You’re staring at the screen, looking at the 10 day weather forecast Huntington beach ca, and wondering if you should cancel those brunch plans or pack a wetsuit. Honestly, Huntington Beach weather is a bit of a tease in January. One minute it’s 72 degrees and you’re wondering why you even own a sweater; the next, a damp ocean breeze kicks in and you’re shivering in your flip-flops.
If you're looking at the outlook for the middle of January 2026, things are looking pretty sweet, but there’s some nuance you’ll want to catch before you head down to the pier.
The Current Vibe: Sunny Days and Crisp Nights
Right now, we are sitting in a beautiful little pocket of "fake spring." Today, Tuesday, January 13, is a total standout with a high of 72°F. It’s sunny, the UV index is hovering around a 3 (wear the sunscreen anyway, trust me), and the wind is a gentle 6 mph. It’s the kind of day that makes people move to Orange County.
But here is the thing: the 10 day weather forecast Huntington beach ca shows a slow, steady slide back into typical winter territory.
👉 See also: Sleeping With Your Neighbor: Why It Is More Complicated Than You Think
- Wednesday & Thursday: We stay in the high 60s and low 70s. Expect plenty of sun.
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): Saturday hits a high of 71°F, but Sunday starts to bring in some "partly sunny" vibes with a high of 69°F.
- The Following Week: This is where it gets real. By next Wednesday and Thursday (Jan 21-22), the highs drop to about 63°F.
Basically, if you want that "barefoot on the sand" feeling, do it before Sunday. After that, the clouds start rolling in, and the humidity jumps from a dry 38% up to nearly 70%. It’s going to feel much "heavier" and cooler.
That Sneaky "Real Feel" Temperature
Don't let a 68-degree forecast fool you. In Surf City, the air temperature is only half the story.
The humidity is currently low, which makes the sun feel warmer than it actually is. However, as we look toward the end of this 10-day window, that humidity spikes. When the air is damp and the sun is blocked by that "mostly cloudy" ceiling we're expecting by January 20, 63°F feels more like 55°F.
✨ Don't miss: At Home French Manicure: Why Yours Looks Cheap and How to Fix It
Also, the lows are sticking around 53°F to 61°F. That might not sound like "winter" to someone in Minnesota, but for us, it means the beach path gets chilly the second the sun dips behind the horizon.
What About the Water? (The Surfer’s Reality Check)
If you're checking the 10 day weather forecast Huntington beach ca because you want to paddle out, here is the inside scoop. The sea temperature is currently about 62°F.
That is actually about 3 degrees warmer than the historical average for mid-January, which is usually a bone-chilling 59°F. Still, it isn't "trunking it" weather. Most locals are out there in a 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suit.
🔗 Read more: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
Surf Conditions Outlook
The surf is looking small but clean for the next few days. We’ve got some NW ground swell expected to keep things in the 2-3 foot range through Friday. If you’re a beginner, this is your golden window. The winds are staying light (mostly under 8 mph), so the water surface should stay "glassy" or "clean" through the mornings.
Survival Tips for a Huntington Beach Winter
Look, "winter" here is just a suggestion, but you can still get caught off guard. Here is how to actually handle the next 10 days:
- The 4:00 PM Pivot: The sun sets around 5:06 PM right now. At exactly 4:15 PM, the temperature will drop 10 degrees in what feels like ten seconds. Bring a hoodie even if you think you don't need it.
- Morning vs. Afternoon: If you’re biking the Huntington Beach Bike Trail, go between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. That’s when the wind is lowest and the sun is highest.
- Rain Chances: The forecast shows a tiny 10-15% chance of rain toward the end of next week (Jan 21-22). It’s probably just a "marine layer mist," but keep an eye on it if you’re planning a bonfire.
Beyond the Beach: What to do if the Clouds Move In
If the 10-day forecast holds and we get those "mostly cloudy" days next week, the beach can get a bit gloomy. That’s when you pivot to the stuff most tourists miss.
- Pacific City: It’s an outdoor mall, but it has plenty of covered areas and "The Bungalow" for drinks with a view while staying out of the wind.
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: Actually, overcast days are the best for bird watching here. The light is flatter, making it easier to spot the Ospreys and Herons without the glare off the water.
- Old World Village: If it feels too cold for the coast, head a few miles inland to this little German-style village for some bratwurst and a heavy beer. It fits the winter vibe perfectly.
Actionable Next Steps
Based on the current 10 day weather forecast Huntington beach ca, here is your game plan:
- Plan your outdoor activities (hiking, surfing, beach picnics) for today through Saturday. The weather is at its peak right now.
- Invest in a good "windbreaker" style layer. The 10.5 mph average wind speed for January means it’s rarely "still" at the pier.
- Check the tide charts. We are approaching a New Moon on Sunday, Jan 18. This means we'll see "King Tides" or at least much wider swings between high and low tide. A 6-foot high tide can swallow up the beach and make the waves "fat" and unrideable at certain spots.
- Download a real-time buoy app. If you're surfing, don't just rely on the weather app. Check the "San Pedro" or "Huntington Beach" buoys to see if that NW swell is actually hitting the period (seconds between waves) that the forecast predicts.
The next ten days in Huntington Beach are basically a highlight reel of California winter: warm sun, cool breezes, and just enough "gloom" at the end to remind us that January exists. Enjoy the 72-degree days while they last!