You're probably thinking about Pismo Beach right now and imagining that classic, postcard-perfect California sun. Honestly, January is a bit of a wild card. Everyone looks at a 10 day forecast for Pismo Beach California and expects either a total washout or a heatwave. The reality? It’s basically the most "Central Coast" weather you can get—mercurial, slightly chilly, and surprisingly great for surfing.
Right now, if you step outside, it’s about 43°F with a light northeast breeze.
Kinda nippy, right?
But don't let that night-time low fool you. By lunchtime, you're usually looking at something much more manageable.
The Reality of the 10 Day Forecast for Pismo Beach California
Most people see "cloudy" on a weather app and cancel their plans. Big mistake. In Pismo, "cloudy" often means a morning marine layer that burns off by 2:00 PM, leaving you with that crisp, high-visibility air that makes the pier look like it's in 8K resolution.
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Here is the breakdown of what the next week and a half actually looks like on the ground:
- Saturday (Today): We’re hitting a high of 67°F. It’s staying cloudy all day, but the wind is barely a whisper at 4 mph. Perfect for a walk at Dinosaur Caves Park without getting sand-blasted.
- Sunday & Monday: Temperatures are creeping up. Sunday hits 68°F, and Monday is the winner of the week at 69°F and full sun. If you’ve got a day off for MLK Day, this is your beach day.
- Midweek Shift: Tuesday stays sunny at 68°F, but Wednesday brings the clouds back with a high of 65°F.
- The Cooling Trend: Towards the end of the week, things dip. We’re looking at 63°F on Thursday and a crisper 61°F by Friday.
The rain chances? Low. We’re talking a 10% to 20% chance of a sprinkle here and there, mostly around Saturday the 24th. It's not "stay inside" rain; it's "maybe bring a light shell" rain.
Why the "Surf’s Up" Forecast Matters
If you’re a local or a visitor with a wetsuit, the 10 day forecast for Pismo Beach California is actually looking pretty epic for the SLO CAL Open. It starts Monday, January 19, at the Pier.
The wind is staying mostly northwest or north at speeds between 4 and 6 mph. For surfers, that’s generally good news—it keeps the water from getting too "choppy." Watching pros drop into head-high sets while the air is a cool 69°F is basically the peak January experience here.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Packing
I see it every year. Tourists show up in January wearing nothing but board shorts because "it's California," and they end up shivering at a fire pit by 5:00 PM.
Pismo is all about the layers. Seriously.
The gap between the daily high of 69°F and the night-time low of 45°F is massive. You'll want a heavy hoodie or a light puffer jacket for the mornings, a T-shirt for the afternoon sun, and then that jacket right back on the second the sun dips behind the horizon.
Also, the humidity is sitting around 70% to 80%. It’s a "wet" cold. It gets into your bones a bit more than a dry desert cold does.
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Local Microclimates are Real
If it’s foggy at the Pier, drive five minutes inland toward Arroyo Grande. It’ll probably be 5 degrees warmer and crystal clear. The 10 day forecast for Pismo Beach California covers the coastline, but the Central Coast is a patchwork of microclimates. The hills block the wind in some spots and funnel it in others.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just watch the weather; use it.
- Time the Pier: Aim for Monday or Tuesday if you want the best "Golden Hour" photos. The UV index is low (2), but the sun is bright enough to make the water sparkle.
- Check the Wind: If the forecast says the wind is coming from the Northwest at over 10 mph, skip the beach picnic and head to a sheltered spot like the monarch butterfly grove.
- The Rain Factor: With a 20% chance of rain on Saturday the 24th, plan your outdoor hikes (like the Pismo Preserve) for earlier in the week. The trails can get slippery and "tacky" once the moisture hits that coastal soil.
Honestly, even a "bad" weather day here involves eating a bowl of clam chowder at Splash Café while watching the waves. You can't really lose. Just keep an eye on those night-time lows and bring a beanie.
Your next move: Grab a heavy sweater and head to the Pier this Monday morning to catch the start of the SLO CAL Open. The sun will be out, the temps will be near 70°F, and the surf should be firing.