask if it actually rains in Long Beach during the winter. It does, kinda. Usually, it's just a tease.
For the next few days, here is the breakdown of what the atmosphere is throwing at us:
- Monday, January 19: Expect a high of 67°F and a low of 53°F. It’ll be sunny, but that humidity is jumping up to 57%.
- Tuesday, January 20: Mostly sunny with a high of 69°F. We’ve got a 10% chance of rain during both the day and night.
- Wednesday, January 21: The clouds really move in. We're looking at a high of 65°F and a low of 55°F.
Basically, the early part of the week is great for the Impressions Expo at the Convention Center, but maybe don't plan a full beach day without a hoodie.
Why the Weather Here is Weird (The Marine Layer)
If you’ve ever been to Long Beach, you know about the "marine layer." It’s that thick, gray blanket of clouds that rolls in from the Pacific and makes the morning feel like London until about 11:00 AM.
According to the folks at NOAA, this happens because the cold water off the coast (which is averaging around 59°F right now) cools the air right above it. This creates a temperature inversion. Warm air sits on top of cool, moist air, trapping the clouds against the coast.
It’s why you can be shivering in Belmont Shore while people five miles inland in Lakewood are sweating.
The Late Week "Wet" Window
If you’re planning for the weekend of January 24th, pay attention. Thursday, January 22, looks the "stormiest," though "stormy" is a strong word for 63°F and a 20% chance of light rain.
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- Friday, January 23: High of 62°F. It’ll be partly sunny, which is great for the "Hype Fridays" event at Agaves Ultra Lounge.
- Saturday, January 24: We stay in that 63°F range. Perfect for the Festival of Human Abilities at the Aquarium.
The wind is mostly coming from the southwest and northwest, peaking around 8 mph by next Sunday. It's not enough to blow you over, but it’ll definitely add a chill if you're standing on the pier.
Real Talk: The 14 Day Outlook
Looking toward the end of January, the Long Beach 14 day forecast shows temperatures holding steady in the mid-60s. We aren't seeing any massive heatwaves or freezing cold fronts.
- January 27 & 28: Highs of 66°F. Mostly cloudy to cloudy.
- Nightly Lows: Consistently between 52°F and 57°F.
Honestly, the biggest mistake visitors make is forgetting that as soon as the sun drops behind the Catalina Express terminal, the temperature falls off a cliff.
Actionable Tips for the Next Two Weeks
If you are coming to town for the Los Angeles Boat Show at the end of the month or just visiting family, here is the move:
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Layer your clothes. You’ll want a t-shirt at 1:00 PM and a legitimate sweater by 5:00 PM.
Don't fear the rain. A 10-20% chance in Long Beach usually means a few misty minutes, not a washout. You probably don't even need an umbrella; a water-resistant windbreaker is plenty.
Watch the UV. Even on cloudy days like Wednesday, the UV index can hit 3. If you’re out on a boat or walking the beach for three hours, you will get a "January Burn."
Keep an eye on the northwest winds toward the end of next week—they tend to clear out the smog but bring in that sharper, cooler air.
Pack for "spring" but prepare for "autumn" evenings.
Next Step: You can check the live wind speeds at the Port of Long Beach if you're planning on being out on the water this weekend.