Honestly, if you’ve lived in the South Sound for more than a week, you know the "Tacoma Aroma" isn’t the only thing that surprises people—it’s the way the sky can’t seem to make up its mind. But looking at the Tacoma weather 5 day outlook starting this Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re actually seeing something kinda rare for mid-January.
Usually, this time of year is a relentless parade of "gray-on-gray" with a side of drizzle. Instead, we are staring down a stretch of genuine sunshine. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to hit the Ruston Way Waterfront, even if you still need a heavy parka to keep the Puget Sound breeze from biting through your layers.
The 5-Day Breakdown: Sun, Clouds, and Cold Toes
We are kicking things off with a beautiful Saturday. The high is hitting 49°F, which feels downright tropical compared to some of the frostier mornings we've had lately. It’s a blue-bird day, basically clear skies all the way through tonight when it’ll drop to a crisp 34°F. If you’re heading out to the night market or just grabbing a drink in the 6th Ave District, bring the "big coat."
Sunday, January 18, keeps that momentum going. We’re looking at a high of 46°F under sunny skies. The wind is staying low, just a light 2 mph breeze from the north. It’s perfect for a walk through Point Defiance, though the overnight low of 33°F means you’ll definitely be scraping frost off the windshield Monday morning.
💡 You might also like: December 12 Birthdays: What the Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp Really Means for Success
Transitioning into the Work Week
Monday starts the shift. We’ll still see the sun with a high of 48°F, but by Monday night, we start seeing some "partly cloudy" action creeping in. By Tuesday and Wednesday, the sunshine retreats. We’re moving into "mostly cloudy" territory with highs hovering around 47°F and 45°F.
There’s a tiny 10% chance of snow mentioned in the Tuesday and Wednesday forecasts, but don't go buying out the milk and bread at Safeway just yet. In Tacoma, a 10% chance usually just means the air feels extra sharp, and you might see a stray flake that melts before it even hits the pavement.
Why Tacoma Weather is Such a Wildcard
People always ask why the forecast for Tacoma often differs from Seattle, even though they’re just 30 miles apart. It mostly comes down to the Olympic Rain Shadow and the specific way the winds kick up through the Tacoma Narrows.
📖 Related: Dave's Hot Chicken Waco: Why Everyone is Obsessing Over This Specific Spot
When we get these north winds—like the 6 mph northeast gusts expected today—they tend to sweep away the moisture, giving us those stunning, clear views of Mount Rainier. But that clarity comes at a price: temperature. Without a blanket of clouds to trap the heat, our nights in the 253 stay significantly colder.
Humidity and the "Real Feel"
One thing you’ve gotta watch this week is the humidity. It’s sitting high, between 77% and 85% most days. In the Pacific Northwest, high humidity during winter doesn't mean "muggy"—it means "damp cold." That 45°F on Wednesday is going to feel much chillier than a dry 45°F in Eastern Washington because the moisture in the air pulls the heat right off your skin.
What to Do With This Forecast
Since we have a rare window of dry weather through Monday, now is the time to handle those outdoor chores you’ve been putting off.
👉 See also: Dating for 5 Years: Why the Five-Year Itch is Real (and How to Fix It)
- Check your gutters: We’ve got cloudy skies coming toward the end of the week, and while the rain chance is low right now, Tacoma winters can turn wet in a heartbeat.
- Vibe check the waterfront: Saturday and Sunday are elite-tier days for a walk near the ferry terminal or Owen Beach.
- Protect the pipes: With lows hitting 33°F and 34°F, it’s not a deep freeze, but it’s close enough to be annoyed by a frozen outdoor spigot.
Basically, enjoy the Vitamin D while it lasts. By the time Wednesday rolls around, the gray will be back in full force, and we'll all be back to complaining about the lack of light. But for the next few days? It’s pretty much as good as a Washington January gets.
Actionable Next Steps:
Plan your outdoor activities for Saturday or Sunday afternoon to take advantage of the peak sunshine. Ensure your vehicle has an ice scraper ready for the Monday morning commute, as overnight lows will consistently hover near the freezing mark. If you have sensitive outdoor plants, consider moving them or covering them by Monday night as the humidity rises and temperatures stay low.