Honestly, if you’re looking at the Miami Beach weather forecast and seeing 64°F, you might be tempted to cancel your beach day. Don't. Not yet, anyway.
The thing about South Florida in January is that it’s a total mood ring. Right now, it’s about 64°F and mostly cloudy. A northwest wind is kicking up at 18 mph, making the palm trees do that frantic dance they only do when a front is moving through. Humidity is sitting heavy at 82%, which sounds like a lot, but with the cool air, it basically just feels crisp rather than sticky.
✨ Don't miss: Finding Your Way: A Real-World Map of Where the Rocky Mountains Are
The Immediate Outlook: Chill is Coming
Today, Thursday, January 15, we're looking at a high of 73°F. That’s the peak. But here’s the kicker: tonight the temperature is going to tank to 48°F. For locals, that’s "break out the parkas" weather. For you? It’s probably just light sweater vibes. There’s a 35% chance of some rain during the day, but it’s expected to clear out completely by nightfall.
If you're planning to be out on the water, be careful. The wind is shifting to the west at 19 mph. It’s gonna be choppy.
The Weekend Rhythm
Friday is looking a bit more "Miami." It’ll be partly sunny with a high of 71°F. Still 48°F at night, though, so don't pack away the layers.
Saturday starts a warming trend that actually feels like a vacation. We’re hitting 77°F. You might deal with some light rain (25% chance), but that’s just the tropical tax you pay for the warmth. By Sunday, we stay at 77°F, and the sun should be out more consistently.
What to Actually Pack
Forget the "Florida is always hot" myth for a second. In January, the Miami Beach weather forecast is a game of layers.
📖 Related: Gloucester City Weather Explained (Simply): What to Actually Expect All Year
- During the day: Short sleeves and shorts are fine when the sun is out and it's hitting 73°F or 77°F.
- The Wind Factor: 18-19 mph winds off the ocean can make 70°F feel like 60°F. Bring a windbreaker.
- The Night Shift: When it drops to 48°F, you’ll want actual pants and a hoodie.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Next week is a bit of a rollercoaster. Monday dips back down to 68°F with a 16 mph north wind. Then, it slowly climbs back up: 72°F on Tuesday, 74°F on Wednesday, and hitting those sweet 77°F to 80°F numbers by the following weekend.
Basically, if you want that classic 80°F beach weather, you’ve gotta wait until Saturday, January 24. That day is looking mostly sunny with just a 10 mph breeze from the southeast. Perfect.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
Check the UV index. Even on a "mostly cloudy" day like today, the index is around 2, but it jumps to 4 tomorrow. You’ll still get burned if you aren't careful.
💡 You might also like: Finding Your Way Around: Why a Rainier National Park Map is More Than a Souvenir
If you’re swimming, the water temperature is hanging around 76°F right now. It’s actually warmer than the air in some spots, which is a weird sensation. Just watch for the northwest winds today—they make the surf messy.
Keep an eye on the humidity levels too. While it’s 82% now, it’s projected to drop to 58% by tomorrow. That’s when the air gets that beautiful, dry, Mediterranean feel that makes Miami Beach the best place to be in the winter.
Check the local radar if you see clouds stacking up to the west. Rain here usually moves fast, but today’s 35% chance means you might get caught in a 20-minute downpour before the sun cracks through again.