So, you're looking at the weather in Atlantic City NJ today and wondering if it's worth the drive down the Parkway. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. If you stepped outside this morning, you probably felt that immediate slap of cold air that only the Jersey Shore provides in mid-January.
Basically, it’s sunny. Really sunny. But don't let those clear blue skies fool you into thinking it's light jacket weather. Currently, it’s sitting right around 34°F. That doesn’t sound too bad until you factor in the wind. We’ve got a west wind pushing through at 14 mph, which makes the feels-like temperature drop down to a bracing 25°F.
If you're planning to hit the Boardwalk, you’ve basically got a choice: look at the ocean from behind a thick glass window at a casino or layer up like you're heading to the Arctic.
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Breaking Down Today's Atlantic City Forecast
The high for this Friday, January 16, 2026, is expected to top out at 39°F. It’s a dry cold, though. The humidity is hanging out around 40%, so you won’t get that damp, bone-chilling mist that sometimes rolls off the Atlantic.
The UV index is low—only a 1 or 2—so you can probably leave the sunscreen in the bag.
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What’s Happening by the Water?
If you're one of those brave souls (or maybe just a bit local-crazy) checking the surf, the water temperature is hovering around 38°F. That’s "instant-numbness" territory. The tides are doing their usual thing, with a low tide having passed around 12:11 pm and the next high tide coming in at 5:58 pm.
- Current Temp: 34°F
- Tonight's Low: 24°F
- Wind Direction: West
- Precipitation Chance: 0% (during the day)
Tonight, things get a little more interesting. While the day is pure sun, the clouds are going to start rolling in. We’re looking at a low of 24°F. The National Weather Service is hinting at a tiny 10% chance of snow overnight, but don't go looking for your shovel just yet. It’s mostly just going to be a cold, cloudy Jersey night.
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Why the Wind Matters on the Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is basically a wind tunnel. Because the wind is coming from the West at 17 mph (gusting higher in some spots), it’s actually blowing off the land toward the ocean. This usually keeps the waves a bit flatter—surf reports are calling for 0-1 ft "semi-clean" conditions—but it makes the air feel significantly sharper than the thermometer suggests.
If you’re walking between Steel Pier and, say, Tropicana, you'll want a scarf. Seriously.
Looking Ahead: Is the Weekend Ruined?
If you're staying over, Saturday is the day to watch. While today is dry and bright, Saturday brings a much higher chance of rain and snow. It’s that classic coastal transition where the "weather in Atlantic City NJ today" bears almost no resemblance to what you'll see 24 hours later.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit Today
- Parking Strategy: Park in the covered casino garages today. Even though there's no snow, that west wind will make any outdoor surface feel like an ice box when you're trying to get back to your car.
- Dining: Stick to the indoor "street" areas like The Quarter at Tropicana. You get the vibe of being out without the 25-degree wind chill.
- Photography: This is actually a great day for photos. The air is crisp and clear, meaning the visibility is basically infinite. You can see the coastline for miles.
- Layering: Do not trust the sun. Wear a wind-resistant outer shell. A wool coat looks nice, but a technical windbreaker over a hoodie is the "local pro" move today.
Keep an eye on the sky toward sunset at 4:59 pm. With the clouds starting to move in for the evening, we might actually get a pretty spectacular purple-and-orange show over the back bay.