Honestly, if you looked at the calendar and saw mid-January, you’d probably expect to be shivering under a gray sky. But today in Huntington Beach, the reality on the ground is doing something much more interesting. While a lot of the country is digging out of snow, Surf City is currently sitting at a comfortable 62°F as we head into the night. It’s clear. It’s quiet. And it’s exactly why people pay the "California tax" to live here.
The day actually peaked at a gorgeous 73°F, which is significantly warmer than the historical average of 65°F for this time of year. If you spent the afternoon at the pier, you felt that. The sun was out in full force with a UV index of 3, providing just enough warmth to make a t-shirt feel like the right choice, though the locals usually keep a hoodie within arm's reach the second the sun dips.
Breaking Down the Current Weather Huntington Beach CA
Right now, the humidity is hovering at 58%. It’s that perfect sweet spot where the air feels "ocean-rich" without being sticky. We’ve got a tiny bit of a breeze coming from the North at just 1 mph. It’s basically stagnant, which is great for keeping that evening chill from biting too hard.
There is 0% chance of rain tonight. None. The sky is completely clear, which means if you’re out by the fire pits at Bolsa Chica or Huntington State Beach, you’ve got a front-row seat to the stars. Just a heads-up, though: the temperature is slated to drop to a low of 55°F before dawn. It’s not "freezing," but in Southern California terms, that’s "break out the heavy blankets" weather.
The Water Reality
You might see the sunshine and think about a swim. Don't let the air fool you. The sea temperature is currently 61°F. That is a solid three degrees warmer than the usual January average, but it’s still brisk. If you’re planning on hitting the waves, you’re looking at a 4/3mm wetsuit. Some of the bravest (or most insulated) surfers are getting away with a 3/2mm during the heat of the day, but for a long session, you’ll want the extra rubber.
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The surf itself is currently around 3+ feet and glassy. We’ve got a NW ground swell filtering in. It’s clean, consistent, and remarkably manageable.
What Most People Get Wrong About January in Surf City
A lot of travel blogs will tell you that January is the "rainy season" for Orange County. Statistically, they aren't wrong—it’s usually one of our wettest months. But "wet" in Huntington Beach is a relative term. We typically only see about five days of actual rain in the whole month.
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Today is a perfect example of the "January Thaw" we often get. The Santa Ana winds that were blowing a few days ago have weakened. That high-pressure system over the Great Basin is losing its grip, which replaced those harsh, dry winds with this mild, coastal air. It’s predictable but still feels like a gift every time it happens.
Practical Tips for the Next 24 Hours
If you're heading out, here is the move:
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- Layer up early. That jump from 73°F in the sun to 55°F at night happens fast. The moment the sun hits the horizon, the temperature drops like a stone.
- Check the tides. We're approaching a New Moon this Sunday, so the tides are swinging wide. We had a deep high tide this morning that slowed down the breaks, so mid-tide is your best bet for better wave shape.
- Forget the umbrella. You won't need it. The forecast for the rest of the week stays dry.
The best thing you can do right now is get outside. Whether it's a walk down the 10-mile bike path or just grabbing a coffee at Pacific City, this is peak "off-season" Huntington. The crowds are thinner, the air is crisp, and the sunset tonight is going to be one for the books.
Next Steps for Your Day:
Grab a medium-weight jacket and head toward the pier around 4:30 PM to catch the transition into the evening. If you're surfing tomorrow morning, expect similar clear skies but a slightly chillier offshore wind—plan for a "spring" morning that feels more like winter until about 10:00 AM.