Berkeley weather is weird. Honestly, if you’ve lived here long enough, you know the drill: you walk out of your house in the Gourmet Ghetto wearing a puffer jacket and by the time you hit Fourth Street, you’re sweating through your base layer. It’s the microclimates. They’re basically a local legend at this point.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re looking at a Berkeley weather forecast 10 day stretch that feels surprisingly stable, but there are a few nuances that might trip you up if you’re planning your week.
The Immediate Outlook: Cloudy with a Side of Mild
Today is mostly cloudy. We’re sitting at a comfortable 58°F right now, with a high of 62°F expected. It’s not exactly "beach weather," but for mid-January in Northern California, it’s remarkably decent. The wind is coming in from the northeast at about 8 mph, so there’s a slight bite to the air, but nothing that’ll knock your hat off.
Expect the clouds to stick around tonight. We’ll drop down to about 46°F. If you’re heading out to dinner, definitely bring that extra layer.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, looks even better. We’re pushing up to 64°F with some "partly sunny" intervals. There is a tiny 15% chance of rain during the day, but it’s the kind of Berkeley rain that usually ends up being more of a heavy mist than a downpour.
Your Work Week Breakdown
If you’re commuting or just trying to time your run at Tilden Park, Monday is your gold star day. It’s looking sunny with a high of 62°F and a low of 45°F.
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- Monday, Jan 19: Sunny. High 62°F, Low 45°F. Perfect for a hike.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Partly sunny. High 62°F, Low 43°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Partly sunny. High 63°F, Low 43°F.
Notice a pattern? We’re stuck in this beautiful loop of low 60s. It’s a classic Bay Area winter "fake spring." The humidity is hovering around 60-67%, which is actually quite dry for us this time of year.
The Weekend Shift: A Cooling Trend?
As we move into the following weekend, things start to get a little "chillier"—and I use that term loosely.
On Friday, January 23, we see a dip to a high of 57°F. By Saturday, January 24, it hits 56°F. The wind direction also shifts, coming in from the south at 9 mph. This usually brings in a bit more of that damp, oceanic feel. The humidity kicks up to 79%, so while the temperature doesn't look much lower on paper, it’ll feel "heavier" and colder on your skin.
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Monday, January 26, is the one to watch. We have "light rain" predicted for the night with a 20% chance of precipitation. Again, not a washout, but the clouds will be thick.
What Most People Get Wrong About Berkeley Forecasts
People see "mostly cloudy" and think it’s going to be a gloom-fest. In Berkeley, that usually means the marine layer is playing tag with the hills. You might be in a fog bank at the Lawrence Hall of Science while people are sipping iced lattes in the sun at the Berkeley Marina.
Also, don't ignore the UV index. Even on these cloudy days, it’s sitting at a 1 or 2. It sounds low, but if you’re out on the water or hiking the Ridge Trail for three hours, you’ll still catch some rays.
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Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
Since we’re dealing with a mix of sun, clouds, and varying humidity, here’s how to handle it like a pro:
- The Middle Layer is Everything. Forget heavy wool. Go for technical fabrics or light down. You want something you can stuff into a backpack easily.
- Evening Drop-Off. The gap between the 64°F high and the 43°F low is significant. Once that sun goes behind the buildings, the temperature drops fast. If you’re staying out past 5:00 PM, you need a real jacket.
- Wind Management. That northeast wind earlier in the week is drier. The southwest/west wind later in the week (around Jan 25) is wetter. Adjust your hair products and your skin moisturizer accordingly.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your window seals if you’re living in one of those charming but drafty Berkeley Victorians; that 43°F Tuesday night will find its way in. If you’re planning outdoor events, Monday is the safest bet for clear skies. For those hitting the trails, Saturday the 24th will be the most humid and "Pacific-feeling" day, so wear shoes with good grip for potentially slick, damp needles on the paths.