Honestly, Augusta weather in January is a bit of a mood. One minute you're thinking about a light sweater for a walk along the Riverwalk, and the next, the city is opening warming centers because the mercury is pulling a disappearing act. If you’re looking at the 7 day weather forecast augusta ga right now, you’re likely seeing a classic Georgia winter tug-of-war between mild afternoons and bone-chilling nights.
It's chilly. Really.
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Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re looking at a high that’s struggling to hit 52°F. That wouldn’t be so bad if it weren't for the overnight low, which is expected to crater to around 22°F. That is a 30-degree swing. The city has already activated warming shelters because, let’s be real, 22°F in the South feels a lot colder than it does in the Midwest. It’s that damp, "gets in your bones" kind of cold that we just aren't built for.
Making Sense of the Next Week in the Garden City
If you’re planning your week, don’t get too comfortable with one outfit. Saturday looks like the "warm" outlier of the bunch. We’re expecting a high near 59.8°F—basically 60 degrees—which is actually a few ticks above the historical average of 57°F for mid-January. It’ll feel great until the sun goes down. Then, the bottom drops out again.
By Sunday, things take a turn back toward the "stay inside and drink tea" category. The high is only hitting 45°F, with a low of 35°F.
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Monday through Wednesday looks like a repetitive cycle of "moderately chilly."
- Monday: High 51.4°F / Low 30.6°F
- Tuesday: High 47.7°F / Low 29.7°F
- Wednesday: High around 45°F / Low 37.4°F
Basically, if you have outdoor plans, Saturday is your only real window for comfort. The rest of the week is going to require a heavy coat, especially if you’re heading out for early morning commutes.
The Humidity Factor Nobody Mentions
Most people associate humidity with July in Georgia, when the air feels like a wet blanket. But January in Augusta is actually quite humid in its own way. We're looking at average relative humidity levels around 83% this month. When it's 40°F and 83% humidity, the air feels heavy and sharp. It’s why your car windshield is probably a sheet of ice every single morning even if it didn't rain.
Wind is another factor. While we aren't exactly the Windy City, we’re seeing average speeds around 12.5 mph this week. A 12 mph breeze doesn't sound like much until it's hitting you at 7:00 AM when it's 28 degrees outside. That’s when the "feels like" temperature—the wind chill—starts dipping into the teens.
Rain and Cloud Cover: The Gray Days Are Here
January is historically the cloudiest month of the year for Augusta. We spend about 50% of our time under overcast or mostly cloudy skies. Looking at the 7 day weather forecast augusta ga, expect a lot of gray.
While we have a few clear stretches, Saturday actually carries a 60% chance of precipitation. It's not a washout—think more like 5mm of "moderate rain"—but it’s enough to mess up a Saturday hike at Phinizy Swamp. The silver lining? We rarely see snow. Even though temperatures are hitting the 20s, the moisture usually moves out before the deep freeze sets in. We’re mostly looking at "liquid-equivalent" precipitation, which is a fancy meteorologist way of saying "cold rain."
Why the Temperatures Swing So Wildly
Augusta sits in a bit of a geographical sweet spot (or sour spot, depending on how you feel about the cold). We’re far enough inland that we don’t get the constant moderating influence of the Atlantic, but we’re low enough in elevation (about 410 feet) that we can get trapped in "cold air damming." This happens when cold air gets pushed down the east side of the Appalachians and just sits over the CSRA like a stubborn guest.
That’s why you’ll see the city government issuing alerts for things like "Mold Prevention Training" on January 22. After the mess Hurricane Helene left behind, moisture and fluctuating temperatures are a real concern for local homeowners. The freeze-thaw cycle we're seeing this week is exactly the kind of weather that makes old pipes nervous.
Practical Steps for the Week Ahead
- Drip those faucets. If you’re in an older home in Summerville or downtown, those 22°F and 29°F lows on Friday and Tuesday are prime pipe-bursting territory.
- Saturday is the errand day. If you need to wash the car or do yard work, do it Saturday afternoon before the rain kicks in and the temp drops back to the 40s.
- Layering is the only way. Wear a base layer you can strip off. An afternoon high of 52°F feels vastly different than a morning low of 22°F.
- Check on neighbors. With the warming centers active, it’s a good time to make sure everyone in your circle has working heat.
The rest of the month looks to stay in this moderately chilly pattern. We’re gradually heading toward February, which is actually our wettest month, so enjoy the relatively "dry" cold while it lasts. Honestly, just keep the heavy jacket by the door—you’re gonna need it until at least next Thursday.
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Keep an eye on the local NWS alerts out of Columbia, as they handle the warnings for our slice of Georgia. Stay warm, Augusta.
Next Steps for Your Property:
Ensure all outdoor hoses are disconnected before the temperature drops tonight. If you are concerned about moisture buildup following the recent rain, consider attending the city's free Mold Prevention Training scheduled for January 22, 2026. For those needing immediate shelter from the cold, check the official Augusta GA government website for the nearest activated warming center locations.