If you’re checking the weather for Southampton NY today, January 15, 2026, you're looking at a pretty classic mid-winter Long Island vibe. Right now, it's about 43°F outside. It feels a bit nippier though, closer to 37°F because of that southwest wind kicking up at 11 mph. Honestly, it’s the kind of day where you think you don’t need the heavy parka until you hit the shoreline and the Atlantic breeze humbles you real quick.
Most people think of the Hamptons as a summer-only paradise. They picture 80-degree days and rosé on the grass. But the reality of weather in this specific slice of Suffolk County is way more temperamental than the travel brochures suggest. Today is a great example. We’ve got high humidity at 90% and a 10% chance of rain, basically just a gray, damp blanket over the village. By tonight, temperatures are expected to drop to 22°F. That’s a twenty-degree swing. If you aren't prepared for the "Atlantic damp," the cold here feels twice as sharp as it does in the city.
The Weird Microclimates of the South Fork
Southampton isn't just one weather bubble. It’s a mess of microclimates. You’ve got the Peconic Bay to the north and the open Atlantic to the south. This creates a weird tug-of-war.
A few weeks ago, back on December 26, 2025, the town actually had to issue a State of Emergency. We were looking at 5 to 9 inches of snow with gusty winds that made travel basically impossible. While folks further west in Nassau County were seeing a light dusting, Southampton was getting hammered. That’s the "ocean effect" in action. The water stays warmer than the land in early winter, which can sometimes fuel these localized bursts of intense precipitation.
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- The Sea Breeze Effect: In the summer, the ocean acts like a natural air conditioner. When Manhattan is baking at 95°F, Southampton is often a breezy 79°F.
- The Winter Damp: Conversely, in January, that same ocean moisture makes the air feel "heavy." It’s a wet cold that gets into your bones.
- Fog Belts: If you're driving down Route 27 early in the morning, you might hit a wall of fog near the golf courses that completely disappears by the time you hit the village center.
Monthly Breakdown: What to Actually Expect
Let’s look at the numbers because they tell a story of extremes. Historically, January is the coldest month here, with average highs of 39°F and lows of 27°F. But as we’re seeing today, those "averages" are often just a midpoint between a weirdly warm morning and a freezing night.
April is actually the wettest month on average, pulling in over 4 inches of rain. If you’re planning a spring getaway, bring the Hunter boots. July is the peak, of course, with an average high of 79°F. It rarely gets above 86°F because of that coastal influence. It’s pleasant, sure, but the humidity can still hit 79% in the mornings, making it feel a bit like a steam room until the afternoon breeze kicks in.
September is the sleeper hit. It’s the clearest month of the year. The sky is clear or mostly clear about 62% of the time. The water is still warm from the summer soak, the crowds have thinned out, and the hurricane season swells bring in the best waves for surfers. Local experts like Kurt Rist at Hamptons Surf Co. often point to this window as the prime time for being outdoors.
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Why the Forecast Often Lies
Forecasting weather for Southampton NY is notoriously difficult for meteorologists. Why? Because the Jet Stream does weird things when it hits the coast.
Take the storm from February 15-16 last year. A secondary low-pressure system deepened below 980 mb off the New England coast. It sucked in an "atmospheric river" of moisture. Some parts of New York saw straight snow, but Southampton dealt with a nasty mix of sleet and freezing rain because of a "warm nose" of air poking in from the south. You can't just look at a generic "Long Island" forecast and assume it applies here. You have to look at the offshore buoys and the wind direction.
If the wind is coming from the North, it’s dry and biting. If it’s from the South or East, expect moisture, fog, or a "Nor'easter" setup.
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Survival Tips for the Southampton Element
You’ve got to dress in layers. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s the only way to survive a day that starts at 22°F and ends at 42°F.
- Check the Tide: High tide can actually influence local flooding during heavy rain events. The Town of Southampton has been vocal about "nuisance flooding" becoming a regular thing.
- Wind is the Enemy: In the winter, a 15 mph wind is the difference between a nice walk on Coopers Beach and a miserable experience.
- The 10-Degree Rule: Always assume the beach will be 10 degrees cooler than the village interior during the summer, and 10 degrees windier in the winter.
Looking Ahead: The Next Few Days
The NWS forecast for the rest of this week shows a mix of sun and clouds. We're looking at a high of 42°F today with a significant drop tonight. Tomorrow will likely stay in the 30s. There’s a slight chance of snow—about 15%—but nothing that requires another emergency declaration like we saw in December.
When you're tracking the weather for Southampton NY, focus on the wind speed. If it stays under 10 mph, you’re golden. If it spikes to 20 or 22 mph (which it might later today), stay off the beach unless you've got some serious wind-breaking gear.
Keep an eye on the local Town of Southampton alerts for any sudden changes. They’ve become much more proactive with the Emergency Orders lately, especially since the "100-year storms" seem to be happening every couple of years now. For now, enjoy the gray—it’s the most authentic Hamptons winter experience you can get.
To stay prepared for the shifting coastal conditions, you should bookmark the National Weather Service's specific station for Southampton (KOKX) and always check the offshore wind gusts before heading to the water. Keeping a dedicated "car kit" with an extra wool blanket and a sturdy umbrella is a local pro-move for dealing with the South Fork's unpredictability. For those planning outdoor events, late September remains the most reliable window for clear skies and manageable humidity.