Honestly, most people think Wildwood Crest basically evaporates once the Ferris wheel stops turning in September. They picture a ghost town buried under gray slush. But if you’ve actually spent a Tuesday in January down here, you know it’s just... different. It’s quiet. It’s crisp. And yeah, it’s cold as heck, but there’s a specific kind of magic to having a five-mile stretch of sand entirely to yourself.
Right now, if you’re looking at the 10 day weather forecast wildwood crest nj, you’re seeing a classic Mid-Atlantic winter rollercoaster. We aren't exactly in the Caribbean, but we aren't in the Arctic either. As of tonight, January 15, 2026, the temperature is sitting at a biting 27°F. With a 23 mph wind whipping off the west, it actually feels like 13°F.
Bundle up. Seriously.
What’s Actually Happening Over the Next Week?
The upcoming forecast is a bit of a mixed bag. We’ve got some sun, some "wintry mixes," and a few days where the wind is going to be the real main character.
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Tomorrow, Friday the 16th, is looking pretty decent for a winter walk. We’re hitting a high of 41°F with plenty of sun. The wind is still hanging around at 22 mph, so that "real feel" is going to stay low. If you’re planning to hit the boardwalk for a stroll, wear the heavy wool socks.
Saturday is where things get kinda messy. We’re looking at a high of 43°F, but there's a 45% chance of light rain during the day. It’s that damp, salty cold that really gets into your bones. By Sunday, the 18th, that rain turns into a rain and snow combo with a high of 41°F. It probably won't be enough to build a snowman, but it'll definitely make the roads slushy.
Here’s the quick breakdown for the rest of the stretch:
- Monday (19th): Sunny but colder, topping out at 39°F.
- Tuesday (20th): The coldest day in the lineup. A high of only 30°F and a low of 21°F. Plus, the wind is kicking back up to 24 mph.
- Wednesday (21st): Partly sunny and back up to 41°F.
- Thursday (22nd): Cloudy and steady at 40°F.
- Friday (23rd): Another chance for light snow (25% chance) followed by rain at night.
By the time we hit Saturday, January 24th, we’re looking at 43°F with light rain. Basically, if you're coming down, bring a waterproof parka and expectations for "moody beach vibes" rather than "tanning weather."
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The Ocean is a Different Beast Right Now
If you're thinking about surfing or—god forbid—swimming, the ocean temperature is currently hovering around 40°F. That is close to freezing. Expert surfers at the Crest are out there, sure, but they’re encased in 5mm or 6mm hooded wetsuits, gloves, and booties. Without that gear, you've got maybe a few minutes before hypothermia starts knocking.
The Gulf Stream does a bit of work to keep the Jersey Shore from becoming a literal iceberg, but in January, the water is essentially a giant refrigerator. Even on a sunny day, the air coming off that water is going to be several degrees colder than the inland forecast.
Why Even Go to Wildwood Crest in January?
You might be asking, "Why would I check the 10 day weather forecast wildwood crest nj if I can't even go on the rides?"
Because the events are actually pretty cool if you know where to look. This Saturday, January 17th, the Wild Con! Comics and Collectibles Festival is taking over the Wildwoods Convention Center. It’s $10 to get in, and it’s a massive gathering of artists, cosplayers, and vendors. It’s the perfect way to spend a rainy, 43-degree Saturday.
Then there’s the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge on the 17th and 18th. Watching hundreds of people jump into that 40-degree water while you sip hot chocolate from the safety of the sand is a local pastime.
Real Talk: What’s Open?
A lot of the "Doo Wop" motels are shuttered for the season, but places like ICONA Diamond Beach and the Madison Resort stay open year-round. For food, you aren't going to get Curley’s Fries on the boardwalk, but MudHen Brewing Company is usually hopping, and Coastal Blue is great for a cozy indoor brunch while you watch the waves crash.
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The Cape May County Zoo is also just a short drive away. Weirdly enough, the animals are often way more active in this weather than they are in the sweltering July heat. The red pandas love this stuff.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip:
- Check the Wind, Not Just the Temp: A 40-degree day with 5 mph wind is lovely. A 40-degree day with 25 mph wind from the west will make your face hurt. Always look at the "Wind" section of the forecast.
- Layer Like an Onion: The sun is surprisingly strong (UV index is 2 most days), but the shade and the wind are brutal. Base layers are your friend.
- Plan Indoor Backups: If the Saturday rain hits as predicted, have the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum or a movie at Cape Square Entertainment on your radar.
- Drive Safely: Sunday and next Friday have snow in the forecast. Coastal flooding isn't a huge risk with these specific systems, but those back-bay roads can get slippery fast.
The shore in winter isn't for everyone. It’s for the people who like the sound of the ocean without the sound of a thousand screaming tourists. Just keep an eye on that 10 day weather forecast wildwood crest nj, pack your heaviest coat, and enjoy the silence.