You’ve probably seen the postcard. Bright blue skies, palm trees swaying just right, and people in flip-flops in the middle of January. But if you’re looking at the forecast for Delray Beach this week, specifically starting Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’ll see it’s not always a stagnant loop of sunshine. Florida winter is a moody teenager. One minute it’s pushing 82°F, and by Tuesday morning, you’re looking for that one hoodie you buried in the back of the closet.
Honestly, the "Village by the Sea" is currently caught in a classic South Florida transition. Today, Sunday, we’re seeing a high of 82°F, which feels great until the humidity (currently sitting at a heavy 82%) and the 80% chance of scattered thunderstorms kick in. It’s that thick, pre-front air that makes your hair do things you didn't authorize.
The Immediate Forecast for Delray Beach: A Reality Check
Don't let the morning clouds fool you. While it's mostly cloudy right now with a current temperature of 69°F, that northwest wind at 14 mph is the herald of a shift. By tonight, the storms clear out, leaving us with a low of 50°F. Yes, a 32-degree drop in about twelve hours. That is the Delray special.
Monday, January 19, looks like the "chamber of commerce" day everyone moved here for. We’re talking mostly sunny skies and a high of 66°F. It’s the kind of day where you can actually walk Atlantic Avenue without looking like you just finished a marathon. The humidity drops to 58%, and that crisp north wind keeps the air tasting fresh.
What the Next 10 Days Actually Look Like
If you’re planning a trip or just trying to figure out when to schedule a tee time at the Delray Beach Golf Club, here’s the breakdown of the forecast for Delray Beach as we head deeper into the month:
🔗 Read more: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Mostly cloudy and cooler. High of 73°F, low of 58°F.
- Wednesday & Thursday: Things get a bit "damp." We’re looking at light rain both days with highs creeping back into the 75°F-78°F range. It’s not a washout, just that annoying misty Florida rain that makes the roads slick.
- The Weekend (Jan 23-25): This is your window. Partly sunny skies, highs hitting 78°F to 80°F, and manageable winds from the east and south. If you’re hitting the beach, this is when you do it.
The ocean temperature is actually hanging in there at a surprisingly warm 77°F. That’s the Gulf Stream doing its job. However, the National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory starting this afternoon through Tuesday evening. Seas are building to 5 to 7 feet, occasionally hitting 9 feet tonight. If you have a boat docked at the marina, maybe just go grab a drink at Deck 84 instead of heading out the inlet.
Why the "Cold" Snaps Matter More Than You Think
People laugh when Floridians complain about 50 degrees. But in a place like Delray, these temperature swings dictate the town's rhythm. When the forecast for Delray Beach calls for a low of 49°F (like we see for Monday night), the local economy shifts. Outdoor dining gets the heaters out. The boutiques on Atlantic Avenue suddenly sell out of pashminas.
There’s also a weird phenomenon with the "feels like" temperature. Today’s 69°F actually feels like 76°F because of the moisture. But on Monday, that 66°F will feel exactly like 66°F because the air will be so dry. It’s a different kind of cold—a dry, biting chill that catches you off guard if you’re only wearing a t-shirt.
The Sand Situation: Renourishment is Starting
If you’ve been down to the south end of the beach near Atlantic Dunes Park lately, you might have noticed some activity. Starting this month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is kicking off a massive beach renourishment project. They’re pumping about 1.3 million cubic yards of sand onto 2.65 miles of our shoreline.
💡 You might also like: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
This isn't just about making the beach look pretty for the "gram." It’s a defensive move. After the hits we took in the 2022 hurricane season, the dunes are thin. This project aims to finish before turtle-nesting season starts in May. So, if you see some heavy machinery and pipes on the sand during your morning walk, that's why. The beach is still open, but you might have to walk around the work zones.
Events Impacted by This Week's Weather
January is peak season here. The South Florida Strawberry Festival is happening right now (Jan 18-19) in nearby Boca, and the Artisans of Wine & Food event is wrapping up today.
- Sunday (Today): The 80% rain chance is a bummer for the Strawberry Festival. If you're going, go early or be prepared to duck into a tent when the thunderstorms roll through.
- Monday (MLK Day): Perfect for the outdoor markets or a long lunch on the Ave. The "mostly sunny" forecast is a green light for everything.
- Friday (Jan 23): "The Art of Her" exhibition opens at the Cornell Art Museum. The weather looks clear (only 5% rain chance), so the walk from the parking garage to Old School Square will be pleasant.
Practical Advice for Navigating Delray This Week
Forget what the weather app icon says at a glance. You have to look at the wind and the humidity. A "sunny" day with a 20 mph wind from the north is a completely different animal than a "sunny" day with a 5 mph breeze from the south.
Pack for three seasons. Morning: Windbreaker or light sweater.
Midday: T-shirt and shorts.
Evening: Pants and a real jacket.
📖 Related: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
Watch the tides. With the renourishment project and the building seas (up to 9 feet), the shoreline is going to be narrow during high tide. If you're planning a beach day, check the tide charts. You don't want to set up your towel only to have the Atlantic Ocean join you for lunch ten minutes later.
Driving the Ave. When the rain hits on Wednesday and Thursday, Atlantic Avenue becomes a parking lot. People forget how to drive the moment a drop hits their windshield. If you have a dinner reservation, give yourself an extra 20 minutes for parking. The garages are your best bet when it’s drizzling.
The forecast for Delray Beach shows we’re moving into a cooler, drier pattern after today’s storms. It’s the classic Florida winter cycle: heat up, storm, cool down, repeat. Enjoy the 80-degree high while it lasts today, but keep that sweater handy for tomorrow morning.
Check the local marine forecast before heading to the beach, especially with the Small Craft Advisory in effect through Tuesday. If you're visiting, prioritize outdoor activities for Monday or next weekend when the sun is out and the humidity is low. For those attending the beach renourishment areas, stay clear of the marked construction zones for safety.