Honestly, if you've spent more than five minutes in the East Bay, you know the forecast is usually just a polite suggestion. People talk about California weather like it’s this monolithic block of sunshine, but Oakland is different. It’s got layers.
Right now, as we’re looking at the weather in Oakland CA today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, things are looking pretty classic for a mid-winter day. We’re waking up to a temperature of 47°F. It’s a bit crisp. If you’re heading out for an early coffee at Lake Merritt or grabbing a pastry in Rockridge, you’re going to feel that 83% humidity. It’s that damp, Oakland chill that gets into your bones if you aren’t wearing the right hoodie.
The sky is hanging out in a "partly cloudy" state for the moment, but don't get used to the blue bits. Basically, the clouds are moving in to stay for a while.
Why the weather in Oakland CA today feels so moody
One thing most people get wrong about this city is thinking the weather is the same from the Port of Oakland all the way up to Grizzly Peak. It isn't. Today, we’re looking at a high of 64°F, which sounds comfortable, but that "cloudy" designation for both day and night means we aren't getting much help from the sun.
The wind is coming in from the northeast at a lazy 5 mph. That’s barely a breeze. It’s the kind of day where the air just sort of sits there.
The numbers you actually need to know
- Today's High: 64°F
- Tonight's Low: 46°F
- Rain Chance: 10% (So, probably not, but keep an eye out)
- UV Index: 2 (Low, but your skin still knows it's there)
You’ve probably noticed that the "chance of rain" is hovering at a measly 10%. In meteorology speak, that’s basically the atmosphere saying "maybe, but I'm not promising anything." It’s more likely you’ll deal with a bit of "mist" or that heavy, wet air that feels like rain but doesn't actually show up on your umbrella.
Microclimates are the real Oakland story
Kinda weirdly, the flats—think West Oakland or Jack London Square—often feel way different than the hills. When the marine layer (our famous "nature's air conditioning") rolls in through the Golden Gate, it hits the flats first.
Today, with the wind coming from the northeast, we’re actually seeing a slightly different pattern than the usual summer fog rush. Northeast winds often bring drier air, but because we're in the middle of January, the ground is already damp and the Bay is holding onto its moisture. That 66% average humidity for the day tells you everything you need to know: it’s gonna be a "moist" 64 degrees.
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What to actually do with this forecast
If you’re planning your day around the weather in Oakland CA today, you have to be smart about it.
Since it’s going to be cloudy but not exactly freezing, it’s a perfect day for the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). Their outdoor gardens are great even when the sun isn't blasting, and if that 10% rain chance decides to become 100%, you’re already inside looking at cool art.
If you're feeling more outdoorsy, the Redwood Regional Park is actually kind of amazing on cloudy days. The trees trap the moisture, and the smell of the forest is ten times better when it’s damp. Just watch your step on the Stream Trail; those roots get slippery when the humidity is this high.
The "Oakland Uniform" for January 17
You’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. Today is a three-layer day.
- The Base: A t-shirt (because 64°F is actually warm if you’re walking uphill).
- The Mid: A flannel or a light sweater.
- The Shell: A windbreaker or a light denim jacket.
Don't be the person who wears a heavy parka and ends up carrying it through Temescal because you overheated. But also, don't be the person in shorts who realizes 46°F at night feels a lot colder when the humidity is at 83%.
The reality of January in the Town
Historically, January is our wettest month. We usually see an average of about 4.35 inches of rain. So, looking at today’s bone-dry 10% precipitation chance, we’re actually getting a bit of a break. It’s gray, sure, but it’s a "dry gray."
Compared to some of the wild storms we’ve had in years past—like back in 2023 when the atmospheric rivers were basically trying to turn the East Bay into an aquarium—today is incredibly mellow. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to sit in a window seat at a cafe on Piedmont Ave with a large latte and just watch people go by.
Actually, the low of 46°F tonight is pretty much spot-on for the January average. We aren't breaking any records today. No heat waves, no freezes. Just solid, dependable Oakland winter.
A quick look at the UV Index
Even though it's cloudy, the UV index is a 2. It’s low, but if you’re out hiking for four hours, that scattered light can still do a number on you. Most people ignore sunscreen on cloudy days. Don't be that person.
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Final thoughts on today's vibes
Basically, today is a transition day. We’re moving through the heart of winter with a forecast that is mild but uninspiring. The northeast wind is keeping things stable, and the cloud cover is acting like a big gray blanket over the city.
It’s not a beach day, but it’s definitely not a stay-under-the-covers day either. It’s an "Oakland" day.
Next steps for your Saturday:
- Check your tire pressure; the temperature drop to 46°F tonight can trigger those annoying sensors.
- Head to the Grand Lake Farmers Market early; the clouds might keep the crowds a little thinner than usual.
- Plan to be indoors by 5:30 PM, as the light will fade fast and that 47°F chill will return the second the sun (wherever it is behind those clouds) goes down.