Seal Beach is a bit of a local secret. People drive right past it on the PCH, heading for the chaos of Huntington or the gloss of Newport, but those who pull over know exactly why they’re staying. It’s got that classic "Old Town" vibe—small-town energy, a wooden pier that looks like it’s out of a movie, and a climate that honestly feels like a cheat code for life.
But if you think it’s just "sunny and 75" every single day of the year, you’re gonna be disappointed when you show up in June and can’t even see the end of the pier.
Weather in Seal Beach is governed by the Pacific. Period. It's a Mediterranean climate, sure, but it’s a specific coastal version that’s way more nuanced than the weather apps usually let on. You’ve got to account for the marine layer, the Santa Ana winds, and the fact that the water temperature is often ten degrees colder than what you’d find in Florida or the Carolinas.
The Local Forecast Right Now
Let's look at what's actually happening on the ground today. As of Saturday night, January 17, 2026, things are pretty standard for a Southern California winter.
The current temperature is a crisp 61°F under mostly cloudy skies. There’s a tiny bit of air moving—a 3 mph wind coming from the north—and humidity is sitting at 56%. It’s basically "hoodie and flip-flops" weather.
For the rest of today, we’re looking at a high of 73°F and a low of 53°F. It’s cloudy, and there’s a 10% chance of rain, though that’s usually more of a light mist than a real downpour in these parts.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, it clears up beautifully. We're expecting a sunny high of 70°F and a low of 52°F. If you’re planning to be out, the wind will shift to the west at 5 mph, which brings in that fresh salt air everyone loves.
The Upcoming Week at a Glance
| Day | High / Low | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Monday (Jan 19) | 67°F / 52°F | Sunny |
| Tuesday (Jan 20) | 71°F / 54°F | Sunny |
| Wednesday (Jan 21) | 66°F / 54°F | Mostly Cloudy |
| Thursday (Jan 22) | 64°F / 56°F | Cloudy |
| Friday (Jan 23) | 63°F / 54°F | Partly Sunny |
By the end of next weekend, we might see some light rain moving in, specifically on Sunday, January 25, with a high of 63°F.
Why June Gloom is Actually Real
If you visit in May or June, you’re likely to encounter "May Gray" or "June Gloom."
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Basically, the ocean is still relatively cold (around 62°F or 65°F), but the inland valleys are starting to bake. This creates a pressure difference that sucks a thick layer of stratus clouds right onto the coast.
Honestly, it’s kinda weird. You’ll be standing on Main Street in a gray, misty fog that feels like Seattle, but if you drive five miles inland to Los Alamitos, it’s 85°F and blindingly sunny. The clouds usually "burn off" by 1 PM, but during a heavy gloom year, they can stick around all day.
If you’re a photographer, this is actually the best time to visit. That flat, gray light makes the colors of the pier and the beach cottages pop without those harsh, blown-out shadows you get in August.
The Pacific Ocean: A Reality Check
The biggest mistake tourists make is thinking they can just jump into the water in their board shorts in April.
Unless you’re from a cold-water climate or you're a seasoned surfer, you’re gonna want a wetsuit. The water temperature peaks in August and September at about 68°F to 72°F. That’s the warmest it gets. In January and February, it drops to a bone-chilling 55°F to 60°F.
For most surfers at the Seal Beach Pier, a 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suit is standard for most of the year.
Season by Season: What to Pack
Winter (December - February): This is the wettest time, though "wet" is a relative term. We average about 2.8 inches of rain in January. Pack layers. You’ll want a windbreaker or a light puffer jacket for the pier because that north wind can bite.
Spring (March - May): This is the transition. Highs crawl into the low 70s. This is also Graypril and May Gray territory. Bring a fleece. You’ll wear it every morning until the sun breaks through at noon.
Summer (June - August): August is the hottest month, with an average high of 84°F and a low of 65°F. It’s dry. No humidity like the East Coast. You’ll want linen shirts, tanks, and tons of sunscreen. The UV index hits 10+ regularly.
Fall (September - November): Ask any local—this is the best time of year. The water is at its warmest, the crowds are gone, and the "Santa Ana" winds occasionally blow hot, dry air from the desert, pushing the marine layer out to sea. It’s crystal clear and perfect.
Actionable Tips for your Seal Beach Trip
- Check the Pier Wind: Before you head out for a walk on the pier, check the wind direction. A west wind is a refreshing breeze; a north wind in the winter means you’ll want a beanie.
- The 1 PM Rule: During June Gloom, don’t cancel your beach plans just because it's gray at 9 AM. Usually, the sky cracks open right around lunchtime.
- Park Early: Weather this good means everyone from inland wants a piece of it. If the forecast says it's going to be 75°F and sunny on a Saturday, the parking lots at the end of Main Street will be full by 10 AM.
- Layer Up: Always keep a sweatshirt in your car. Even on an 80-degree day, the second the sun drops behind the horizon, the temperature can plummet 15 degrees in what feels like minutes.
Seal Beach isn't trying to impress anyone with flashy weather events. It's just a steady, temperate, and occasionally misty coastal town that rewards those who know how to dress for its moods.
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Next Steps:
Check the local tide charts if you plan on walking under the pier or hitting the north side for a surf session. Low tide reveals a lot of the beach that's hidden during the rest of the day, making it the perfect time for a long walk toward the jetty.