Astoria is a mood. If you’ve ever stood on the corner of 12th and Commercial while a wall of mist rolls off the Columbia River, you know exactly what I mean. People look at a 10 day weather forecast for Astoria Oregon and see "rain" or "cloudy" and think their weekend is ruined.
They’re usually wrong.
The weather here is a living thing. It’s finicky, dramatic, and honestly, kinda beautiful if you know how to play the game. Right now, as of January 15, 2026, we are sitting in a weirdly stable pocket of Pacific Northwest winter. Usually, this time of year is a relentless parade of wet systems, but the current outlook is actually defying the "typical" January gloom.
The Immediate Outlook: A Rare Winter Gift
If you are looking at the next few days, you might actually need sunglasses. I’m not kidding. High-pressure systems are currently dominating the coast, which means we’re seeing a stretch of crisp, clear days that feel more like early spring than mid-winter.
Thursday and Friday (Jan 15-16) are hitting highs of around 53°F. The sky is staying mostly clear, and the wind is sticking to a gentle 10-13 mph breeze from the northeast and east. It’s the kind of weather where the Astoria-Megler Bridge looks sharp against the blue, rather than disappearing into a grey void.
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But don't get too comfortable.
Nighttime temperatures are dipping into the high 30s and low 40s. That’s "ice on the windshield" territory if you’re parked near the water. The humidity is sitting high at 82% to 97%, so even if it isn't raining, the air feels heavy and damp. It’s that coastal chill that gets right into your bones if you aren’t wearing wool.
Mid-Forecast Shift: When the "Real" Astoria Returns
By the time we hit the middle of next week, the pattern breaks. This is where the 10 day weather forecast for Astoria Oregon starts to look familiar.
Monday, Jan 19, starts the transition. We’ll see some clouds creeping in from the Pacific. By Tuesday, Jan 20, the sun loses the battle. Highs drop slightly to 50°F, and the cloud cover becomes total.
Then comes the rain.
Wednesday (Jan 21) brings light rain with a 20% chance during the day, jumping to 40% at night. By Thursday and Friday (Jan 22-23), we’re looking at consistent "light rain" and "showers." It’s not a deluge—more of that persistent Oregon drizzle that locals call "liquid sunshine."
Saturday, Jan 24, looks like the wettest day in the current ten-day window. There’s a 75% chance of rain at night. The wind will also pick up, coming from the west at 14 mph, which means the rain won't be falling straight down. It’ll be coming at you sideways.
What the Forecast Doesn't Tell You
Most weather apps give you a little icon of a cloud and some drops. In Astoria, that doesn't tell half the story.
First off, the "convergence zone" is a real thing. You can have a downpour at the Column but see bright sun over at Fort Stevens. The geography of the Columbia River meeting the Pacific creates microclimates that drive meteorologists crazy.
Also, the wind-chill factor here is massive. A 48°F day with a 15 mph wind off the water feels a lot like 35°F. If you’re planning on walking the Riverwalk or heading up to the Astoria Column, that wind is your biggest enemy, not the rain.
Packing for the 10-Day Window: A Local’s Cheat Sheet
Forget the umbrella. Honestly, the wind will just turn it into a broken piece of modern art within ten minutes. Locals rely on gear, not accessories.
Essential Gear List:
- The Outer Shell: You need a truly waterproof (not "water-resistant") jacket with a hood.
- Footwear: XtraTuf boots are basically the unofficial state shoe of Astoria. If you don't have those, any waterproof hiking boot will do. Avoid suede or canvas unless you want wet toes for three days.
- Base Layers: Since we’re seeing lows of 38°F this week, synthetic or wool base layers are a lifesaver. Cotton is your enemy here—once it gets damp from the 90% humidity, it stays cold forever.
- Headwear: A beanies or "stocking cap" is mandatory. It keeps your body heat in and stays on your head when the gusts hit.
Why January Weather Actually Rocks
Despite the impending rain next week, this is a great time to be here. Why? Storm watching.
When the 10 day weather forecast for Astoria Oregon calls for showers and higher winds toward the end of the period (Jan 23-24), the river gets wild. Watching the massive cargo ships navigate the Columbia Bar during a storm is a world-class experience.
Plus, the crowds are gone. You can actually get a seat at Buoy Beer or Bowpicker Fish & Chips without waiting an hour in the cold. There’s a certain "Twin Peaks" vibe to Astoria in the fog that you just don't get in July.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re heading to Astoria during this 10-day window, here’s how to handle it:
- Check the Tides: Weather is only half the story. High tides combined with storm surges can cause minor flooding near the docks.
- Plan Indoor Backups: For the rainy days (Jan 21-24), book a tour of the Columbia River Maritime Museum or the Flavel House. They are great ways to stay dry while the front passes.
- Drive Smart: If the forecast holds and we get those clear nights (Jan 15-18), watch out for black ice on the bridge and the winding roads toward Seaside.
- Layers, Layers, Layers: Start with a tee, add a hoodie, and top with a shell. You’ll be peeling things off and putting them back on every hour.
The forecast is looking like a tale of two weeks: a beautiful, sun-drenched start followed by a classic, moody coastal finish. Respect the wind, ignore the drizzle, and you’ll find that Astoria’s weather is actually part of the charm.
Keep an eye on the barometric pressure. If you see it dropping fast around Wednesday, expect the wind to be much stronger than the current "light breeze" prediction. Pack the wool socks, grab a coffee at Street 14, and enjoy the show.