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So, you’re looking at the santa monica 10 day forecast and thinking about hitting the pier. I get it. January in Southern California is a weird beast. Most people see "sunny" and think it’s bikini weather, but honestly? You’ve gotta be smarter than the average tourist if you don't want to end up shivering in a $60 souvenir hoodie.
Right now, it’s Friday, January 16, 2026. If you look at the numbers, we’re actually coming off a massive heat spike—Santa Monica hit 84°F just yesterday, which was the highest temp in the whole country. But don't let that fool you into thinking the rest of the month is a cakewalk.
What the santa monica 10 day forecast Is Actually Telling You
Basically, we’re entering a cooling trend that’s going to feel like a slap in the face if you were enjoying that 80-degree fluke. Today, Friday, we're looking at a high of 68°F. That sounds decent, right? But the humidity is sitting at 56%, and we’ve got a northwest wind at 5 mph that’ll make the shade feel significantly crispier.
By Saturday, January 17, the clouds move in. We'll hit 71°F, but it’s going to be a "grey" 71. If you're planning a photo op at the Ferris wheel, maybe aim for Sunday or Monday instead. Sunday, January 18, is looking like the winner of the week with a high of 73°F and mostly sunny skies.
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Here is the breakdown of what the next several days look like in prose:
Monday starts a stretch of beautiful, clear days with highs staying around 72°F, though the wind shifts to the east. This is classic "Santa Ana" light territory. Tuesday keeps that energy at 71°F. But then, things take a dive. Wednesday, January 21, the clouds return and we drop to 67°F. By the time we hit next Saturday, January 24, we’re struggling to reach 59°F. That’s a 25-degree drop from the peak we saw earlier this week.
The Marine Layer and the "Wind Chill" Lie
One thing the standard apps always miss is the marine layer. Even on a "sunny" day, the Pacific is currently sitting at a cool 61°F. That water temperature acts like a giant air conditioner. If you’re standing on the sand, it’s going to feel five degrees colder than the inland forecast says.
The National Weather Service is currently tracking patchy fog after midnight for the next several days. This isn't just "fog"—it's that heavy, damp coastal mist that clings to everything. If you’re staying at a hotel near Ocean Ave, expect your balcony chairs to be soaked by 7:00 AM.
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Packing Secrets for a January Beach Trip
Honestly, the "onion method" is the only way to survive. You need layers.
- The Base: A t-shirt for that window between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM when the sun actually has some bite.
- The Mid: A light sweater or flannel. The UV index is only hitting 3 right now, so you aren't getting much "warmth" from the rays themselves.
- The Shell: A windbreaker. Between the 4-6 mph winds forecast for this week and the salt spray, you'll want a barrier.
If you’re a surfer, don't even think about going out without at least a 3/2mm wetsuit. Most locals are rocking 4/3mm suits with boots right now. The water is 61°F, which is technically "warmer than average" for mid-January, but still cold enough to trigger a mild heart attack if you jump in wearing trunks.
Don't Fall for These Common January Myths
A lot of people think January is the "rainy season" for LA. While the Almanac predicted some rainy periods for mid-January 2026, the current santa monica 10 day forecast shows only a 10% to 15% chance of rain through the 25th. It's more of a "cloudy and cool" vibe than a "tropical storm" vibe.
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Also, watch out for the sunset. Since it's January, the sun is tucking behind the horizon around 5:10 PM. The second that sun disappears, the temperature doesn't just "drop"—it falls off a cliff. We're looking at overnight lows between 53°F and 57°F all week. If you’re out at dinner by the water, you’ll want a real jacket, not just a cardigan.
Actionable Tips for Your Santa Monica Visit
- Check the swell: If you're heading to the beach for more than just a walk, the wave detail is showing a W swell at 13-14 seconds. It's relatively calm, but the 15-25 kt winds forecast for Saturday night could make the water choppy.
- Museum days: If you're here next Thursday or Friday (the 22nd and 23rd) when the highs struggle to pass 64°F, that’s your cue to go to the Getty or the Eames House.
- Dining: Make reservations for inside seating. Most Santa Monica spots have heaters for their patios, but with 75% humidity expected by the 24th, the dampness makes the "outdoor dining" experience a bit miserable.
Keep an eye on the specific wind direction in your daily updates. East winds (like what we'll see Jan 19-20) usually mean clearer skies and lower humidity. South winds (Jan 21-25) usually mean the "June Gloom" has decided to show up five months early.
Stay warm, keep your layers handy, and enjoy the fact that the crowds are 90% thinner than they will be in July.
Next Steps:
- Pack a high-quality windbreaker and a beanie for evening walks on the pier.
- Book any outdoor activities for Sunday, January 18, to catch the best weather window.
- Download a tide chart if you plan on exploring the tide pools near North Santa Monica/Malibu.