Honestly, if you're planning to hit the sand at Surf City USA this week, you’ve picked a weirdly perfect—and then slightly moody—window. We are looking at a classic Southern California "bait and switch" where the first half of the week feels like a stolen summer, only to have reality (and the Pacific) remind us it's actually mid-January.
Right now, Huntington Beach is sitting pretty at 70°F, and with the wind coming off the west at a gentle 6 mph, it feels more like 76°F. It's gorgeous.
What the 10-day weather forecast for Huntington Beach California actually looks like
Today, Thursday, January 15, is the peak of this little heat spike. We’re hitting a high of 74°F with total sun. It’s the kind of day where the Pier is packed by noon. But don't let the afternoon sun fool you; the desert air moves in fast at night, dropping us down to a crisp 53°F.
Tomorrow, Friday, things start to shave off a few degrees. We’ll see 69°F during the day, which is still stellar for January, but the clouds are going to start rolling in once the sun dips. By Saturday, January 17, we actually jump back up to 73°F, but it’s going to be "mostly cloudy." It’s that weird humid-yet-cool vibe.
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The Real Shift:
- Sunday & Monday: Temperatures hover around 71°F and 68°F. Expect a lot of grey. It's great for a long walk on the beach, but maybe not for a tan.
- The Mid-Week Dip: By Wednesday, January 21, we lose the 70s entirely. We’re looking at a high of 65°F and a significant jump in humidity to 73%.
- The Chilly Finish: Next Thursday and Friday (Jan 22-23), the highs struggle to get past 63°F.
Basically, the 10-day weather forecast for Huntington Beach California starts with a bang and ends with a sweater.
Surf and Water Conditions
The water is... well, it's the Pacific in January. The sea temperature is currently hanging around 61.3°F. That is technically nearly 3°F warmer than the historical average for this time of year, but unless you're a local legend or wearing a 4/3mm wetsuit, it's still "stay on the shore" cold.
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The swell is looking pretty manageable for the average surfer. We’re seeing waves around 2-3 feet through the weekend. Saturday morning should be particularly clean with a light NNE wind, making it the "sweet spot" for anyone looking to paddle out before the clouds get too heavy.
Packing and Local Advice
If you are visiting, do not trust the daytime high.
I’ve seen so many people show up in shorts and a tank top because the forecast said 74°F, only to be shivering by 5:15 PM when the sun drops behind the horizon. The temperature doesn't just "go down"—it plunges. You’ll want a heavy hoodie or a light jacket the second the sun is gone.
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Humidity is also going to be a factor later in the 10-day window. We’re looking at 75% humidity by next Thursday. In Huntington, that often translates to a thick morning fog that can linger until 11:00 AM.
Pro Tip: If you're heading to the beach for the sunset, aim for 5:07 PM this Saturday. With the "mostly cloudy" forecast, we are likely to get one of those dramatic, fiery orange-and-purple skies as the light hits the cloud base.
Actionable Next Steps
- Layers are non-negotiable: Plan for 74°F at 2:00 PM but prep for 53°F by dinner time.
- Surf early Saturday: The winds look best (light NNE) for a clean session before the afternoon chop kicks in.
- Watch the UV: Even on the "mostly cloudy" days (like Sunday), the UV index is hitting a 2 or 3. It’s low, but that coastal reflection can still sneak up on you.
- Mid-week shift: Save your outdoor "sun-heavy" activities for before Tuesday, January 20, as the clouds become more permanent after that.