Honestly, people think Southern California is just a permanent loop of 80-degree days and palm trees. But if you’re looking at the weather Laguna Beach today, Friday, January 16, 2026, it’s actually way more nuanced than the "endless summer" brochure suggests.
It's actually going to be a pretty stellar winter day.
We’re looking at a high of 73°F. That’s significantly warmer than the typical January average of about 66°F. It’s that weird, beautiful pocket of winter where you can actually consider the beach without shivering the second you step out of the car. The sky is staying sunny for the most part, though things will shift toward being mostly cloudy once the sun goes down.
Basically, if you’re planning to be outside, the window between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM is your golden ticket.
The Real Deal on the Water
Here’s the thing about Laguna in January: the air might feel like spring, but the Pacific Ocean has a long memory. The sea temperature is hovering around 61°F.
You've gotta respect that.
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Unless you're part of those local "polar plunge" groups or a very brave soul, you’re going to want a wetsuit. Most local surfers at spots like Brooks Street or Thalia are rocking at least a 3/2mm right now. The surf forecast is calling for waves in the 2-4 ft range with "glassy" conditions. That means the surface is smooth, not chopped up by the wind, which is coming in light from the west at 5 mph.
Why Today Feels Different
Humidity is sitting at 42%. That’s dry for a coastal town. You won’t get that heavy, salty dampness that usually clings to your skin in June. It’s crisp.
The UV index is a 3.
Don’t let the "3" fool you. Even though it's classified as moderate, that California sun reflects off the sand and the water with a surprising amount of bite. You’ll see tourists walking around downtown later tonight with that specific "I forgot it was winter" sunburn on their shoulders.
Nighttime Vibes and What to Wear
Once 5:00 PM hits, the script flips.
The temperature is expected to drop to a low of 48°F tonight. That’s a 25-degree swing. If you’re heading to dinner at The Deck or Nick’s, you absolutely need a jacket. The chance of rain is almost non-existent during the day (0%), but it creeps up to 10% overnight. It's likely just some heavy marine layer mist rather than actual "umbrella" rain, but the clouds will definitely roll in.
Laguna Beach Survival Steps
- Morning (8 AM - 11 AM): Great for a hike at Crystal Cove. It’ll be cool (around 55°F), but once you start moving, it’s perfect.
- Mid-day (12 PM - 4 PM): This is your beach time. 73°F is warm enough for a towel on the sand at Main Beach.
- Evening (5 PM onwards): Total shift. Layers are mandatory. The "mostly cloudy" shift means you won't get a legendary clear sunset, but the colors might still pop through the cloud edges.
Keep an eye on the tide if you're exploring the tide pools near Heisler Park. High tide is hitting around 7:44 AM, and the afternoon low is at 3:05 PM. That afternoon window is actually the best time to see the anemones and crabs without getting soaked by a rogue wave.
Enjoy the sun while it's out; it’s a top-tier January day for the coast.