Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in the South, you know the weather has a personality. It’s moody. One day you’re wearing a T-shirt while grabbing a coffee on Laurens Street, and the next, you’re digging through the attic for that one heavy coat you bought for a trip to New York three years ago. Right now, looking at the 10 day forecast Aiken SC, we’re staring down a classic South Carolina "mixed bag."
People assume Aiken is just mild all winter. Not exactly. While we don't live in the tundra, our Januarys have a habit of throwing curveballs. We’re currently looking at a stretch where the thermometer is doing gymnastics.
The Immediate Outlook: Sunshine and a Sneaky Dip
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, started off crisp. Like, "ice on the windshield" crisp. We’re seeing a high of 50°F, which is pretty standard for a sunny Aiken afternoon. But don't let the blue skies fool you; the low tonight is dropping to 33°F.
Saturday is the real "get outside" day. We’re expecting a high near 59°F. It’s the kind of weather where Hitchcock Woods is calling your name. But keep an eye on the clouds. By late Saturday night, things get weird.
That Sunday Surprise
Most of the local chatter right now is about Sunday, January 18. The models are showing a 50% to 70% chance of a "frozen mix." In Aiken-speak, that usually means rain that tries really hard to be snow but mostly just makes everything slushy and annoying.
👉 See also: Why People That Died on Their Birthday Are More Common Than You Think
- The High: Only hitting 41°F.
- The Low: Dropping to a freezing 23°F overnight.
- The Impact: If we get that coating of snow or sleet, the Monday morning commute might be a mess.
South Carolina isn't exactly known for its fleet of salt trucks. Usually, when we hear "snow," the local grocery stores sell out of bread and milk in about twenty minutes. It’s a tradition.
What to Expect Next Week
Once that Sunday system clears out, the 10 day forecast Aiken SC settles back into a pattern of "bright but biting."
Monday, January 19 (MLK Day): It’ll be sunny, but cold. Highs stay around 49°F or 50°F. If you’re heading to any local parades or outdoor events, layers are your best friend. The wind will likely make that 50 degrees feel a whole lot sharper.
Tuesday and Wednesday: We stay in the 40s and low 50s. The nights are going to be the real story here, with lows consistently in the 20s. If you have sensitive plants or pipes that like to freeze, this is the window to be careful.
✨ Don't miss: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
Late Week Warming: By Thursday, January 22, we start to see a climb. Highs move back into the 56°F range. It’s that slow crawl back to "comfortable" that defines an Aiken winter.
The Science of the Aiken "Shimmy"
Why does our weather jump around so much? Aiken sits in a sweet spot. We’re shielded a bit by the Appalachian Mountains to the northwest, which often block the most brutal arctic air. When that air does spill over, we feel it, but often it gets diverted.
At the same time, we’re close enough to the coast to get moisture-heavy systems. When a cold front from Canada meets moisture from the Gulf or the Atlantic right over Aiken County, that’s when we get the "WinterCast" warnings and the frantic checking of the radar.
Historical Context (Because Context Matters)
If you think this year is weird, remember that Aiken has seen everything. Back in 1940, the average temperature for January was a measly 34.5°F. On the flip side, in 1950 and 1974, it was basically spring all month with averages in the mid-50s.
🔗 Read more: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
We are currently tracking a January that is slightly cooler than the long-term average, but nothing record-breaking.
Practical Survival for the Next 10 Days
Since the weather is acting up, here’s how to actually handle it without losing your mind.
- The "Hitchcock Hike" Window: If you want to walk the trails, Saturday is your only "warm" bet. After that, you’ll need thermal gear until at least next Thursday.
- Pet Safety: With those overnight lows hitting the low 20s early next week, make sure the outdoor pups have a warm place to go or just bring them inside.
- The Car Prep: Check your tire pressure. These sudden 30-degree drops in temperature will trigger those annoying "low pressure" lights on your dashboard faster than you can say "Peach State."
- Local Events: Keep an eye on the City of Aiken social media pages if the Sunday mix actually materializes. We’ve seen Hopelands Gardens close its gates before when the paths get too icy.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about the 10 day forecast Aiken SC is that "rain" means a ruined day. In the winter here, rain often brings the warmth. A cloudy, rainy day in January is frequently 10 degrees warmer than a crystal-clear sunny day.
Also, don't trust the "high" temperature for the day. In Aiken, that high usually only lasts for about two hours in the mid-afternoon. If the high is 50, it was probably 32 when you left for work and will be 38 by the time you're heading to dinner at The Willcox.
Moving Forward
Keep a close eye on the transition from Saturday night into Sunday morning. That is the "pivot point" for the week. If the moisture stays, we’re looking at a white(ish) Sunday. If the dry air pushes in faster, it’ll just be a cold, windy weekend.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems today before the Sunday freeze.
- Plan your outdoor errands for Saturday afternoon to take advantage of that 59-degree peak.
- Keep a heavy jacket in the car; the temperature drop at sunset is going to be dramatic every single night this week.