Long Beach Island in January is a ghost town. Honestly, that’s exactly why some of us love it. But if you’re planning to head over the bridge this week, you’ve gotta realize the weather out here isn’t just "cold"—it’s a different beast entirely once you hit the Causeway.
Right now, as of Friday morning, January 16, 2026, it is 25°F in Long Beach Island. That sounds manageable, right? Except the wind is ripping out of the west at 20 mph, making it feel more like 11°F. That’s the "island tax" on your body temperature.
The Reality of the LBI Weather 10 Day Forecast
Basically, we're looking at a week of "maybe-winter." It’s not a deep freeze, but it’s definitely not beach walking weather unless you're layered up like an Arctic explorer.
If you look at the LBI weather 10 day forecast, the trend is up and down. Saturday, January 17, is gonna be a bit of a mess. We’re looking at a high of 41°F but with a 40% chance of light rain during the day. Sunday, January 18, flips the script with snow showers and a high of 38°F.
Here is the thing about the island: the humidity stays high. Even when it's sunny on Monday and Tuesday (with highs of 36°F and 26°F respectively), that damp air gets into your bones. It’s a "wet cold" that makes 30 degrees feel like 10.
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Mid-Week Shifts and Coastal Moisture
By Wednesday, January 21, the wind shifts to the southwest and kicks up to 22 mph. We'll see the temperature climb back to 40°F, but it’ll stay mostly cloudy. Thursday is the one to watch. We have a 35% chance of a rain/snow mix.
On a sandbar like LBI, a "mix" usually means slushy roads and a lot of salt spray. The ocean temperature at Beach Haven is sitting right around 39°F to 40°F. It’s basically a giant ice bath surrounding the island, which keeps the air temperatures from spiking too high even when the sun is out.
Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
You can't talk about the LBI weather 10 day forecast without talking about the Gale Warning. The National Weather Service issued one recently for the coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet. We're seeing west winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts up to 40 knots.
If you're staying on the bay side, that west wind is pushing water away, but it’s hitting your house full force.
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- Friday, Jan 16: Sunny, high of 39°F, west winds at 20 mph.
- Saturday, Jan 17: Light rain, high of 41°F, southwest winds at 19 mph.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Snow showers, high of 38°F, north winds at 13 mph.
- Monday, Jan 19: Clear and cold, high of 36°F, low of 18°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: The coldest day, high only reaching 26°F.
That Tuesday low of 17°F is no joke. If you haven't winterized your outdoor showers or hose bibs yet, that’s the night they’ll likely pop.
Flooding Outlook: The New Moon Factor
Something most people ignore is the moon. We have a new moon on Sunday, January 18. This usually brings "spring tides"—which are higher than normal. While the current forecast doesn't scream "major coastal flood," the combination of a new moon and a north wind on Sunday could cause some minor street flooding in the usual spots like Ship Bottom or the south end of Beach Haven.
What to Actually Do on LBI This Week
Since the LBI weather 10 day forecast is calling for a mix of rain, snow, and wind, you're gonna need a "Plan B."
The beaches are beautiful for a quick five-minute photo, but then you’ll want to retreat. The LBI Library in Surf City is a solid move. They usually have movies or just a warm place to sit. Honestly, if it's raining on Saturday, your best bet is hitting the arcades in Beach Haven like Fantasy Island (if they're running winter hours) or grabbing a chowder at one of the few spots still open, like The Chicken or the Egg or Ship Bottom Shellfish.
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Surviving the Island Chill: Expert Tips
- Check the Tides: Use resources like the Stevens Institute of Technology Flood Advisory System. If you see "Possible Flood Days" listed for Atlantic City or Sandy Hook, LBI is usually in that same boat.
- Watch the Wind Direction: A northeast wind is the enemy. It brings the water in. A west wind (like we have today) keeps the flooding down but makes the "feels like" temp miserable.
- Layer Up: Neoprene isn't just for surfers. If you’re walking the dog, a windbreaker over a down jacket is mandatory.
- Water Temp Awareness: The ocean is 39°F. If you're one of those brave surfers, you need a 6/5/4mm wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and 5mm booties. Anything less is a recipe for hypothermia in minutes.
Actionable Next Steps for Property Owners and Visitors
Don't just look at the high of 46°F next Sunday and think it’s spring. That day starts with rain and ends with a low of 17°F and snow showers. That kind of flash-freeze is what causes the most damage to island homes.
If you have a rental or a second home here:
- Confirm your heat is set to at least 55°F before that Monday/Tuesday cold snap.
- Check your gutters. Thursday’s rain/snow mix can easily clog downspouts, leading to ice dams when it drops to 17°F on Sunday.
- Secure outdoor furniture. Those 20-40 mph gusts will turn a plastic Adirondack chair into a projectile real quick.
The island is gorgeous in the winter, but it's raw. Respect the wind, keep an eye on the new moon tides this weekend, and keep those layers handy.