Honestly, walking onto the boardwalk in January feels like a well-kept secret. Everyone thinks California is just a permanent summer loop, but locals know the vibe shifts once the calendar hits mid-January. If you’re checking the venice beach weather today, you’re looking at a classic "Winter in SoCal" setup.
We’re hitting a high of 69°F today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
It’s sunny right now. Like, properly sunny. The kind of light that makes the Pacific look like shattered glass. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's bikini weather for everyone. By tonight, it’s going to get a bit moody with clouds rolling in and the temperature dropping to a crisp 53°F.
The Reality of the "January Chill"
Most tourists show up in shorts and realize about twenty minutes in that the ocean breeze is no joke. The wind is coming from the west at 5 mph today. That sounds like nothing, right? Wrong. On the sand, that 5 mph wind carries the literal temperature of the Pacific Ocean, which is sitting at about 61°F right now.
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Basically, it’s "light jacket" weather.
Today’s Numbers at a Glance
- Daytime High: 69°F (Sunny)
- Nighttime Low: 53°F (Cloudy)
- Humidity: 55%
- UV Index: 3 (Moderate)
- Wind: 5 mph from the West
If you're planning on being out, the UV index is a 3. It’s moderate, but since you’re probably hanging out near the water, the reflection off the sand and surf can still give you a weird "January burn." Put on the sunscreen. You've been warned.
Is it Actually a Surf Day?
I checked the buoys and the Venice Pier reports. We’ve got a swell coming in today. We’re looking at waves around 4ft with an 8s period. It’s rated as a 1-star morning, which isn't exactly "Pipeline," but it's enough to get the locals out at the Breakwater before work.
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The water is 61°F.
You’re going to need a 4/3mm wetsuit. Some people try to brave it in a 3/2mm because they’re "tough," but after forty minutes, your toes start to go numb. If you’re just visiting and thinking about a swim... maybe just dip your feet in. It’s chilly.
Why Today is the Sweet Spot
There is a 10% chance of rain today and tonight. It’s almost negligible.
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Compared to the "Rainy, then sunny" cycle the Almanac predicted for mid-January 2026, we are currently in the "sunny" window. This is the best time to do the walk from Venice to Santa Monica. The air is clear because of the low humidity (55%), so you can actually see the Santa Monica Mountains without that hazy layer of smog that creeps in during July.
What to pack if you're heading down:
- Layers: A hoodie is the unofficial uniform of Venice in the winter.
- Sunglasses: The sun stays lower in the sky this time of year, hitting you right in the eyes during that afternoon skate session.
- Closed-toe shoes: Sand is cold in January.
The Evening Shift
As the sun starts to dip around 5:00 PM, you’ll notice the transition. The venice beach weather today turns from a bright, active day into a "cloudy" and damp evening. The humidity will likely feel a bit higher as that 10% rain chance lingers in the atmosphere.
The wind stays light, but the drop to 53°F feels much colder than it sounds because of the damp ocean air. If you're staying for dinner on Abbot Kinney, make sure you have that jacket.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are heading to Venice Beach right now, aim to be on the sand between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This is your peak warmth window before the clouds start to gather for the evening.
Check the tide charts if you’re walking the shoreline; high tide is hitting around 7:50 AM and 9:46 PM, which means mid-day is perfect for a wide-open beach stroll. Grab a coffee, keep your layers handy, and enjoy the fact that the crowds are about 70% thinner than they will be in June.