Honestly, if you’re waking up in San Diego today, you’ve probably already noticed that the "January gloom" is putting in some overtime. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and while the rest of the country is battling actual blizzards or bone-chilling cold fronts, we’re just sitting here with a ceiling of grey clouds.
It’s kind of a weird vibe outside.
Basically, the weather in San Diego California today is defined by a heavy layer of clouds that just won't quit. We aren't looking at a washout by any means, but don't expect those postcard-perfect blue skies for your morning coffee run.
The Numbers You Actually Care About
The mercury is going to hit a high of 74°F today. That’s actually pretty warm for a mid-January afternoon, even if the sun is playing hide-and-seek. Tonight, it’ll dip down to a cool 53°F.
It’s that classic Southern California "layering" weather.
✨ Don't miss: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Superstition Springs Menu: What to Order Right Now
You’ll want a light hoodie for the morning, especially if you’re heading down to the Embarcadero for the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, but you’ll likely be carrying it by 1:00 PM.
Here is the quick breakdown of the essentials:
- Condition: Mostly cloudy during the day, shifting to partly cloudy tonight.
- Wind: A gentle 7 mph breeze coming from the northwest.
- Humidity: Sitting around 37%, which is relatively dry and comfortable.
- Rain Chance: Only a 10% shot, so you probably don’t need the umbrella.
What’s Happening at the Beach?
If you’re a surfer or just someone who likes to stare at the Pacific, the water is doing its own thing today. There’s a west swell hitting the coast at 280 degrees, keeping the surf height between 2 and 4 feet.
The National Weather Service has flagged a Moderate Rip Current Risk for San Diego County coastal areas.
🔗 Read more: Bird Feeders on a Pole: What Most People Get Wrong About Backyard Setups
It’s not "stay out of the water" dangerous, but it’s definitely "pay attention to where you are" serious. Tides are swinging pretty wide today too. We had a high tide of 5.9 feet early this morning at 8:14 AM, and we’re looking at a low of -0.9 feet around 3:58 PM. That’s a massive drain-out, so if you’re planning on tidepooling at La Jolla or Point Loma, that mid-to-late afternoon window is your sweet spot.
The Marathon Factor
Don’t forget that the Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon are taking over the coast today. Runners started as early as 6:15 AM. For those athletes, the cloudy skies and 74-degree peak are actually kind of a gift—keeps the sun from beating down on the pavement during those long miles along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Why It Feels Warmer Than It Looks
You might hear people talking about a "winter heat wave" across Southern California right now. While 74°F isn't exactly a scorcher, it’s significantly higher than our historical January averages. Yesterday, the airport hit 74°F too, which was just a few degrees shy of the 86°F record set back in 1976.
The air is dry, and that northwest wind is keeping things from feeling stagnant.
💡 You might also like: Barn Owl at Night: Why These Silent Hunters Are Creepier (and Cooler) Than You Think
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with the weather in San Diego California today is assuming "cloudy" means "cold." It’s a humid-adjacent warmth that can sneak up on you, especially with a UV index of 2. You can still get a bit of a pink nose if you’re outside at the San Diego Rodeo at Petco Park all afternoon.
Planning Your Sunday
If you're trying to figure out your moves, here’s the reality.
The clouds are likely going to stick around for the bulk of the daylight hours. It's the kind of day where the light is flat—great for photography because there are no harsh shadows, but maybe a bit disappointing if you were hoping for a tan.
Tonight, things should clear up slightly to a "partly cloudy" state. If you’re heading to the Yale Whiffenpoofs concert in Point Loma or checking out Cowboy Jack Johnson in Escondido, it’ll be a crisp, clear-ish evening.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Layer up: Wear a breathable base layer with a removable outer shell to handle the 20-degree swing between day and night.
- Hit the tide pools: Aim for 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM to catch that -0.9 low tide.
- Watch the rip currents: If you're swimming, stay near a lifeguard tower, as the moderate risk is real today.
- Check the roads: With the MLK Parade on Harbor Drive and the Carlsbad Marathon up north, traffic is going to be a nightmare in specific pockets regardless of the sky color.