You’d think a trip to Florida in January means palm trees and sunscreen. Honestly, that’s not always the case. Especially not today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you stepped outside in Jacksonville Beach this morning, you probably noticed the sky looks like a wet wool blanket. It's mostly cloudy. Kinda gloomy, actually.
The weather forecast for Jacksonville Beach Florida shows a high of 56°F for today. That’s a far cry from the tropical paradise most tourists expect. Right now, it’s 46°F, but with the wind coming out of the northwest at 13 mph, it actually feels like 40°F. You’re definitely going to want a jacket if you’re heading toward the pier.
The Reality of a First Coast Winter
Most people assume Florida is a monolith of heat. It isn’t. Jacksonville Beach sits in the northeast corner of the state, which makes it vulnerable to every cold front sliding down the East Coast.
Today is a perfect example of that. We’ve got a 100% chance of rain during the daytime. Not a "maybe" or a "scattered shower." It's going to rain. The humidity is sitting high at 86%, which makes that 46-degree air feel a lot heavier. It’s that damp, "gets-into-your-bones" kind of cold that locals know all too well.
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The UV index is basically non-existent at 1, so don't worry about a sunburn. You're more likely to get a soaked hoodie.
Tonight’s Shift
Surprisingly, the rain isn’t sticking around forever. By tonight, the sky is expected to clear up. But clear skies in January mean the heat escapes. The low is dropping to 36°F.
That’s cold.
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In fact, it’s cold enough that local authorities have opened overnight cold weather shelters in the area. When the mercury hits the 30s in Duval County, it’s a serious deal. The wind is also picking up, with speeds reaching 20 mph from the northwest. If you’re staying near the water, that wind chill is going to be biting.
Jacksonville Beach Weather and the Ocean
If you were planning on surfing, the water temperature at the Jax Beach Pier is roughly 60°F. That’s about 9 degrees colder than the historical average for this time of year. Most surfers out there today are rocking a 3/2mm sealed wetsuit, or maybe even a 4/3 if they’re sensitive to the chill.
The air and the water are basically the same temperature right now. It’s a weird sensation. Usually, the ocean acts as a giant heater during the winter, keeping the immediate coast a few degrees warmer than inland spots like Riverside or Mandarin. But when a northwest wind kicks in like it has today, it pushes that warmer surface water out and brings the cold air right to the sand.
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What to Actually Do Today
Since the beach is basically a wash-out until the rain stops, you've gotta pivot.
- Avoid the Sand: The wind will be whipping sand into your face at 20 mph. Not fun.
- Indoor Eats: Hit up one of the spots on 3rd Street. A hot bowl of chowder sounds a lot better than a cold beer on a patio right now.
- Wait for Tomorrow: Monday morning will be clear, but start very cold.
Looking at the broader weather forecast for Jacksonville Beach Florida, this month has been a bit of a rollercoaster. We've seen highs hit the 70s earlier in the month, only to crash back down to these 50-degree days. It’s typical for January here—a constant battle between the southern sun and the northern fronts.
Your Actionable Checklist
If you're in town or planning to be:
- Pack Layers: A windbreaker isn't enough. You need a fleece or a light puffer for these 36-degree nights.
- Check the Wind: Always look at wind direction. A northwest wind (like today) is the coldest for the beach.
- Rain Gear: With 100% precipitation, a compact umbrella or a real raincoat is mandatory today.
- Shelter Awareness: If you know anyone in need of a warm place to stay, shelters are active tonight across the First Coast due to the near-freezing lows.
Basically, keep your expectations realistic. It’s winter in North Florida. It’s beautiful, but today, it’s definitely cold and wet.