Honestly, if you're standing on Southsea Common right now, you already know the score. It is gray. It is damp. It is basically the quintessential British winter day. Portsmouth UK weather today isn't doing anyone any favors if they were hoping for a crisp, sunny walk past the Victory, but it’s not exactly a washout either.
The current temperature is sitting right at 48°F. With the wind coming in from the east at about 8 mph, it actually feels more like 45°F. It’s that kind of cold that sneaks under your collar if you didn't zip up properly. Humidity is sky-high at 93%, which is why the air feels so heavy and "clingy."
The Real Deal on Today's Numbers
We’re looking at a high of 49°F and a low of 45°F. That is a incredibly tight range. Basically, the temperature isn't going anywhere. It’s staying in that middle-ground zone where you need a proper coat, but you’ll probably get a bit sweaty if you walk too fast to the Hard.
The sky is stubbornly cloudy.
The UV index is a flat 0.
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If you’re heading out tonight, keep in mind the precipitation chance. While it's only about 10% right now, the forecast for the rest of Saturday, January 17, suggests a 35% chance of rain during the day, dropping to 20% tonight. It’s mostly going to be "light rain" or that annoying fine drizzle that the Met Office loves to call "murk."
Why Portsmouth UK Weather Today Feels Different by the Coast
Living in a waterfront city changes how you experience these numbers. That 10 mph northeast wind might sound light on a phone app, but when it’s whipping off the Solent, it feels a lot sharper.
Tides and the Solent Factor
The water doesn't just sit there; it dictates the vibe of the city. Today's tidal movements are pretty significant:
- Low Water: 03:38 (1.7m) and 16:01 (1.4m)
- High Water: 10:41 (4.3m) and 23:14 (4.3m)
When the tide is high and that wind is coming from the east/northeast, the sea spray near the Pyramids can get a bit wild. If you're planning a coastal run, aim for that low tide window around 4:00 PM to stay as dry as possible.
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The "Murk" Problem
The Met Office has been using the word "murky" a lot for this specific weekend. It’s a technical-adjacent term for when the cloud base is low and the visibility is just... poor. For Portsmouth, this often means the Spinnaker Tower disappears into the gray by mid-afternoon. It’s not fog, exactly, but it’s definitely not a clear view of the Isle of Wight.
Surviving the Portsmouth Gray
Most people get January weather wrong by over-preparing for a storm that isn't coming while under-preparing for the dampness. You don't need a heavy-duty parka today. You need a shell.
A waterproof layer is non-negotiable because that 35% rain chance is likely to manifest as "horizontal damp" rather than a downpour.
Honestly, the best thing to do with Portsmouth UK weather today is to lean into the indoor side of the city. Gunwharf Quays has enough cover to keep you dry while you shop, and the historic dockyard museums are a solid bet when the clouds are this low.
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Actionable Advice for the Next Few Hours
Check your footwear. Leather or treated synthetic is the way to go today; canvas shoes will be soaked through within ten minutes of walking on damp pavement. If you're driving, visibility is going to dip as we lose the light—sunset is early, and the cloud cover is making everything look darker than it actually is.
Keep an eye on the wind direction. If it shifts more toward the north, that 45°F "feels like" temperature is going to tank further.
Basically? Grab a tea, wear a hood, and don't expect to see the sun until at least tomorrow.