Honestly, if you're looking at the 7 day forecast West Palm Beach right now, you might be a little surprised. Florida is supposed to be the "Sunshine State," right? But as of Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re actually dealing with a Cold Weather Advisory.
Yeah, you read that correctly.
The current temperature is sitting at a crisp 45°F, and with the wind coming out of the northwest at 13 mph, it actually feels like 39°F. Basically, it's the kind of morning where you need a real jacket, not just a light hoodie. This isn't exactly the tropical vibe most people expect when they book a flight into PBI.
The Current State of Affairs
Today, Friday, January 16, is going to be sunny, but don't let that fool you into thinking it'll be "beach weather." We’re looking at a high of 66°F and a low tonight of 46°F. The wind is sticking around at about 10 mph from the north.
It's actually kind of beautiful out if you're golfing or hitting the trails at Okeeheelee Park, but the water? Forget about it. The Atlantic is rough right now. There's a Small Craft Advisory in effect through Friday afternoon with seas reaching up to 7 or even 9 feet in some spots.
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If you've got a boat, just keep it at the dock for today.
The Rest of Your Week
The weird thing about West Palm is how fast things flip. By Saturday, January 17, the temperature jumps up to a high of 75°F. That’s a nearly 10-degree swing in 24 hours. It’ll be mostly cloudy, though, with about a 20% chance of rain in the afternoon.
Sunday gets even warmer—hitting 77°F—but it’s going to be breezy. We’re talking 18 mph winds from the west. If you’re planning a brunch on Clematis Street, maybe try to snag a spot that isn't a total wind tunnel.
Here is the quick breakdown of what the rest of the week looks like:
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- Monday, Jan 19 (MLK Day): Mostly sunny and cooler again with a high of 64°F and a low of 49°F. Great for outdoor events, but stay hydrated despite the chill.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Partly sunny, climbing back to 70°F. North winds at 16 mph will keep a bit of a bite in the air.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: 73°F and partly sunny. Honestly, this is the "sweet spot" of the week.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Mostly cloudy with a high of 76°F and a light rain chance (20%) at night.
Why the Forecast Matters More Than Usual
Most people think South Florida weather is just "hot" or "raining," but January is the peak of "Front Season." We get these cold fronts that push down from the north, and they create these massive swings.
One day you're in a parka, the next you're in a swimsuit.
According to National Weather Service data, we're seeing these northwest winds (20 to 25 knots) behind the current front. It creates hazardous boating conditions, especially near the Gulf Stream wall. If you're a tourist, you might not notice the "Small Craft Advisory" until you see the red flags at the beach or realize the charter boats aren't leaving the inlet.
What to Actually Pack
Since the 7 day forecast West Palm Beach is all over the place, your suitcase needs to be a bit of a hybrid.
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Don't just pack flip-flops.
You’re going to need a medium-weight jacket for the 40-degree mornings and late-night walks near the Intracoastal. But you also need the SPF 30+ for those sunny afternoons. The UV index is hitting 4 today, which isn't huge, but the Florida sun is deceptive even when it’s 60 degrees out.
Basically, think layers.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip:
- Check the flags: If you’re heading to Midtown Beach or Peanut Island, check the rip current risk. Strong north winds often mean dangerous swimming conditions even if the sun is out.
- Morning tee times: If you're golfing on Monday or Friday morning, wear windbreaker pants. The wind chill is real.
- Boat plans: Shift any offshore fishing or sailing to Saturday morning when the seas are expected to drop to 1–2 feet before picking up again on Sunday.
- Local Events: For the MLK Day parades on Monday, keep in mind it will be one of the cooler days (high of 64°F), so dress accordingly for standing outside.
Check the local buoy data if you're planning on doing any diving or snorkeling at Blue Heron Bridge, as the visibility usually takes a hit for a day or two after these big wind events pass through.