Honestly, if you're looking at a map of Florida and thinking "sunshine and palm trees" for the state capital, you're only about half right. The temperature in Tallahassee is a fickle beast. It’s the kind of place where you can start your morning scraping frost off a windshield and end it sweating through a polo shirt at a backyard barbecue.
Right now, as of midday Saturday, January 17, 2026, the mercury is sitting at a comfortable 68°F. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a dry, crisp spring day. The humidity is hanging out at 55%, which, combined with a 10 mph breeze coming up from the south, makes it actually feel more like 76°F. It’s mostly cloudy out there, and the sky has that heavy, grey look that usually precedes a change in the air.
The Saturday Slide
If you’re planning on hitting the downtown market or grabbing a bite at Cascades Park, keep an eye on the sky. We’re looking at a high of 68°F today, but things are going to get messy. There’s a 20% chance of light rain during the day, which isn't a dealbreaker, but tonight is a different story.
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A cold front is moving in. By the time the sun goes down, that rain chance jumps to a staggering 90%. We aren't just talking about a drizzle; we're talking about a proper soak. As that front passes, the temperature in Tallahassee is going to plummet to a low of 43°F. That’s a 25-degree drop in just a few hours.
Why Tallahassee Isn't "Florida" Weather
People move here from Miami or Orlando and get a rude awakening every January. While the rest of the state is wearing shorts, we’re often huddled under blankets. Because we’re tucked into the Big Bend and away from the stabilizing warmth of the ocean, we get hit by those continental arctic blasts that the peninsula manages to dodge.
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Historically, January is our reality check. The average high is usually around 64°F with lows near 40°F. But "average" is a lie in North Florida. We’ve seen it hit 83°F in the dead of winter, and we’ve also seen it drop into the teens. It’s a transition zone. You’re basically living in a tug-of-war between the Gulf of Mexico’s humidity and the Great Plains' cold air.
The "Feels Like" Factor
You’ve probably noticed that the "Feels Like" temperature on your phone is often wildly different from the actual number. Today is a perfect example: 68°F actual vs. 76°F perceived.
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This happens because of the dew point and the south wind. When the wind blows from the south here, it’s dragging moisture from the Gulf. That moisture traps heat against your skin. Conversely, when that wind flips to the north tonight, that 43°F is going to feel significantly sharper.
What to Actually Wear Today
Basically, layers are your only hope.
- Right now: A light t-shirt or a long-sleeve thin layer is plenty.
- Late afternoon: Bring a rain shell. That 20% chance of light rain can turn into a localized downpour without much warning.
- Late tonight: Dig out the heavy coat. If you’re out past 10:00 PM, you’ll be dealing with falling temperatures and rising winds.
The temperature in Tallahassee is never just a number; it’s a mood. Today, that mood is "calm before the storm." Enjoy the warmth while it lasts, because the overnight rain is bringing a much colder Sunday along with it.
If you are looking to protect your garden from the upcoming drop, make sure to cover any sensitive tropicals before the rain starts tonight. Once the plants are wet and the temperature hits the low 40s, the wind chill can do more damage than a dry freeze. Stake down any light patio furniture too—that 10 mph wind is going to get gustier as the front moves through.