You’re standing on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Giant Dipper clicking in the background, and suddenly you're shivering. Ten minutes ago, you were in a t-shirt in Scotts Valley. Honestly, that’s just how this town works. If you’re asking about the temperature in Santa Cruz right now, specifically for Thursday, January 15, 2026, it’s actually a bit of a localized miracle.
Today is sunny with a high of 68°F. That’s unusually warm for mid-January. Usually, this time of year keeps you closer to the low 60s, but the southeast wind at 6 mph is keeping things mild. Tonight, it’ll dip down to 47°F under clear skies. It’s the kind of day that tricks tourists into thinking winter doesn’t exist here.
But here’s the thing. Santa Cruz doesn't have "a" temperature. It has about five of them, depending on which street you’re standing on.
The Microclimate Chaos
Most people check their phone, see 68 degrees, and pack a bag for the beach. Big mistake.
The "marine layer" is basically a living thing here. You’ve probably heard people talk about "June Gloom" or "Fogust," but in January, the dynamics change. While the boardwalk might be basking in that 68-degree sun today, the minute that fog rolls in from the Monterey Bay, the temperature can drop 10 to 15 degrees in what feels like seconds.
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Basically, the geography of the Santa Cruz Mountains creates a wall. Heat gets trapped inland—places like Felton or Ben Lomond can feel like a furnace in the summer—while the coast stays wrapped in a chilly, moist blanket. Even today, with a UV index of only 2, that damp air makes 68 feel very different than 68 in, say, Phoenix.
The Water is Always Cold
Don't let the sunny sky fool you into jumping in the water without a plan.
- Current Sea Temperature: It’s hovering around 57°F to 58°F right now.
- Wetsuit Reality: If you’re surfing Steamer Lane today, you need a 4/3mm wetsuit. Maybe booties if you’re planning a long session.
- The Paradox: The air is 68°F, but the water is a liquid ice cube. Without neoprene, you're looking at hypothermia risks faster than you can paddle out.
Why January is Actually the Secret Season
If you can handle the 47°F nights, January is kinda the best time to be here.
Most people flock here in July when it’s "warm," but that’s when the fog is the thickest. You spend your whole "beach day" staring at a grey wall. In January, especially on a day like today, the atmosphere is often clearer. The humidity is sitting at 63%, which is high enough to keep the redwoods happy but low enough that the air feels crisp rather than heavy.
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Rain is the only real gamble. We’re currently looking at a 0% chance of precipitation for today and tonight. Historically, January can be a wash-out—it’s one of the wettest months with an average of 11 rainy days—but when it’s clear, the visibility is insane. You can see all the way across the bay to Monterey with total clarity.
What to Wear (The Local Strategy)
You’ve got to dress like an onion. Layers.
- The Base: A t-shirt for the 68-degree peak between 1 PM and 3 PM.
- The Mid: A light hoodie. You’ll need this the moment you step into the shade of a redwood or a canyon.
- The Shell: A windbreaker. Even a 6 mph breeze off the Pacific carries a bite.
- The "Sun's Down" Coat: Once that 47-degree low starts creeping in after sunset (which is around 5:15 PM these days), you’ll want a real jacket.
Actionable Tips for Today
If you’re in town right now, take advantage of this specific weather window.
Go to West Cliff Drive. Since the wind is coming from the southeast, the usual northwesterly chop might be slightly suppressed, making for a beautiful walk.
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Check the Redwoods. With the recent humidity and clear skies, the light filtering through Henry Cowell State Park will be top-tier for photos. The "fog drip" from previous nights keeps the ferns vibrant even if it hasn't rained today.
Watch the Sunset. Clear skies mean a high probability of a "green flash" if you’ve got a clear view of the horizon. Natural Bridges is the spot.
Plan for the Drop. By 6:00 PM, that 68 degrees will be a distant memory. If you're dining outdoors on Pacific Avenue, make sure the place has heat lamps. You'll need 'em.
The temperature in Santa Cruz is a moving target. Enjoy the 68-degree sunshine today, but keep that jacket in the trunk. You’re going to need it sooner than you think.