If you’re stepping out in Santa Clara today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, don’t let that morning chill fool you. Right now, it’s a crisp 49°F outside. It’s the kind of morning where you definitely want a jacket, but maybe keep a lighter layer underneath because things are going to change.
Honestly, the weather in this part of the South Bay is usually pretty predictable, but today has a little bit of everything. We’re looking at a high of 67°F and a low of 42°F. That’s a 25-degree swing. If you’re a local, you know the drill—it’s all about the layers.
The Nitty-Gritty on Today's Santa Clara Temperature
The current conditions are mostly cloudy, and that’s likely going to stick around for most of the day. You might feel a tiny bit of a breeze coming from the southwest at about 1 mph. It’s basically still air, but it’s enough to keep the humidity hanging around at 73%.
Here’s the breakdown of what the day looks like:
- Morning: Chilly and gray. It's hovering in the high 40s right now.
- Afternoon: This is when it gets good. We’ll hit that 67°F peak. It’s not quite "shorts weather" for most, but it’s perfect for a walk around Central Park or grabbing lunch outside.
- Evening: Once the sun goes down, the temperature is going to tank back toward that 42°F low.
There’s a small 10% chance of rain, so while it’s mostly just cloudy, don't be shocked if you see a stray sprinkle. The UV index is sitting at a 2, which is low, but the sun is still doing its thing behind those clouds.
Why the Santa Clara Temperature Swings Like This
Santa Clara sits in a Mediterranean climate. Basically, that means we get these dry, warm-ish days and cool, damp nights during the winter. Because we’re tucked into the valley, the air gets trapped. During the day, the sun warms the valley floor, but since the air is clear or the cloud cover is high, all that heat escapes the second the sun disappears.
National Weather Service data often points out that Santa Clara is slightly warmer than some neighboring spots because of the "urban heat island" effect—all the pavement and buildings in Silicon Valley hold onto a bit of extra warmth compared to the foothills.
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What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
A lot of people think California is always "sunny and 75." In reality, January is one of our "coldest" months. While 67°F sounds like a dream to someone in the Midwest right now, the 42°F low tonight is legit cold.
Planning Your Day Around the Weather
If you’re heading to Great America or just running errands near Santana Row, here’s the game plan.
- Dress in sections. Start with a base tee, add a sweater, and top it with a windbreaker or light coat.
- Watch the humidity. At 73%, the air feels "heavier." It makes the 49°F feel a bit more piercing than a dry 49°F would.
- Evening Plans: If you’re going out for dinner, bring the heavy coat. By 8:00 PM, you’ll be feeling that drop toward the low 40s.
Basically, it’s a standard winter day in Santa Clara. Cloudy, a bit damp, but ultimately pretty mild compared to the rest of the country. Just don't get caught without a sweater when the sun sets.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your tire pressure. Big temperature swings like the 25-degree jump we’re seeing today can actually trigger your TPMS light. If you're planning outdoor activities, aim for the window between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to catch the maximum warmth of 67°F.