Clearwater Weather: What Most People Get Wrong About Late January

So, you’re thinking about hitting the Gulf Coast. Honestly, I get it. Clearwater is basically the crown jewel of Florida’s west coast, but if you’re looking at a 14 day forecast for clearwater florida right now, you might be a little confused. Is it shorts weather? Is it "break out the parka" weather?

The answer is usually "yes" to both, sometimes in the same twenty-four hours.

Right now, as of Saturday night, January 17, 2026, it’s a crisp 61°F out there with a very light west wind. It’s clear, mostly. But if you think that’s how the next two weeks are going to play out, you’re in for a surprise. Florida winters aren't a steady state; they're a series of mood swings.

The Reality of the 14 Day Forecast for Clearwater Florida

If you’re checking the outlook from mid-January through the end of the month, you’re looking at a classic Florida "yo-yo" pattern. Today, we saw a beautiful 75°F. It was perfect. You probably saw people out on the Pier 60 beach acting like it was mid-July.

But look at tomorrow, Sunday, January 18. Everything shifts. We’re expecting a high of 65°F and a 65% chance of light rain. The real kicker? The wind is going to kick up to 23 mph from the northwest. That’s going to make that 65°F feel a lot more like 50°F.

Then Monday hits. The sun comes back, but the temperature drops even further to a high of 56°F. By Tuesday, we start the slow climb back up to the 60s, and by Wednesday the 21st, we're back in the 70s.

This is the "Cold Front Cycle."

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1. Pre-Front: Warm, humid, southerly winds.
2. The Front: Rain, wind shifts, gray skies.
3. Post-Front: Clear, bright blue skies, but much colder and dry.

Basically, if you don't like the weather, wait forty-eight hours. It'll be different.

Why the Averages Lie to You

If you Google "Clearwater weather in January," you’ll see an average high of 69°F and an average low of 55°F. Those numbers are technically true, but they're sort of useless for packing.

You’ll rarely actually experience "69 degrees."

Instead, you’ll have three days of 80°F followed by a cold snap where the morning starts at 42°F. Most people get caught off guard because they see "Florida" and "70 degrees" and think they're safe with just t-shirts.

Actually, January 18 is historically one of the coldest days of the year in this region. This year is staying pretty true to form. The low on Monday night is projected to hit 40°F. If you’re staying in a rental right on the water, that damp Gulf breeze makes 40°F feel like a refrigerator.

Water Temperature: The Great Deceiver

Don't let the sun fool you into jumping into the Gulf without a plan. The water temperature right now is hovering around 66°F.

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For some of you coming down from Canada or the Midwest, that sounds like a heated pool. For the locals? That’s "heart attack" water. If you're planning on doing more than dipping your toes in, you might want to look for a hotel with a heated pool. Most of the major resorts on Clearwater Beach, like the Sandpearl or the Opal Sands, keep their pools significantly warmer than the Gulf this time of year.

Packing for the "Clearwater Layer"

Since the 14 day forecast for clearwater florida is showing everything from 56°F to 75°F, your suitcase needs to be a puzzle.

Forget the heavy wool coats. You don't need them. What you do need is a "shell." A light windbreaker or a denim jacket is the MVP of a Florida winter trip.

• The Morning: Leggings or jeans and a hoodie.
• The Afternoon: Take off the hoodie, stay in the t-shirt.
• The Evening: Put the hoodie back on and maybe add a scarf if you're eating dinner outside at Frenchy’s.

And seriously, bring the sunscreen. Even when it’s 60°F, the UV index in Florida is usually higher than what you’re used to up north. You won't feel the burn because of the cool breeze, but you'll definitely see it in the mirror the next morning.

What to Do When the Front Hits

When that rain chance jumps to 65% like it is for tomorrow, the beach is a no-go. But you're not stuck in your hotel room.

Clearwater is actually pretty well-positioned for "bad" weather days. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is mostly indoors and is a legitimate world-class facility. If you have a car, a quick drive over to Dunedin or the Safety Harbor Spa is a great way to kill a rainy afternoon.

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If you're looking for something a bit more low-key, the Cleveland Street District in downtown Clearwater (off the beach) has some great coffee shops and indoor spots that feel less "touristy" when the clouds roll in.

Is This the "Real" Winter?

Some people ask if this 14-day stretch is the worst it gets. Honestly, yeah, usually. By the time we hit the end of January (the 26th and 27th), the forecast shows we’re stabilizing back into those low 70s.

The humidity also stays much lower this time of year. It’s about 48% on Monday, which is a dream compared to the 90% "air you can wear" during the summer months.

So, while you might see some "light rain" and "mostly cloudy" days in the upcoming forecast, don't let it ruin your trip. A cloudy day in Clearwater is still better than a sunny day in a blizzard.

Just check the wind speeds before you book a boat tour. Anything over 15 mph—like the 23 mph we're seeing for Sunday—makes the Gulf pretty choppy. If you're prone to sea sickness, save the dolphin cruise for later in the week when the winds drop back down to that 3–8 mph range.

Your next steps for a Clearwater trip:

1. Check the wind speed on your specific tour days; anything over 15 mph is a rough ride.
2. Pack a "transition bag" with a light jacket and pants for when the sun goes down at 5:50 PM.
3. Book your indoor activities (like the Aquarium) for the "front" days (Sunday and Thursday this week).