Honestly, if you're planning a trip down to PCH tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026, you’re hitting the weather jackpot. Most folks assume January in Southern California is just a gloomy, wet mess, but Laguna Beach is currently playing by its own rules.
Tomorrow is going to be sunny with a high of 73°F.
It’s that weird, perfect window where the air is crisp but the sun still has some bite to it. You’ll see the low dip down to 49°F at night, so don't be that person shivering in a tank top once the sun sets over the Pacific. Humidity is sitting at a very comfortable 42%, meaning you won’t feel that sticky coastal salt air as much as usual. Basically, it’s prime "jeans and a light hoodie" weather.
Breaking Down the Laguna Beach Weather Tomorrow
The wind is coming from the west at 5 mph. That’s barely a breeze, just enough to keep the air moving while you're walking along Main Beach. If you’re a local or just visiting, you know the drill: the morning starts clear, the afternoon gets that golden glow, and by nightfall, it’ll turn mostly cloudy.
There is a 0% chance of rain during the day. Seriously, not a drop. Even the night-time forecast only shows a measly 10% chance, which in SoCal speak means "maybe some mist if you're lucky."
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What to Actually Do With 73 Degrees
The UV index is hitting a 3. That’s categorized as "moderate." You might think you're safe because it’s January, but that California sun doesn't take days off. If you’re doing the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure downtown at 8:00 AM, you’ll want a bit of SPF.
For the art crowd, the Laguna Art Museum has those Art Sessions with Peter Zokosky starting at 4:00 PM. It’s a solid way to transition from the outdoor sun to some indoor creativity as the temperature starts its evening slide.
If you're more into the night scene, the Solomon Hicks & Band show at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center starts at 8:00 PM. By then, it’ll be heading toward that 49°F low, so that "mostly cloudy" sky will definitely make it feel cooler than it was at lunch.
The Surf and Sand Reality
Let’s talk about the water because that’s usually where the misconceptions live. The ocean temperature is hovering around 61.2°F. That’s actually a few degrees warmer than the usual January average, but let’s be real—it’s still freezing if you aren't wearing rubber.
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The surf report is calling for 3+ ft waves with "clean" conditions in the morning. By the afternoon, it stays around 3+ ft but the wind shifts slightly, making it "fair" rather than perfect. High tide hits at 7:44 AM at nearly 6 feet, so if you're planning a beach walk, wait for that 3:05 PM low tide to actually have some sand to walk on.
Plan Your Friday Like a Local
- Morning (7 AM - 11 AM): Sun is out, wind is dead. This is the best time for the Thousand Steps Beach climb or hitting the boardwalk before the crowds wake up.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): Peak 73°F heat. Grab a spot at a patio on Forest Ave. The west wind at 5 mph will feel great.
- Evening (5 PM onwards): The clouds start rolling in. If you're heading to The Ranch for the Zach Churchill set at 4:00 PM, bring a jacket.
Don't let the "mostly cloudy" night forecast scare you off. Laguna Beach weather tomorrow is about as good as January gets in Orange County. It’s dry, it’s clear for the most part, and it’s warm enough to actually enjoy being outside without a heavy coat.
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Check your tide charts if you’re heading to the tide pools, as that morning high tide is aggressive. Stick to the 3:00 PM window for the best exploring.