If you’re planning to stroll down St. George Street or grab a selfie in front of the Castillo de San Marcos, you've probably already checked your phone's weather app. You saw a sun icon and thought, "Great, Florida weather!"
Hold on.
Florida’s "Oldest City" is notoriously moody in January. The weather in Saint Augustine this weekend—specifically Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18, 2026—is shaping up to be a classic North Florida mixed bag. We’re talking about a temperature swing that will have you peeling off a parka at noon and shivering by sunset.
Honestly, it's the kind of forecast that ruins vacations if you don't pack right.
The Saturday Setup: A Gorgeous (But Deceptive) Warm-Up
Saturday is going to be the "hero" day of the weekend. If you have outdoor plans, this is your window. According to the latest readings from the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, we are looking at a high near 67°F.
That sounds comfortable, right? It is, but there’s a catch.
The morning is going to start off crisp. Cold, even. Overnight lows on Friday are expected to dip into the mid-to-upper 30s. If you’re heading to the Amphitheatre Farmers Market at 8:30 a.m., it will likely be around 42°F. You’ll see locals in beanies and heavy boots.
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By the time the Southeast Eurofest & Volksfest kicks off at the Classic Car Museum around 10:00 a.m., the sun should be out, pushing us toward that 67-degree peak.
Why Saturday Afternoon is Different
While the thermometer says 67, the humidity in St. Augustine stays relatively low in January—around 36%. Without that heavy "blanket" of Florida humidity, 67 can feel a bit brisk if you're in the shade of the narrow downtown alleys.
- Sky conditions: Expect afternoon clouds to roll in.
- Wind: Light breezes from the south at about 5 mph.
- Sunsets: Keep an eye on the clock; the sun drops around 5:49 p.m., and the temperature will plummet almost immediately after.
Sunday’s Reality Check: Clouds and a Chill
If Saturday is the invitation, Sunday is the reminder that it's still winter. The weather in Saint Augustine this weekend takes a sharper turn on the 18th.
The high on Sunday is only expected to reach about 51°F. That is a 16-degree drop from the day before.
Basically, the "milder" air from Saturday gets shoved out by a reinforcing cold front. We’re looking at mostly cloudy skies and a decent chance of sprinkles (around 42% probability).
The Wind Chill Factor
This is what most visitors miss. It isn't just the 51 degrees; it’s the wind. Sunday will see sustained winds from the north at 11 to 15 mph.
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When you combine 51°F with a 15 mph wind off the Matanzas River, the "feels like" temperature—the wind chill—is going to hover in the mid-40s for most of the day. If you’re planning to do the CPS Chowder Festival, you’ll be glad the food is hot. You’re going to need it.
The Water Situation: Can You Actually Swim?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: Only if you have a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit and a high tolerance for pain.
Current sea surface temperatures at the St. Augustine Beach Pier are hovering around 63°F to 64°F. For context, the average for this time of year is usually closer to 69°F. We are running about 5 degrees colder than normal.
Surfers might be out catching the winter swells, but for casual swimming, it’s a hard pass. The water is "tepid" at best and "biting" at worst.
Packing for a St. Augustine Weekend
Since the weather in Saint Augustine this weekend is essentially two different seasons in 48 hours, your suitcase needs to be strategic.
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- The Layering Rule: Wear a base t-shirt, a flannel or light sweater, and a wind-resistant outer shell. You will likely cycle through all three between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Footwear: Leave the flip-flops in the bag for Sunday. The wind will whip right through them. Stick to sneakers or boots, especially if you’re walking the bayfront.
- Sunscreen: Don't let the 50-degree weather fool you. The UV index will still be at a "Moderate" level (around 3). You can still get a "windburn" or a sneaky sunburn while walking the fort.
Real-Talk: What to Do if the Clouds Take Over
St. Augustine is one of the few Florida towns that actually handles "bad" weather well because of its history. If Sunday gets too drizzly or windy, lean into the indoor scene.
The Lightner Museum is currently hosting several indoor exhibits, including "Vintage Bicycles" and "Art, Luxury, and Beauty in Modern Vienna." It's a massive building with plenty of space to escape the wind.
Alternatively, the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College is hosting "Neil Berg's 70s Show" on Saturday night. It’s a great way to stay warm while the outdoor temperatures drop back into the 30s.
The Big Picture for Your Trip
The weather in Saint Augustine this weekend is going to be beautiful for photography—clear Saturday morning light is incredible for the lighthouse—but it requires a "expect the unexpected" mindset.
Don't let the Sunday dip ruin your vibe. The 50-degree highs are actually great for walking. You won't be sweating through your clothes like you would in July. Just make sure you have a warm coat for the evening of the 19th, as we are looking at another freeze warning potential with lows hitting 31°F.
Actionable Weekend Plan
- Saturday Morning: Hit the Farmers Market early (wear a coat).
- Saturday Afternoon: Best time for beach walking or the car show (light layers).
- Sunday: Focus on indoor attractions like the Old Jail, the Lightner, or the many coffee shops on Hypolita Street (heavy layers and windbreakers).
- Check the Tides: If you're heading to Vilano Beach, high tide is around mid-day, which might eat up the drivable sand.
Whatever you do, keep an eye on the local NWS Jacksonville office for any sudden updates to the "sprinkle" chances on Sunday. North Florida weather can be fickle, but with the right gear, it's the best time of year to see the city without the crushing summer crowds.