If you’ve ever stood on the San Clemente Pier with a coffee in hand, you know the vibe. It’s that "Spanish Village by the Sea" energy where the air smells like salt and the horizon usually looks like a postcard. But honestly, the weather here is trickier than people think. Everyone assumes it’s just 75 degrees and sunny every single day.
Basically, that’s a myth.
While we definitely get our fair share of Vitamin D, the weather forecast for San Clemente California for mid-January 2026 is showing us exactly why you can't just pack a swimsuit and call it a day. Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, we’re looking at a crisp 59°F outside. It’s clear, sure, but there’s a 4 mph breeze coming off the south that’ll make you reach for a hoodie faster than you can say "Trestles."
The "January Thaw" is Real
Today was actually pretty gorgeous. We hit a high of 69°F. If you were out at T-Street or North Beach around noon, it felt like peak spring. The sun was out, the UV index stayed at a mellow 2, and the humidity hovered around 63%. It was the kind of day that makes people want to move here.
But check out the shift coming up.
Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, things start to lean into that classic coastal transition. We’re expecting a high of 66°F and a low of 57°F. It’ll stay sunny for most of the day, but the clouds are going to start rolling in by evening. Humidity is staying steady at 62%, so it won’t feel "heavy," but that 5 mph northwest wind is going to keep things feeling brisk.
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Why Saturday is the Wildcard
If you’re planning a bonfire or a hike at the State Park this weekend, Saturday, January 17, is your day. It’s actually looking like the warmest day in the immediate weather forecast for San Clemente California, with a projected high of 73°F.
Here’s the catch: it’s going to be cloudy.
Most people see "cloudy" on a forecast and cancel their plans. Don't do that. In San Clemente, a cloudy 73-degree day is often the best time to be outside because you aren't getting roasted by the direct sun, and the 48% humidity means it's that perfect, dry Southern California air. Just keep an eye on the 10% chance of rain—it’s low, but with the humidity dropping, any moisture that does show up will feel pretty sudden.
Breaking Down the 10-Day Outlook
Looking further out, the temperature starts a slow, graceful slide. By the time we hit next weekend, January 24 and 25, we’re looking at highs of only 61°F.
- Sunday (Jan 18): 70°F / 58°F. Mostly sunny.
- Monday (Jan 19): 69°F / 57°F. Mostly cloudy.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): 68°F / 55°F. Partly sunny.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): 66°F / 55°F. Cloudy.
You’ll notice a trend here. The lows are staying remarkably consistent around 55°F to 58°F. That’s the Pacific Ocean doing its job. It acts like a giant radiator, keeping our nights from getting too "Arctic," even when the rest of the country is freezing.
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The Humidity and Wind Factor
People always ask why 60 degrees in San Clemente feels colder than 60 degrees in, say, Palm Springs. It’s the dampness. Currently, the humidity is sitting at 75%. When that moisture hits your skin combined with a southerly wind, it cuts right through a light shirt.
By Sunday, the humidity is expected to drop to 47%. That’s a huge swing. When the air dries out like that, the sun feels much hotter on your skin, even if the thermometer says it’s only 70 degrees. This is why you’ll see locals wearing UGG boots and shorts at the same time. It’s not a fashion statement; it’s a survival tactic for microclimates.
Surf and Sand: The Real Forecast
For the surfers watching the weather forecast for San Clemente California, the conditions are "fair" right now. We’ve got a WSW swell coming in at 1-2 feet. The water temperature is hanging out around 61°F to 62°F. Honestly, if you're heading out, you’re going to want a 4/3mm wetsuit.
The wind has been coming from the northwest at about 5 mph, which is keeping the surface relatively smooth, but it's not exactly "glassy" epic conditions. If you're looking for the best window, Saturday morning might offer a bit more size as the swell shifts, but keep your expectations in check—it's a small week.
Actionable Tips for the Week Ahead
If you’re living in or visiting San Clemente this week, here is how you handle this forecast like a pro.
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First, layer up for the 4:00 PM transition. The sun sets around 5:05 PM right now. The moment that sun dips behind the Pacific, the temperature drops about 10 degrees in twenty minutes.
Second, don't trust the "sunny" icon blindly. With 10% rain chances scattered through the next few days (especially Friday night and Saturday), there’s a possibility of "marine layer mist." It’s not quite rain, but it’ll get your windshield and your hair wet.
Lastly, plan your outdoor workouts for Tuesday or Wednesday. The highs in the mid-60s with 4 mph winds are the "Goldilocks" conditions for running the beach trails without overheating or getting blasted by gusts.
The biggest takeaway? San Clemente is moving into its true winter phase. The days are getting milder, the nights are holding steady in the mid-50s, and the sunshine is fighting a losing battle with the clouds for the next few days. Pack a jacket, keep the flip-flops, and enjoy the lack of crowds at the pier.