So, you’re looking at the thermostat and wondering what is the temperature in fort lauderdale florida right now. Honestly, it’s usually better than wherever you are if you’re currently wearing a puffer jacket.
Right now, it is 75°F in Fort Lauderdale.
If you step outside, it actually feels more like 79°F because of that classic South Florida humidity, which is sitting at a thick 91%. It’s cloudy today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and there’s a light breeze coming from the south at 9 mph. Basically, it’s a standard, slightly muggy January morning where you might want a light layer just in case, but you’ll probably be peeling it off by noon.
Today’s Forecast: Sun, Clouds, and a Drastic Dip
If you’re planning your day, don’t let the morning clouds fool you. We’re heading toward a high of 80°F. However, things get interesting tonight. A cold front is moving through, and the temperature is expected to tumble all the way down to 52°F.
That is a nearly 30-degree drop.
You’ve gotta love Florida winters. One minute you’re sweating at a tiki bar, and the next you’re digging through your suitcase for the one pair of jeans you packed "just in case." Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, will feel significantly different with a high of only 67°F and much crispier, drier air.
Why the Temperature in Fort Lauderdale Florida Is Rarely What It Seems
People see a number like 75 and think "perfect." But in Fort Lauderdale, the "feels like" temperature is the real boss. Because we’re sandwiched between the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean, the moisture levels are constantly in flux.
Humidity isn't just about frizzing your hair. It’s about how your body cools down. On a day like today with 91% humidity, your sweat doesn't evaporate as fast, making that 75 feel like a sticky 79. When the humidity drops tomorrow to about 62%, that 67 will feel surprisingly chilly, especially with the wind coming from the north.
The Ocean Factor
If you’re a swimmer, the water is actually warmer than the air right now. The sea temperature is holding steady around 77°F to 78°F.
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It’s a bit of a local secret: January is often the best time for a dip because the Atlantic hasn't fully lost its summer heat yet. While the air temperature in Fort Lauderdale Florida might fluctuate wildly during a cold front, the ocean acts like a giant thermal blanket, keeping the immediate coastline a few degrees warmer than the inland suburbs like Plantation or Sunrise.
What to Expect Over the Next 10 Days
The weather isn't staying cool for long. We're in a bit of a "yo-yo" pattern.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): High of 73°F. Sunnier, but still cool at night (59°F).
- Mid-Week (Jan 21-22): The warmth returns with highs of 75-77°F, but bring an umbrella. Rain chances jump to 35%.
- Next Weekend (Jan 24-25): We’re back to classic vacation weather. Highs of 79°F and mostly sunny skies.
Navigating the Seasons Like a Local
Most visitors think Florida is just "hot" and "less hot." That’s a mistake.
If you’re visiting in the summer, specifically August, you’re looking at 90°F+ every single day with humidity that makes it feel like you’re walking through warm soup. January and February are the "Goldilocks" months, but they come with the risk of these sudden cold snaps.
One thing most people get wrong is the rain. In the summer, it rains every day at 3:00 PM for twenty minutes. In the winter, like this week, the rain is more "gray and drizzly" and can hang around for a whole afternoon.
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Actionable Weather Tips for Your Trip
- Check the "Feels Like" Hourly: Don't just look at the daily high. If the humidity is high, add 5 degrees to your mental map.
- Pack for the 50s: Even if the high is 80, the lows in January can hit the 40s or 50s. A denim jacket or a light hoodie is non-negotiable.
- The UV Index is Still Real: Today it's a 2 because of the clouds, but tomorrow it jumps to a 4. You can still get a "cloud burn" here—don't skip the SPF.
- Watch the Wind: If you’re planning a boat day, pay attention to the wind direction. A north wind (like we’ll have tomorrow) makes the ocean much choppier than a south wind.
Keep an eye on the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, as light rain is likely to move in. If you're heading out today, enjoy the 80°F peak, but maybe grab a sweater for that 52°F low tonight.