You’ve seen the generic apps. They show a little sun icon and a 57-degree high for Mendocino, and you figure, "Cool, light sweater weather." Honestly, that’s the first mistake most people make when looking up a weather forecast for mendocino ca.
This town doesn't do "generic."
Right now, as of Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026, it’s about 54°F out there. The sky is mostly cloudy, and there’s a light north wind at 4 mph. If you’re standing on the headlands, that 4 mph feels like a damp chill that sinks into your bones. It's 66% humidity, but out here, humidity isn't just a number—it’s the physical presence of the Pacific Ocean trying to introduce itself to your lungs.
The Mid-January Reality Check
Tonight’s looking a bit moody. We’re expecting a low of 40°F with a 20% chance of rain.
Basically, if you’re planning to walk the village streets after dinner, bring the heavy coat. The clouds are going to thicken up. Looking ahead to tomorrow, Monday, January 19, the high stays pinned at 57°F. It’ll be mostly sunny during the day, which is a nice break, but the low drops to 38°F at night.
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That’s the thing about Mendocino weather. It doesn't swing wildly like the valley; it just stays consistently, stubbornly crisp.
Why Your App Is Probably Lying to You
Microclimates are the name of the game here. You can’t just look at a single number and know what to wear. You could be in a sheltered cove in the village feeling the warmth of a 57-degree sun, but walk five minutes to the bluffs and you're hit by a maritime layer that feels ten degrees colder.
I’ve seen people show up in shorts because the forecast said "sunny." Big mistake.
The weather forecast for mendocino ca for the next few days is a perfect example of this coastal grind:
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- Tuesday, Jan 20: 56°F high, 37°F low. Cloudy.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: 56°F high, 42°F low. Still cloudy, but humidity jumps to a whopping 94%.
- Thursday, Jan 22: 57°F high. But watch out—the wind kicks up to 17 mph from the north.
That Thursday wind is the real story. When you have a 57-degree day but the wind is ripping off the ocean at nearly 20 mph, you aren't "partly sunny." You’re in a wind tunnel.
The "Sneaker Wave" Factor
One thing a standard weather forecast for mendocino ca rarely highlights is the ocean state. Just a few days ago, on January 14, the National Weather Service had to issue a sneaker wave advisory for this exact stretch of coast.
The weather can look calm—57 degrees, light wind—but the swells are moving differently.
Never turn your back on the ocean here. It doesn't matter if the sun is out. Those waves don't care about the 10% rain chance on your screen.
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Looking Toward Next Week: The Rain is Peeking In
If you’re sticking around, Friday, Jan 23, looks like the "warm" spot with a high of 58°F and a north wind hitting 20 mph. It’ll be mostly sunny, so the light will be incredible for photography, even if you’re fighting the breeze.
By the time we hit the middle of next week, specifically Wednesday, Jan 28, the pattern shifts. We’re looking at a high of 64°F—which feels like a heatwave for Mendocino in January—but it comes with light rain. The chance of precipitation jumps to 45% that night.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
Don't just look at the high temperature. Check the wind speed and the humidity.
- Layering is a religion here. You need a base, a fleece, and a windproof shell.
- The "North Wind" is cold. When the forecast says "North," it’s coming straight off the cold water.
- Humidity matters. 94% humidity (like we'll see Wednesday) means everything stays damp. Your towel won't dry on the porch. Your hair will do its own thing.
The most accurate way to handle a weather forecast for mendocino ca is to prepare for the low, not the high. If the low is 37°F (like Tuesday night), that cold air is going to linger well into the morning.
Next steps? If you're heading out today, keep that north wind in mind—it's only 4 mph now, but it’s bringing in those clouds for tonight. Grab a waterproof layer for the 20% rain chance later this evening.