Honestly, if you're looking at the weather in wilmington nc tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026, you might be tempted to think "beach day" just because the sun is out. Don't do that to yourself. It’s basically going to be a gorgeous, bright, but decidedly crisp winter day.
We’re looking at a high of 48°F.
That's the kind of weather that feels great if you’re moving, but the second you sit down on a bench at the Riverwalk, you’ll feel that January bite. The sky is going to be sunny during the day and transition into a clear night. It sounds simple, but there are a few quirks to tomorrow’s forecast that might catch you off guard if you’re planning to be outside for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Reality of the Wilmington Temperature Swing
Wilmington has this habit of tricking you. You see the sun through the window and think a light hoodie will suffice. Kinda risky. With a low of 33°F tonight leading into tomorrow, the morning is going to start off near freezing.
💡 You might also like: Trinity Christian Academy Lake Worth: Why Families Are Actually Choosing It Now
Even at the peak of the day, 48°F isn't exactly tropical. Most people get this wrong—they assume coastal North Carolina stays warm year-round. While we aren't shoveling snow (usually), the humidity here—sitting around 59% tomorrow—can make that mid-40s temperature feel a bit more damp and chilly than a dry cold in the mountains.
The wind is coming from the southwest at 9 mph. That’s a light breeze, but coming off the water, it’ll keep things feeling brisk. If you're heading to Wrightsville Beach for a walk, expect it to feel a few degrees cooler than it does downtown.
What’s Actually Happening with the Sky
The UV index is hitting a 3.
It’s low, but since it’s going to be full-on sunny, you might still want some shades if you’re driving down Market Street or heading toward the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. The glare off the river can be intense on clear days like this.
One weird thing in the data: there’s a tiny 5% chance of day-time precipitation, and it’s actually listed as snow.
Now, don't go looking for your sled. With a high of 48°F and clear sunny skies, any actual accumulation is basically impossible. It’s likely just a remnant of some upper-level moisture that won’t ever touch the ground as anything other than a stray, microscopic flurry if it happens at all. By nightfall, that chance drops to 0%.
How to Handle Tomorrow in the Port City
Since it’s a holiday, a lot of folks will be out at events or taking advantage of the city's parks. City offices are closed, but trash collection is actually staying on schedule for once. If you're putting your bins out, do it tonight—the clear skies mean no rain to soak your recycling, but it'll be cold enough that you'll want to be quick about it.
If you're planning on attending any MLK Day commemorations or perhaps visiting the "100 Summers of Style" bathing suit exhibit at Fort Fisher (ironic for January, right?), here is the move:
- Morning (7 AM - 10 AM): It’ll be hovering in the mid-30s. This is heavy coat territory.
- Midday (12 PM - 3 PM): This is when we hit that 48°F mark. Layers are your best friend. A windbreaker over a sweater is perfect for that southwest breeze.
- Evening (6 PM onwards): The sun goes down, and the temperature will plummet back toward that 33°F low. If you're heading to a late dinner at one of the spots on Front Street, bring the gloves.
The air is going to be clear, and the visibility should be great. It’s a stellar day for photography or just seeing the battleship silhouetted against a sharp, blue sky. Just don't let the "sunny" description fool you into leaving your jacket at home. Wilmington winters are all about the contrast between the bright sun and the cold air.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your outdoor pipes tonight since we're dipping to 33°F—it's right on the edge of a freeze. If you have sensitive patio plants, it’s worth pulling them inside or covering them just to be safe, as some low-lying areas in New Hanover County often drop a few degrees lower than the official airport reading.