Honestly, if you're picturing West Palm Beach as a 24/7 furnace where the only relief is a blast of industrial-strength AC, you’ve only got half the story. People talk about Florida like it’s one big, humid blob, but the weather in West Palm Beach has these weird, specific rhythms that can actually catch you off guard if you aren't paying attention.
Right now, if you stepped outside in the middle of the night this Friday, January 16, 2026, you wouldn't find a tropical breeze. It’s actually clear and a crisp 46°F. With the wind kicking at 14 mph from the northwest, it feels more like 40°F. That’s "Florida cold," which basically means everyone is frantically looking for the one sweater they own.
What to Expect Right Now
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is looking pretty stellar if you like sun but hate sweating through your shirt. We’re looking at a high of 65°F. It’s going to be sunny all day, but keep that light jacket handy because the low tonight hits 45°F.
The humidity is sitting at a comfortable 58%, which is a far cry from the "breathing through a wet towel" feeling of July. You’ve got a minimal 5% chance of rain during the day, though that bumps up to 20% tonight as it turns mostly cloudy. Basically, it's a perfect day for a walk along Flagler Drive, provided you aren't expecting 80-degree beach weather.
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The Seasons Nobody Tells You About
Most folks think there are two seasons here: hot and "hurricane." That’s a bit of a myth.
The real West Palm experience is split into the "Dry Season" and the "Wet Season." Right now, we are deep in the dry season (roughly November to April). This is when the snowbirds descend, and for good reason. The humidity drops, the skies stay mostly clear (April is actually the sunniest month, clearing up about 67% of the time), and the mosquito population takes a much-needed nap.
Then you have the summer. It's intense.
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From June through September, the weather in West Palm Beach becomes a predictable cycle of oppressive humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. We’re talking 90°F highs and dew points that make your hair give up on life. August is usually the peak of this, averaging a high of 90°F and serving as the wettest month with nearly 9 inches of rain.
Hurricane Reality Check
We have to talk about the wind. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. While the "peak" is usually mid-August through late September, the coastal nature of West Palm Beach means we are always watching the horizon.
It’s not just the big storms, though. Even on a "calm" day, the Atlantic waters can be rough. For instance, today there’s a Small Craft Advisory with northwest winds reaching 25 to 30 knots and seas up to 8 feet. If you’re planning on taking a boat out to Peanut Island, the weather in West Palm Beach requires checking the marine forecast, not just the temperature on your phone.
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Survival Tips for the West Palm Climate
If you're visiting or new to the area, don't let the palm trees fool you.
- Layering is a survival skill. In January, you’ll start the morning at 45°F, hit 65°F by lunch, and be back in the 50s by dinner. A windbreaker is your best friend.
- Hydrate or regret it. Even in the "cool" months, the Florida sun is deceptive. The UV index today is a 4 (moderate), but in the summer it regularly hits 10+.
- The Afternoon 3 PM Rule. During the summer, plan your outdoor activities for the morning. By 3 PM, those massive thunderheads are almost certainly going to roll in from the Everglades.
The weather in West Palm Beach is a bit of a chameleon. One day it’s a shivering 46°F under a clear sky, and a few months later it’s a tropical sauna. Honestly, that's part of the charm. You just have to know which version of the city you're stepping into.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the local marine forecast if you plan to be on the water today, as the Small Craft Advisory remains in effect. If you're heading out for dinner tonight, definitely grab a coat—that 45°F low is going to feel much colder with the current wind speeds.