Honestly, if you're looking at the 10 day forecast Huntington Beach right now, you might think you’ve accidentally pulled up a weather report for Seattle. It’s January 18, 2026. The sky over Surf City is currently hunkered down under a thick layer of clouds. It’s 53°F outside. Not exactly the "bikinis and boardwalk" vibe the postcards promise.
But here’s the thing about Huntington Beach—the forecast rarely tells the whole story.
Southern California winters are a psychological game. One minute you’re wearing a hoodie and wondering if you should turn on the heater, and the next, the marine layer burns off and you’re sweating at a sidewalk cafe. If you’re planning a trip over the next week and a half, you need to look past the icons.
The Reality of the 10 day forecast Huntington Beach
Right now, Sunday is starting off cool. We're looking at a high of 69°F today. The wind is coming in from the west at a gentle 5 mph, which is basically a light caress for the palm trees. But as we peer into the next ten days, things get interesting.
Monday and Tuesday (Jan 19-20) are holding steady. We’re seeing highs around 69°F and lows dipping to 47°F or 48°F. That’s a 20-degree swing. You've gotta layer. If you go out in a t-shirt at noon, you’ll be shivering by the time the sun hits the horizon at 5:10 PM.
By Wednesday, the clouds start playing hide and seek again. We’re looking at afternoon cloud cover but still hovering around that high-60s mark. It’s comfortable. It’s dry. The humidity is sitting at a nice 49%, so it’s that crisp, clean air that makes your lungs feel like they’ve been through a car wash.
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Mid-Week Shifts and the Weekend Outlook
Thursday, January 22, is looking overcast with a high of 68°F. Don’t let the "overcast" label bum you out. In HB, overcast often means "great lighting for photos" and "no sunburn while you walk the pier."
Then, the weekend hits.
Saturday (Jan 24) is the standout. It’s projected to be sunny with a high of 66°F. It sounds cool, but with 3 (Moderate) UV index, that California sun still has some bite.
Sunday, January 25, brings a little drama. We’re seeing a 43% chance of sprinkles early in the morning. It’s only about 0.01" of rain—hardly enough to get the pavement wet—but it’s enough to make the air smell like sage and salt.
What Most People Miss About the Forecast
People see "63°F and Sunny" for next Tuesday (Jan 27) and think it’s too cold for the beach.
They're wrong.
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Huntington Beach is all about the microclimate. If you’re standing on the sand at 1:00 PM when the wind is low, that 63°F feels like 72°F. The sand reflects heat. The buildings block the breeze. On the flip side, if you're out on the pier, that 5 mph wind feels significantly sharper.
The Surf Factor
For the locals, the 10 day forecast Huntington Beach isn't just about whether they need an umbrella. It's about the swell.
Current reports show the surf is sitting at a glassy 1-2 feet. Clean conditions. By the middle of this week (Jan 21-22), we might see that bump up to 3+ feet. If you’re a beginner, this 10-day window is actually kind of a dream. The waves are manageable, the wind is "fair" to "clean," and the crowds are thinner than they’ll be in July.
The sea temperature is a brisk 15°C (about 59°F). You aren't going in without a 4/3mm wetsuit. Don't even try it.
Packing for the "Surf City" Winter
Since the lows are hitting 47°F over the next few days, your suitcase needs to be a bit of a hybrid.
- The "Morning Layer": A decent windbreaker or a medium-weight hoodie.
- The "Midday Flip": A t-shirt and shorts are totally fine between 11 AM and 3 PM.
- The "Sunset Savior": Beanie and wool socks. No, seriously. Once the sun goes down, the damp ocean air makes 50 degrees feel like 40.
Basically, you’re dressing for three different seasons in one 24-hour period.
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A Look Further Out: Late January Trends
If your trip extends into the final days of the month, the data suggests a warming trend. By Friday, January 30, we’re looking at sunny skies and a high of 67°F, followed by a beautiful 71°F on Saturday, January 31.
Historically, late January is one of the clearest times of the year here. The "June Gloom" hasn't arrived yet, and the winter storms usually take a breather. It’s the "Secret Season." You get the parking spots, the restaurant reservations, and the empty trails at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
Actionable Steps for Your HB Trip
Don't just watch the numbers. Use them.
Watch the Wind Direction: If you see "Offshore" or "East" winds in the morning, get to the beach. That’s when the waves look like corduroy and the air feels warmest.
Plan Around 5:00 PM: Sunset is early (approx. 5:10 PM - 5:20 PM this week). The temperature drops off a cliff the moment the sun disappears. If you’re planning a bonfire, have your wood ready and your jackets on by 4:45 PM.
Check the Tides: Winter tides can be extreme. A high tide can swallow up the "towel space" on the beach, especially near the cliffs. Pair your weather checking with a local tide chart to make sure you actually have a place to sit.
The 10 day forecast Huntington Beach is looking stable, mild, and quintessentially Southern Californian. It’s not a tropical heatwave, but it’s a far cry from the snow hitting the rest of the country. Pack the layers, grab a wetsuit, and enjoy the quiet side of Surf City.