If you’re looking at the 10 day forecast for st augustine fl right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of 60s and 40s and wondering if you should even bother packing a swimsuit. Honestly? Probably not. Unless you’re one of those people who does the polar plunge for fun, the Atlantic is going to feel like an ice bath this week. But here’s the thing: St. Augustine in mid-January is actually a vibe if you know how to play it.
The "Oldest City" doesn't do winter like the rest of the country. It’s more of a "light sweater and a hot coffee" kind of deal, but the humidity can make a 50-degree morning feel way sharper than you’d expect.
What the Current 10 Day Forecast for St Augustine FL is Actually Telling Us
Right now, we are looking at a classic Northeast Florida "yo-yo" pattern. Today, Saturday, January 17, we’re hitting a beautiful high of around 71°F, which is basically perfect walking weather. But don't get too comfortable.
A cold front is pushing through late tonight, and Sunday is going to be a bit of a wash. We're expecting showers—maybe even some moderate rain—with temperatures dropping throughout the day. By the time you wake up Monday morning, the National Weather Service has already flagged a Freeze Watch for the area. We could see lows dipping down to 32°F or 34°F.
It’s a shock to the system, for sure.
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The Breakdown of the Week Ahead
- The Cold Snap (Monday - Tuesday): Monday is going to be crisp. Bright blue skies, lots of sun, but a high that struggles to even hit 54°F. If you’re heading out to Castillo de San Marcos, the wind coming off the Matanzas River is going to be biting.
- The Gradual Warm-Up (Wednesday - Friday): We start creeping back into the 60s. Wednesday and Thursday look mostly cloudy with highs around 63°F to 65°F. It’s that weird Florida weather where you're too hot in a coat but too cold in a t-shirt.
- The "False Spring" Weekend (Next Sat - Sun): If the models hold, next weekend is going to be spectacular. We're looking at a jump into the 70s, and maybe even hitting 81°F or 82°F by Sunday, January 25.
Basically, you need to pack for three different climates if you're visiting this week.
Why January Weather is Deceptive in St. Johns County
Most people see "Florida" and think "tropical."
St. Augustine is technically humid subtropical, but in January, it feels more like the coastal Carolinas. The average high this month is roughly 66°F, but that number is a bit of a liar. It’s rarely actually 66 degrees all day. It’s usually 48 degrees at 7:00 AM and 70 degrees by 2:00 PM.
The wind is the real factor here.
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January is historically the windiest month in St. Augustine, averaging about 12.8 mph. When you combine that with 70% humidity, the air has a "damp cold" quality that gets into your bones. It’s not the dry, crisp cold of the Midwest. It's a heavy, salty chill.
Packing for the 10 Day Forecast for St Augustine FL
You've gotta do layers. There's no other way.
I’ve seen tourists walking down St. George Street in January wearing parkas next to locals in flip-flops and hoodies. If you’re following the 10 day forecast for st augustine fl, here is the reality of what you'll actually use:
- A windbreaker or light puffer: Essential for the bayfront. The breeze coming off the water near the Bridge of Lions doesn't care about your feelings.
- Closed-toe shoes: Your feet will thank you. The coquina stone and brick paths in the historic district get cold, and sandals are a mistake if it's below 60.
- A "transition" layer: Think a denim jacket or a heavy flannel. Something you can tie around your waist when the sun finally peaks at 3:00 PM.
Surprising Truths About St. Augustine in the Cold
Believe it or not, this is the best time to see the city.
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The "Nights of Lights" usually wraps up around this time (it officially ends January 26 this year), so you can still catch the millions of white tiny bulbs without the insane Christmas crowds. Since the weather is "mildly cool," the trolley tours are actually pleasant rather than being a sweat-fest.
Also, the fishing is weirdly good. Black drum and redfish love this cooler water, especially in the backcountry creeks where the water stays a bit more stable. If you’re a photographer, the January light in Florida is "golden hour" almost all day because the sun sits so low on the horizon.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the Radar Sunday Morning: If you’re planning on being outdoors, Sunday the 18th is the "danger zone" for rain. Have a backup plan, like the Lightner Museum or the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, which are both indoors and climate-controlled.
- Watch the Freeze Watch: If you’re staying in an older Airbnb or a historic B&B, ask if they have space heaters. Some of those old colonial-style buildings aren't insulated for 30-degree nights.
- Book the Early Trolley: On the cooler days (Monday/Tuesday), take the trolley early to get your bearings, then spend the windiest part of the afternoon inside the shops on St. George Street.
- Don't Forget Sunscreen: Seriously. Even if it's 55 degrees, the Florida sun is strong. You won't feel yourself burning because of the cool breeze, but you’ll definitely see it in the mirror later.
The 10 day forecast for st augustine fl shows a city in transition. You'll get a taste of a Florida winter "freeze" early in the week and a preview of spring by the end of it. Just stay flexible and keep a jacket in the car.
Monitor the local marine forecast if you plan on taking a boat tour, as high winds often lead to cancellations of the smaller eco-tours during these cold front passages.