If you’re standing on the first tee at Pebble Beach today, January 14, 2026, you’re looking at a sky that’s basically a giant, unblemished sheet of blue. It’s stunning. Honestly, if you grew up anywhere with a real winter, calling this "January" feels like a lie.
The high is hitting 64°F. That sounds mild, right? Maybe even a little chilly for a walk along the Pacific?
Wrong.
In Pebble Beach, 64 degrees under a clear sky is surprisingly intense. The sun bounces off the white sands of Carmel Beach and the granite outcroppings along 17-Mile Drive with a ferocity that catches people off guard. You'll see tourists in heavy parkas sweating through their shirts by noon, while the locals are out in light pullovers and sunglasses, looking like they've cracked some secret code.
The Current Conditions: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
We are currently sitting in a sweet spot. The forecast shows a high of 64°F and a low of 54°F. There is a 0% chance of rain. Basically, the sky is showing off.
But here is the thing most people get wrong about Pebble Beach weather today: the wind. Right now, it’s coming from the northeast at 11 mph. Normally, we’re used to the "onshore flow"—that damp, salty wind coming off the ocean that smells like kelp and keeps things cool. A northeast wind is different. It’s an offshore breeze. It’s drier. It pushes the marine layer (that famous "California fog") way out to sea, which is why the visibility today is absolutely world-class. You can probably see all the way to Santa Cruz across the bay.
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What’s Happening Right Now
- Sky: Sunny and clear. Not a cloud in sight.
- Wind: 11 mph from the northeast. It’s enough to move your ball on the greens at the Links, but not enough to ruin your hat.
- Humidity: Hovering around 60%. It feels crisp, not muggy.
- UV Index: It’s a 2. That sounds low, but don't let it fool you. The reflection off the water means you’ll still end up with a "golfer’s tan" (a red face) if you skip the sunscreen.
The Marine Layer Mystery
You can't talk about Pebble Beach without talking about the marine layer. It’s the local protagonist. Usually, the Pacific Ocean—which is currently a chilly 55°F to 58°F—cools the air right above it. This creates a thick blanket of fog that usually hugs the coast.
Today? The marine layer is losing the battle.
Because we have that northeast wind, the cool ocean air is being pushed away. This is why it’s 64 degrees and sunny instead of 55 degrees and "gloomy." But keep an eye on the horizon. As the land cools down toward sunset (around 5:15 PM), that ocean air is going to want to move back in. You’ll feel the temperature drop 10 degrees in about 20 minutes. It’s like someone turned off a space heater.
Why "Heavy Air" Changes the Game
If you’re here to play golf, the weather today is doing something weird to your ball. Pro golfers like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth have talked about this for years. They call it "heavy air."
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Even when it’s sunny, the air at Pebble Beach is dense. It’s at sea level, and it’s moist. This means your 7-iron that usually goes 150 yards in the dry heat of Arizona or the hills of Georgia might only go 138 yards here.
The Math of the Coast
Physics experts have actually studied this at the Monterey Peninsula. A 10-degree drop in temperature can shave three feet off a fly ball. Today’s 11 mph wind will also play tricks. If you’re hitting into that northeast breeze on a hole like the 7th—the famous short par 3—you might need two extra clubs just to reach the green.
What to Wear (and What to Leave in the Hotel)
I’ve seen it a thousand times: someone shows up in a heavy winter coat because it’s January, or a t-shirt because it’s California. Both are mistakes.
The "Pebble Beach Uniform" for today:
- The Base: A breathable polo or moisture-wicking shirt.
- The Layer: A 1/4 zip pullover or a light "puff" vest. You want something you can pull off easily.
- The Shell: A lightweight windbreaker. Even if it’s sunny, that 11 mph wind has a bite to it once you’re standing right on the cliffs at Stillwater Cove.
- The Bottoms: Chinos or golf slacks. Shorts are okay for the afternoon, but your legs will be freezing by the time you hit the 18th hole at dusk.
Pro tip: Bring a beanie or a firm-fitting hat. Baseball caps tend to go flying into the Pacific on the back nine.
Looking Ahead: Is This Sun Staying?
Enjoy today. Honestly.
The forecast for the rest of the week looks pretty stable, with highs staying in the mid-60s through Friday. However, by Saturday, January 17, the clouds are moving back in. We might even see some light rain by the middle of next week.
January is historically one of the wettest months here, averaging over 4 inches of rain. We are currently in a "dry window," which is rare and lucky. The ground is still a bit soft from the rains we had earlier in the month (Monterey Regional Airport recorded some heavy downpours last week), so if you're hiking Point Lobos or walking the courses, expect a little mud in the shaded areas.
Actionable Steps for Your Day at Pebble Beach
If you are heading out right now, here is how to handle the conditions like a local:
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- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. The "cool" breeze hides the fact that the sun is baking you.
- Hydrate early. The offshore wind is dry. You’ll get dehydrated faster than you think, especially if you’re walking 18 holes.
- Time your photos. The best light today will be around 4:30 PM. With the clear skies and the northeast wind keeping the mist away, the "Golden Hour" is going to be exceptionally sharp.
- Check the tides. If you're planning to walk the beach at Spanish Bay, high tide is often deceptive. With the current wind, the spray is going to be high.
The weather today at Pebble Beach is about as close to "perfect" as Northern California gets in the winter. It’s bright, it’s crisp, and it’s exactly why people pay the exorbitant gate fee to drive 17-Mile Drive. Just don't forget that extra layer in the car—the Pacific doesn't stay friendly for long after the sun goes down.