Florida winter is a lie. Well, mostly. If you’re sitting in Ohio right now looking at a picture of a palm tree, you probably think we’re all down here clinking margarita glasses in 80-degree heat every single day.
Honestly? It's more complicated.
Right now in Bradenton, we’re looking at a weather window that’s basically a roller coaster with a short circuit. If you’re planning to hit the Riverwalk or take a boat out near Anna Maria Island over the next week and a half, you need to look at more than just the "high" temperature.
The Immediate Outlook: Rain and a Reality Check
Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, we’re sitting at a current temperature of 59°F. It’s cloudy, and there’s a 10% chance of a stray shower right now. The wind is coming out of the northeast at 10 mph.
If you’re heading out later, expect a high of 71°F. Not bad, right? But both the day and night are carrying a light rain threat (about 20-25% chance).
✨ Don't miss: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
Tomorrow, Wednesday, is basically a mirror image for the daytime—another 71°F high. But don't let that fool you. By Wednesday night, the rain chance jumps to 65%. If you have outdoor dinner plans, maybe find a spot with a solid roof.
The Thursday Pivot and the "Big Chill"
Thursday is when the floor drops out. We’ll hit 65°F during the day under cloudy skies, but a cold front is pushing through with 21 mph winds from the northwest.
Then comes Thursday night.
The temperature is forecasted to plummet to 40°F. In Florida terms, that’s basically the arctic. If you’ve got sensitive tropical plants in your yard (looking at you, Ixora and Hibiscus), this is your warning to cover them up.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
By Friday, January 16, we’re looking at a high of only 58°F. It’ll be sunny, sure, but that north wind at 10 mph is going to make it feel much crisper. Friday night hits the low point of the week at 39°F.
Looking Toward Next Week: The Return of the Sun
After that Friday freeze-out, things start to mellow. Saturday sees us bounce back to 67°F, and the rest of the 10-day stretch looks remarkably consistent.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Sunny, high of 64°F, low of 44°F.
- Monday, Jan 19: Sunny, high of 59°F, low of 44°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Sunny, high of 64°F, low of 45°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Sunny, high of 70°F, low of 46°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Partly sunny, climbing up to 74°F.
Basically, once we get past the rain on Wednesday and the chill on Friday, it’s going to be "Chamber of Commerce" weather—bright, dry, and perfect for anything that doesn't involve a swimsuit.
Why This Matters for Your Plans
If you’re a local, you know the drill. Layers are your best friend. A 71°F day feels like a completely different planet than a 39°F night.
💡 You might also like: Why the Man Black Hair Blue Eyes Combo is So Rare (and the Genetics Behind It)
For the boaters, pay attention to that Thursday wind. 21 mph from the northwest is no joke on the Manatee River or out in the Gulf. It’ll be choppy, and the National Weather Service has already been tossing out Rip Current Statements and Small Craft Advisories earlier this week for a reason.
If you’re a tourist, don't pack just shorts. You’ll regret it by Friday morning. Bradenton in January is usually mild, but these cold snaps are part of the deal. They keep the mosquitoes down, which—kinda being honest here—is the real win of the season.
Check your tire pressure if you haven't lately. These sudden 30-degree temperature swings usually trigger those annoying "low pressure" sensors in your car. It's not a leak; it's just the air getting dense.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the wind direction changes between Wednesday and Thursday, as that shift to the northwest is the primary signal for the incoming temperature drop.