Right now, if you’re standing on the Santa Monica Pier, you’re looking at a high of 67°F and a low of 61°F. Honestly, it's that classic "hoodie-on, hoodie-off" kind of day.
People think Los Angeles is just one big, sunny monolith. They’re wrong. Santa Monica is its own beast entirely. While someone in the San Fernando Valley might be roasting under a relentless sun, you’re over here by the Pacific feeling a crisp, salty breeze that makes the 60s feel a lot cooler than they look on a screen.
It’s currently Thursday, January 15, 2026. The sky is doing that weird Southern California thing where it can't quite decide if it wants to be overcast or brilliant blue.
Why the current temperature in Santa Monica CA feels different
You’ve probably heard of the "marine layer." Locals call it a "cool blanket." Basically, the Pacific Ocean is a giant air conditioner that never turns off. Even when the inland temps spike, the water—currently sitting at a chilly 57.2°F (14°C)—keeps the coastline in a perpetual state of "mild."
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If you’re planning to walk from Third Street Promenade down to the sand, be ready. You will lose about five degrees in three blocks. It’s wild. The humidity is hanging around 33% right now, which is actually quite dry for a beach town. This is mostly thanks to the gentle NW winds blowing at about 9 mph. It’s enough to mess up your hair, but not enough to ruin a bike ride on The Strand.
The Santa Ana wild card
Every now and then, the desert gets jealous. In January, we sometimes get Santa Ana winds. These are hot, dry gusts that blow from the inland mountains toward the sea. When that happens, the current temperature in Santa Monica CA can skyrocket into the 80s, even in the dead of winter. It flips the script. The marine layer gets pushed out to sea, and suddenly the air feels static-heavy and restless.
But today? Today is a standard, gorgeous January day.
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What to actually wear today
Don’t be that tourist in a tank top and shorts who ends up buying a $60 "I Heart SM" sweatshirt because they're shivering by 4:00 PM.
- Layers are your best friend. A light windbreaker or a denim jacket is essential.
- Check the "RealFeel." Because of the sea spray and wind, 67°F on the coast feels more like 62°F.
- Sunscreen is still a thing. Even with some cloud cover, that California sun is sneaky. The UV index is moderate today, so don't let the "cool" air fool you into a sunburn.
The block-by-block breakdown
If you’re near Palisades Park, the wind hits you first. It's beautiful, but it's the coldest spot in the city. If you move inland toward the 405 freeway, the buildings block the breeze, and the concrete starts holding onto the heat. You'll feel the "urban heat island" effect kicking in, and you might actually start sweating in that jacket.
Actionable ways to enjoy this weather
Since it’s a mild 67°F, it is literally the perfect hiking weather. You won’t overheat like you would in July.
- Hit the Temescal Canyon Trail. It’s close by, and the visibility today is decent enough to see all the way to Catalina Island.
- Whale Watching. January is peak season for Gray Whale migrations. The ocean is active, and the air is clear.
- Restaurant Week. Since it’s mid-January, "Dine LA" is usually in full swing. Grab a patio seat. Most places have those big heat lamps anyway, so the 61°F evening low won’t bite.
Basically, if you’re looking for a sign to head to the beach, this is it. It’s not "swimming weather" unless you have a wetsuit and a high pain tolerance, but for everything else? It’s perfect. Just bring the jacket. Seriously.
Check the sky before you head out. If you see that low, grey ceiling of clouds, don't worry—it usually "burns off" by noon, revealing that deep California blue we're all addicted to.