Ocean City in January isn't exactly the sun-soaked boardwalk paradise you see on postcards in July. It’s raw. It’s quiet. Honestly, it’s one of the best times to visit if you hate crowds, but you’ve gotta be smart about the forecast. This weekend, specifically January 16 through January 18, 2026, is shaping up to be a classic mid-winter mix of "wait, is that sun?" and "okay, now it's definitely snowing."
If you’re planning to head down for MLK weekend or hitting up Dreamfest, the ocmd weather this weekend is going to require some serious layering. We aren't looking at a total washout, but the transition from Friday’s bright skies to Sunday’s wintry mess is going to be quick.
Friday: The Deceptive Calm
Friday, January 16, is basically the "Goldilocks" day of the weekend, though "cold" is still the operative word. You’re looking at a high of 39°F and a low of 24°F. It’s going to be sunny during the day, which makes the boardwalk walk feel doable if you have a heavy coat.
The wind is coming out of the west at about 16 mph. That’s enough to make the ocean air bite. If you’re standing at the Inlet, expect it to feel much colder than the thermometer says. By nightfall, things turn partly cloudy, and there’s a tiny 10% chance of some stray snow flurries. Nothing to panic about, but it’s a sign of what’s coming.
Saturday: The Big Warm-Up (Sorta)
Saturday is weird. It’s actually the warmest day of the weekend with a high of 47°F. That sounds almost balmy for January, right? Well, don't leave the umbrella at the hotel. The sky is going to stay cloudy all day.
The humidity jumps up to 61%, and we’re looking at a 25% chance of rain during the day. This isn't a massive storm, but rather a soggy, southwest-wind kind of afternoon. The wind picks up slightly to 17 mph. If you’re heading to the Delmarva Wool and Fiber Expo at the Convention Center, Saturday is the perfect day to be indoors. By night, it stays mostly cloudy with the temperature dropping to 38°F.
Sunday: When the Winter Hits
Everything changes on Sunday, January 18. This is the day the ocmd weather this weekend gets a bit dramatic. The temperature tops out early at 38°F and then starts crashing toward a low of 25°F.
Here is the breakdown for Sunday:
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- Morning/Day: Expect light rain to start, but there is a 25% chance of snow as the cold air moves in.
- Wind: Shifts to the north at 10 mph.
- Humidity: Hits 77%, making that cold feel very "damp."
The good news? The system moves out fast. Sunday night is forecast to be clear. If you're driving back across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, you’ll want to keep an eye on those afternoon windows when the rain might be switching over to flakes.
Making the Most of the Coast
Even with a messy Sunday, Ocean City is still alive this time of year. Dreamfest is in full swing at the Performing Arts Center, and honestly, there’s something peaceful about watching a winter storm over the Atlantic from a heated hotel balcony.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Pack for Three Seasons: Bring a windbreaker for Friday, an umbrella for Saturday, and your heaviest parka for Sunday.
- Monitor the Bridge: If you are traveling Sunday afternoon, check the MDTA Maryland Transportation Authority updates. Northwest winds and wintry mixes can lead to restrictions on the Bay Bridge.
- Check Indoor Events: Saturday’s 47-degree peak is deceptive because of the rain. Stick to the shops at the Gold Coast Mall or the events at the Convention Center.
- Book Dinner Early: Since it's a holiday weekend, the few places that are open (like Seacrets for their trivia nights or local spots in Midtown) will fill up fast with people escaping the wind.