If you’re standing on the deck of the traditional ferry from Point Judith right now, you’re probably reconsidering every life choice that led you to the middle of the Atlantic in mid-January. Honestly, it’s cold. Really cold. But there’s a specific kind of magic to the "hibernation nation" version of the island that most people never see.
The Block Island weather today—Friday, January 16, 2026—is basically a masterclass in New England winter extremes. While the sky looks like a postcard with plenty of sun, the numbers tell a much grittier story. We are currently sitting at 23°F, but thanks to some aggressive west winds, it feels like a biting 7°F.
The Real Deal on Today's Forecast
You've gotta respect the wind out here. Right now, it's sustained at 27 mph, and it isn’t planning on letting up. The high for the day is expected to reach 38°F, which sounds almost tropical compared to the morning, but don’t be fooled. That 31 mph wind from the west will keep things feeling sharp and frosty all afternoon.
If you’re out for a walk, you’ll notice the humidity is around 50%, and the UV index is a low 2. You won't need sunscreen, but you will definitely need a neck gaiter. Tonight, the clouds move in, and the temperature will drop back down to that 23°F baseline. There is a tiny 5% to 10% chance of a stray snowflake, but it’s mostly just going to be a cold, gray night.
Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
On the mainland, 38°F is "light jacket" weather for some locals. On Block Island, it’s a different beast. Because we’re basically a rock in the middle of the ocean, the wind has nothing to break its momentum before it hits your face.
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The National Weather Service actually has a Gale Warning in effect through this afternoon. We’re looking at west winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. Seas are running 2 to 4 feet in the more sheltered areas, but if you’re looking out toward the open Atlantic, it’s a lot choppier. If you’re a mariner, you’re already dealing with light freezing spray this morning.
What’s Actually Open When It’s This Cold?
Kinda surprisingly, the island doesn't just fold up and disappear after the New Year. You just have to know where the locals go.
- Odd Fellow’s Café: They’re open until 3 PM today. It’s basically the headquarters for hot coffee and sanity when the wind-chill is in the single digits.
- Old Island Pub: If you need a burger or a place to hide from the wind, they open at noon and stay open late.
- The Barn at Spring House: This is your spot for a legit dinner. They open the bar at 4 PM and the kitchen at 5 PM. It’s one of the few "fancy" vibes you can get this time of year without the summer crowds.
Honestly, the best thing to do with this weather is to hit the trails. The Mohegan Bluffs are incredibly dramatic when the sky is clear and the wind is whipping the ocean into a froth. You’ll have the 141 steps down to the beach entirely to yourself. Just be careful near the edges—a 30 mph gust is no joke when you're 200 feet above the surf.
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Survival Tips for January 16
- The Ferry Factor: The high-speed ferry is done until May. You’re on the traditional ferry today. It takes about 55 minutes, and if you’re prone to seasickness, the 5-to-7-foot seas reported in the outer waters might make for a "memorable" ride.
- Layering is Life: Forget fashion. You want a base layer, a heavy wool sweater, and a windproof shell. If the wind can get through your coat, the 38°F high won't matter.
- Check the Clock: The sun sets at 4:44 PM today. Once it goes down, the temperature drops fast, and the island gets very dark and very quiet.
Don't expect the moped rentals or the ice cream shops to be open—they’re long gone. But if you want to see a Snowy Owl or just hear the sound of the Atlantic without 10,000 other people around, today is actually kind of perfect.
Check the ferry schedule before you head to the Point Judith terminal. Today’s departures from the mainland are at 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5:45 PM. If you're already on the island and looking to get back, the boats leave at 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Stick to the traditional boat, keep your hat pulled low, and enjoy the silence.