Honestly, California is massive. People talk about "California weather" like it's a single room you can just check the thermostat for, but right now, on Friday, January 16, 2026, the state is basically a patchwork quilt of microclimates.
If you're looking for a quick number, the statewide forecast for California is showing a high temperature of 62°F and a low of 41°F. It's sunny. It’s clear. It sounds like a dream if you're currently shoveling snow in the Midwest, but there is a lot more going on under the hood of this forecast than just "nice weather."
The January Reality: Sunny but Sharp
Basically, we are in that classic California winter rhythm. The humidity is sitting at 66%, which gives the air that slightly crisp, clean feel without being bone-dry. The wind is barely a factor—just a 3 mph breeze coming from the west.
But here is the thing about California in January: the sun is a liar.
With a UV index of 2, you aren't going to get a tan, but the sunny day-time condition makes 62°F feel like t-shirt weather if you're standing in a direct beam of light. The second you step into the shade of a Victorian in San Francisco or a palm tree in San Diego? You'll want that hoodie you almost left in the car.
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And that 41°F low? That’s the real story. Once the sun dips, the heat radiates right off the pavement and back into the atmosphere. It gets cold. Fast.
What’s happening across the regions?
While the general card says 62°F, California's geography likes to mess with those numbers.
- Coastal Vibes: Places like Los Angeles and San Diego are hugging those low 60s, but the ocean temperature is currently hovering around 55°F to 58°F. That water acts like a giant ice cube, keeping the immediate coast cooler than the inland valleys.
- The Inland Chill: If you head toward the San Joaquin Valley or Sacramento, that 41°F low might actually feel a bit "bitier" due to the Tule fog that often settles in this time of year, though today's forecast is calling for clear night-time conditions.
- The Mountains: Forget the 60s. If you’re heading up to Tahoe or the Sierra Nevada, you’re dealing with a completely different animal. While the state average is mild, the high elevations are still holding onto winter, though the "above-normal" temperature trend we've seen this season means the snowpack is a bit more temperamental than usual.
Why it’s so dry right now
You’ve probably noticed there is 0% chance of precipitation in the forecast for today. No rain. No snow. Nothing.
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This is part of a larger 2026 trend. We’re coming out of a La Niña cycle that didn't exactly play by the rules—bringing weird bursts of rain earlier in the winter—but now we’re shifting toward "ENSO-neutral" conditions. For you, that basically means predictable, dry, sunny days. It’s great for a road trip, but it’s definitely putting a spotlight on those persistent drought concerns that never really leave the back of a Californian's mind.
Survival Tips for 62°F Weather
- The Layering Game: Do not trust the morning sun. Wear a light base layer, a flannel or sweater, and a shell. You will likely take two of those off by 1:00 PM and put them back on by 5:00 PM.
- Hydrate: Even at 62°F, the air can be deceptive. Dry winter air zips the moisture right out of you, especially if you're hiking.
- Sunscreen: Yeah, I know the UV index is low, but if you're at a higher elevation or out all day, that California sun still hits.
The takeaway for today? It's a gorgeous, clear Friday. Enjoy the 62°F peak, but keep a jacket handy for that 41°F drop tonight.
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Next Steps:
Check your local regional microclimate forecast if you are traveling between the coast and the mountains today, as temperatures can swing by 20 degrees within a two-hour drive.