You’ve probably seen the postcards with palm trees and sun-drenched beaches. But honestly, if you’re stepping outside in Tampa this Saturday morning, you might feel like those postcards lied to you. It is currently a crisp 42°F out there.
Yeah, you read that right.
While the rest of the country deals with snowdrifts and sub-zero wind chills, Tampa is having its own version of a "freeze." If you're heading out to grab coffee or hitting the early shift, that northeast wind at 4 mph is going to bite just a little bit. It’s definitely hoodie or light jacket weather for the next few hours.
What to Expect from Weather Today Tampa Florida
Basically, we are looking at a day of two halves. We’re starting the morning in the low 40s under partly cloudy skies, but don’t let that morning chill fool you into staying inside all day. By the time the afternoon rolls around, the sun is going to do some heavy lifting.
The high for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is hitting a very comfortable 71°F.
That is roughly a 30-degree swing from the morning low. If you’re a local, you know the drill: dress in layers or you’ll be sweating by noon. If you're visiting, welcome to the Florida winter "onion" style of dressing—peeling off layers as the sun climbs.
The Nitty-Gritty Numbers for Saturday
- Current Temp: 42°F
- Afternoon High: 71°F
- Tonight's Low: 43°F
- Humidity: Starting high at 72% this morning, dropping to around 60% during the day.
- UV Index: It’s a 3. Not enough to bake you, but if you’ve got fair skin and you’re spending hours at the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, a little sunscreen isn’t a terrible idea.
- Wind: Shifting from the northeast this morning to a southeast breeze at 8 mph later today.
Rain or Shine?
Is it going to rain? Probably not. The chance of precipitation during the day is a measly 5%. You’ve got a better chance of finding a cheap parking spot downtown than you do of getting caught in a downpour this afternoon.
✨ Don't miss: When is 3 Kings Day 2024: Why the Date Actually Varies
However, things get a little moodier tonight. The sky will transition to mostly cloudy, and the rain chance bumps up slightly to 10%. It’s not a washout by any means, but if you’re heading to the Tampa Bay Rodeo or catching the Blue Man Group at the Straz Center, just keep an eye on the sky.
How to Handle the 30-Degree Swing
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with weather today Tampa Florida is overestimating the heat. Because it's "Florida," visitors often show up in shorts and a tank top at 8:00 AM and end up shivering.
💡 You might also like: How Many Cups is 15 oz of Pumpkin: The Kitchen Math That Actually Matters
- Morning (Now - 10 AM): Keep the jacket on. The humidity is at 72%, which makes that 42°F feel a bit "damp" and colder than the number suggests.
- Midday (11 AM - 4 PM): This is the sweet spot. With a high of 71°F and full sun, it’s prime outdoor time. Head to the Fresh Market at Wiregrass or take a walk through Al Lopez Park.
- Evening (5 PM - Late): As soon as that sun dips, the temperature is going to tank again toward the overnight low of 43°F. If you’re planning on a late dinner in Ybor City, don’t leave your coat in the car.
If you are planning to head out on the water, maybe for one of those dolphin tours or a sunset cruise, remember that the air over the water is going to be significantly cooler than on land. Even with a 71°F high, that southeast wind over the bay will make it feel more like the 60s.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your car's tire pressure; these 40-degree morning drops often trigger those annoying "low pressure" sensors in Florida vehicles. If you're heading to the Mayor's Neighborhood University or any of the MLK Day festivals today, pack a bag for your discarded layers so you aren't carrying a heavy coat around in 71-degree sunshine.