Honestly, if you're looking at the extended weather forecast for Cape May NJ right now, you might want to grab a heavier coat than you think. Everyone pictures the Jersey Shore as this breezy, salt-air paradise, but January 2026 is currently throwing a bit of a frozen tantrum.
Right now, it's Sunday night, January 18, and things are getting chilly. Like, "feels like 19°F" chilly.
The Short Term: A Wild Week Ahead
Basically, we just came off a messy afternoon of rain and snow. The northwest wind is currently ripping at 21 mph, which is pretty standard for winter on the peninsula, but it definitely bites.
🔗 Read more: Flights to Big Sky: What Most People Get Wrong About Getting Here
If you're planning your week, here's the deal. Monday, January 19, looks beautiful but deceptive. We’re talking full sun with a high of 38°F, but it’s going to drop to a shivering 23°F at night. Then Tuesday hits. Tuesday is going to be the coldest day of the stretch with a high of only 27°F. You'll want to stay inside.
By Wednesday and Thursday, we get a weird little "warm" spike. We might hit 46°F on Thursday, January 22. It's not exactly beach weather, but it’ll feel like a tropical vacation compared to the single-digit wind chills we've been seeing.
The Late January Outlook
The back half of the month is where things get interesting—and by interesting, I mean complicated.
👉 See also: The Margaritaville Resort Times Square 7th Avenue New York NY Experience: Why It Actually Works
The extended weather forecast for Cape May NJ shows a high probability of more "white stuff" toward the final week of January. Specifically, Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, are looking like prime candidates for snow showers. Temperatures will hover in the high 20s.
- Monday, Jan 26: Sunny but cold, high of 31°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 27: Even colder, high of 27°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 28: A mix of sun and clouds, roughly 31°F.
A lot of people think the ocean keeps Cape May warm in the winter. While it does prevent the absolute "deep freeze" you see in North Jersey or Pennsylvania, that same water makes the air damp. Cold, damp air at 30°F often feels way worse than dry air at 20°F.
Why February Might Surprise You
Looking further out, February 2026 is shaping up to be a bit of a rebel. Long-range data suggests it might actually be milder than average. While January is struggling to break the 40-degree mark, February could see daytime highs averaging closer to 45°F or even 47°F.
Don't get too excited, though. February is also historically the snowiest month for Cape May. We're expecting about 10 days of precipitation, and a good chunk of that could be those heavy, wet coastal snows that make the Washington Street Mall look like a literal postcard.
What to Pack for a Winter Visit
If you're headed down for a quiet winter getaway, you've gotta layer.
- Windbreaker/Shell: The wind coming off the Delaware Bay is no joke.
- Waterproof Boots: Between the slush and the high tides, sneakers will get soaked.
- Gloves: Seriously, don't forget them. Walking the promenade without them is a mistake you only make once.
Cape May in the winter is actually pretty magical if you know what to expect. It's quiet. The crowds are gone. You can actually get a seat at the bar at the Brown Room or The Blue Pig Tavern without a two-hour wait.
🔗 Read more: Detroit Michigan Extended Weather Forecast: Why January 2026 is Throwing Curves
Just keep an eye on that Sunday, January 25 window. If the snow models hold, the Garden State Parkway might be a bit of a mess.
Check the specific numbers before you head out:
- Current Temp: 32°F
- Wind: Northwest at 21 mph
- Humidity: 72%
- UV Index: 0 (Stay safe, vampires)
Keep your gas tank full and your salt buckets ready.
Next Steps for Your Trip
Check the ferry schedule before you leave, as high winds in the extended weather forecast for Cape May NJ can occasionally cause delays or cancellations for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. If you're staying local, verify the winter hours for restaurants along Beach Avenue, as many switch to weekend-only service through the end of February.