Right now, if you stepped off a plane at Sea-Tac, you'd find the temperature in Seattle Washington sitting at a crisp 50°F. It is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and the city is draped in its classic winter uniform: thick, grey clouds and a humidity level of 82%.
Honestly, it's not as cold as the rest of the country thinks.
While the Midwest is likely shivering through sub-zero wind chills, Seattle is just... damp. We've got a tiny northeast breeze at 2 mph, barely enough to flicker a candle. There’s a 10% chance you'll get dripped on if you go for a walk right now, but that’s basically just "Seattle mist."
Breaking Down the 2026 January Forecast
If you’re planning the rest of your week here, don't pack the heavy parka just yet. Today’s high is expected to hit 51°F, which is actually a few degrees warmer than the historical average for mid-January. Tonight, the mercury drops to 45°F under mostly cloudy skies.
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Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, things look even better. We’re looking at a high of 49°F and—believe it or not—it’s supposed to be mostly sunny. If you've lived here long enough, you know that a "mostly sunny" day in January is basically a city-wide holiday. People will be wearing sunglasses and drinking iced coffee like it’s mid-July.
Here is the quick outlook for the next few days:
- Friday, Jan 16: Sunny, high of 49°F, low of 38°F.
- Saturday, Jan 17: Sunny again! High 49°F, low 37°F.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Still sunny. High 49°F, low 36°F.
Basically, we are entering a "dry spell" which, in Seattle terms, is any period where you don't need to use your windshield wipers for more than forty-eight hours.
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Why Seattle’s Temperature is So Weird
People always ask why it doesn't snow more here. We’re pretty far north, after all. The secret is the Puget Sound. That giant body of saltwater acts like a massive hot water bottle (or an ice pack in the summer), keeping the temperature in Seattle Washington remarkably stable.
According to climate data from the Washington State Climate Office, we are currently in an ENSO-neutral phase transitioning out of a weak La Niña. This usually means our winters are a bit more "average"—less of the crazy lowland snow "Snowmageddon" events and more of the 45-degree drizzle.
The "Big Dark" and The Humidity Factor
It’s not the cold that gets you in Seattle; it’s the humidity combined with the lack of light. Even when it's 50°F, that 82% humidity makes the air feel heavy. It’s a "wet cold." It seeps into your bones in a way that a dry 30 degrees in Denver just doesn't.
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Plus, we’re currently getting about 9 hours of daylight. By 4:30 PM, the sun is checked out. When the temperature stays in that narrow 40-to-50 degree window for weeks on end, it can feel colder than it actually is.
Surviving the Seattle Chill
If you're visiting or new to the area, here is how you actually dress for the temperature in Seattle Washington in January. Forget the umbrella. Locals don't use them. The wind—even at a light 4 mph—tends to flip them inside out, and honestly, they're just a hassle on crowded sidewalks.
Instead, invest in a high-quality rain shell with a hood. Layering is the only way to survive. You’ll want a base layer that wicks moisture (because of that high humidity), a fleece or light down vest, and then your waterproof outer layer. This setup works whether it's 51°F at noon or 45°F at midnight.
Actionable Insights for This Week
- Carpe Diem: With sunny skies predicted from Friday through Monday, plan your outdoor trips now. Discovery Park or the Arboretum will be stunning (and dry!) this weekend.
- Watch the Temps: Lows will dip toward 35°F by early next week (Tuesday, Jan 20), so make sure your outdoor pipes are protected if you're a homeowner.
- Drive Smart: While the daytime is clear, those 35°F nights can create "black ice" on overpasses and bridges, especially with the lingering moisture from today’s clouds.
The reality of the temperature in Seattle Washington is that it’s rarely extreme. It’s a city of moderation. It’s rarely hot, rarely freezing, and almost always requires a light jacket. Just keep an eye on those overnight lows as we head into the weekend, and enjoy the rare January sunshine while it lasts.
Check your tire pressure if the temp drops quickly this weekend. Cold air makes the pressure fall, and you don't want that "low tire" light coming on while you're halfway to Snoqualmie Pass.