If you’re checking the 10 day weather forecast Ventura CA, you’re probably expecting that classic "Mediterranean" postcard. Sunny skies. Gentle breezes. Maybe a light hoodie for the evening.
But here’s the thing: Ventura in January is a bit of a wildcard.
Right now, we are seeing a bizarre heat spike that honestly feels more like July than mid-winter. While the rest of the country is digging out of snow, Ventura is currently sitting in a strange, sunny bubble. If you're planning a trip to the Pier or a hike up Grant Park in the next week, you need to look past the basic "high and low" numbers.
The coast here plays by its own rules.
The Current 10-Day Outlook: A Winter Heatwave?
The most striking thing about the 10 day weather forecast Ventura CA for mid-January 2026 is the temperature. We are looking at highs hitting $80^\circ$F today and $78^\circ$F tomorrow. That is nearly $15^\circ$F above the historical average for this time of year.
It’s glorious, but it’s dry.
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Humidity is hovering around 40%, which is low for a beach town. This is classic Santa Ana territory—those dry, offshore winds that blow in from the desert. They clear out the marine layer, leaving the sky a deep, piercing blue, but they also make the air feel "crisp" in a way that can catch you off guard if you aren't drinking enough water.
Here is the rough breakdown of what the next week looks like:
- The Immediate Window (Jan 15–17): Expect lots of sun. Highs will slowly taper from the high 70s down to the mid-74s. Nights are still chilly, though, dropping into the $47^\circ$F range. That’s a 30-degree swing. Dress in layers or you’ll be miserable by 5:00 PM.
- The Weekend Shift (Jan 18–19): Clouds start creeping back in. We’re looking at "partly sunny" conditions with highs around $73^\circ$F. There is a tiny—basically negligible—5% to 10% chance of a stray shower Saturday night, but don't cancel your dinner reservations at the Harbor just yet.
- Next Week (Jan 20–24): The "heat" finally breaks. We’ll see a return to the mid-to-high 60s. This is much more typical for Ventura in January. It’ll feel "moderately chilly" compared to the current spike, but honestly, it’s still perfect walking weather.
Why the "Beach Weather" Label is a Trap
People see "75 degrees" on a forecast and think it’s time for a swim.
Don't.
The water temperature in Ventura right now is stuck in the high 50s. Unless you’re wearing a 4/3mm wetsuit, the Pacific will give you a very rude awakening. Plus, we’ve just come off a series of High Surf Advisories earlier this month. Even when the sky is clear, the ocean can be restless.
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The National Weather Service recently flagged dangerous rip currents and breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet at Ventura County beaches. Even if the current 10 day weather forecast Ventura CA looks calm, the swell often comes from storms thousands of miles away in the North Pacific.
Always check the local surf report at C-Street or Silver Strand before you even think about getting in.
The Microclimate Reality
Ventura isn't one single weather zone.
If you are staying downtown near Main Street, you’ll feel that ocean influence. But if you head just a few miles inland toward the Ventura Avenue or out toward Saticoy, it can be $5^\circ$F to $10^\circ$F warmer during the day.
The "marine layer"—that thick fog Southern Californians know so well—usually stays away during these Santa Ana events, but once the winds shift back to an onshore flow (which we expect by next Wednesday), expect those gray mornings to return. Local surfers call it "the blanket." It usually burns off by noon, but it keeps the coast significantly cooler than Oxnard or Camarillo.
What to Actually Do This Week
Since the weather is cooperating so well, it’s a great time to be outside.
The Ventura Harbor Village is hosting a few things, like the Greek Dance shows and various "Biz Connect" mixers if you're here on work. If you're into music, the Ventura Music Hall has a Bob Weir tribute on the 18th.
Given the clear skies predicted in the 10 day weather forecast Ventura CA, I’d highly recommend a sunset walk. Winter sunsets in Ventura are mathematically superior to summer ones. Because the air is clearer and the sun sets further south over the water, you get these insane pink and orange gradients that look fake on Instagram.
A Few Insider Tips for the Next 10 Days:
- Grant Park/The Cross: Go for the views, but go early. With the heat spike, the hike will feel much hotter than $78^\circ$F because there’s zero shade on those trails.
- The Pier: It’s going to be crowded. With these temps, every local from Ojai to Fillmore is going to be heading to the coast to cool off.
- Island Packers: If you’re planning to head to Santa Cruz Island, the crossing should be relatively smooth through Friday, but check the wind forecast. Small craft can get tossed around if those offshore winds pick up speed.
The Reality Check
Look, weather forecasting isn't an exact science, especially ten days out.
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By the time we hit January 23rd, the models show the high pressure system breaking down. We might see more cloud cover and a dip into the low 60s. Is rain coming? Historically, February is our wettest month, so we are likely in the "calm before the storm" phase right now.
Take advantage of this weird January heatwave while it lasts. Pack a heavy jacket for the nights—because 48 degrees feels like 30 when the salt air hits you—but keep the sunglasses handy for the day.
For the most accurate planning, keep an eye on the Ventura County Flood Information maps if we do see a shift toward rain later in the month. They track streamflow and rainfall in real-time, which is way more useful than a generic app if you're worried about local road conditions.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Pack for "The Swing": Bring t-shirts for 2:00 PM and a lined windbreaker for 6:00 PM.
- Monitor the Swell: Use a dedicated surf app like Surfline alongside your weather forecast if you plan on being near the water line.
- Hydrate: Dry air and sun at $80^\circ$F will dehydrate you faster than you realize; carry a reusable bottle if you're hitting the botanical gardens or the pier.