Honestly, if you're looking at the forecast for the next seven days and expecting that classic "Sunshine State" postcard, you’re in for a bit of a reality check. Jacksonville in January isn't Miami. It’s not even Orlando. We are currently staring down a week that feels more like the Carolinas than the subtropics.
It's cold. Really cold.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, we are dealing with a messy transition. The current temperature is a damp 57°F with high humidity—82% to be exact—making that Northwest wind feel a lot sharper than the 6 mph speed suggests. If you’re heading out today, grab the heavy raincoat. We have a 94% chance of rain during the day. It’s a widespread, soaking "cold rain" that's going to stick around until about 2:00 PM.
Jacksonville Florida weather for the week: The Freeze is Coming
The big story isn't the rain, though. It’s what happens once the clouds clear out tonight.
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As that rain moves out, the bottom is going to drop out. We are looking at a projected low of 32°F tonight. The National Weather Service has already put a Freeze Watch in place for Northeast Florida. If you have sensitive plants or outdoor pets, tonight is the night they need to come inside. It's not just a "chilly" night; it’s a legitimate hard freeze for many inland areas, with some spots likely hitting the mid-20s by early Monday morning.
Monday (MLK Day) starts off sunny but brutal. You’ll see a high of 55°F, which sounds okay until you realize the morning starts at 32°F.
Why the "Florida Winter" is so unpredictable
People always ask why Jacksonville gets these random arctic blasts. It’s basically geography. We don't have the Gulf Stream protection that South Florida enjoys, so when a cold front sweeps down the East Coast, Jax takes the full hit.
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The middle of the week offers a slight reprieve, but don't break out the shorts yet.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny with a high of 56°F and a low of 34°F. Another frost is likely.
- Wednesday: We finally see a "warm-up" to 68°F, but it comes with heavy cloud cover.
- Thursday: Staying cloudy with a high of 63°F.
What to actually wear this week
Most tourists make the mistake of packing light for a Florida January. Big mistake. This week is strictly "layered sweater" weather.
Because the humidity stays high (hovering between 70% and 85% most days), the cold seeps into your bones. A 55°F day in Jacksonville feels significantly colder than a 55°F day in a dry climate like Denver. You’ll want a windbreaker or a medium-weight coat, especially for those northwest winds that will be kicking up to 16 mph today and staying steady around 6-11 mph through the week.
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Looking toward the weekend
By the time we hit Friday and Saturday, the temperatures climb back into the "comfortable" range. Friday's high hits 69°F, and Saturday might even touch 70°F. But—and there's always a "but" in Florida—the rain returns. Saturday, January 24, brings a 35% chance of light rain.
It’s a cycle. Cold and dry, then warm and wet.
Basically, the Jacksonville Florida weather for the week is a reminder that winter here is a game of patience. We're currently in the thick of the coldest stretch of the season. In fact, just a few days ago, the city tied a record low of 22°F that had stood since 1927. We aren't quite hitting those record-breaking numbers this week, but staying in the 30s for three nights in a row is no joke for the First Coast.
Your Actionable Next Steps:
- Drip your pipes: Since we're hitting 32°F tonight and Tuesday, make sure your outdoor pipes are covered or dripping to prevent freezing.
- Protect the "Three Ps": Pets, Plants, and People. Check on elderly neighbors and bring in any tropical potted plants that can't handle the frost.
- Plan for Monday morning delays: If you're commuting early Monday, leave time to defrost your windshield. Ice is a very real possibility on car glass tomorrow morning.