What's the weather in florida orlando: Why the "Sunshine State" is Currently Freezing

Honestly, if you stepped outside in Central Florida tonight expecting palm trees and balmy breezes, you're probably shivering in a t-shirt right now. It is cold. Like, "coldest air in a thousand days" kind of cold. While everyone thinks of Mickey Mouse and 90-degree humidity when they wonder what's the weather in florida orlando, the reality on the ground this January 15, 2026, is a total curveball.

We are currently sitting at a crisp 43°F as of late Thursday night. But don't let that number fool you. With the wind kicking up from the northwest at 8 mph, it actually feels like 37°F. We’re in the middle of a massive Arctic plunge that’s making the local citrus growers very, very nervous.

The Current Deep Freeze Breakdown

Earlier today, we saw a high of 58°F, which is pretty pathetic for Orlando standards. Usually, we’re looking at something in the low 70s for January. A strong cold front tore through the area Thursday morning, and behind it, the bottom just fell out of the thermometer.

Tonight is the real test. We are looking at a forecasted low of 35°F. A Freeze Warning is already in effect for almost all of Central Florida. If you’ve got sensitive plants outside or a pet that usually sleeps on the porch, bring them in. Seriously. Meteorologists at WFTV and WKMG are calling this the coldest air mass since Christmas 2022. There’s even talk of "hard freeze" conditions—where it stays below 28 degrees for several hours—just a bit north of the city in Marion and Alachua counties.

Why the weather in florida orlando is so Moody

Florida weather isn't a monolith. It’s basically two seasons: "The Wet Season" and "The Dry Season," but January is the wildcard month.

• Humidity is weirdly low: Right now, it’s at 45%. That’s why the air feels so biting. In July, the humidity is so thick you can basically wear it.
• The Wind Chill Factor: Those 17 mph gusts we saw earlier today make the "Sunshine State" feel more like Chicago’s suburbs.
• The Rebound: Florida cold never lasts. By Saturday, we’re expected to hit the low 70s again before another front arrives on Sunday. It’s a rollercoaster.

Basically, the weather in florida orlando is defined by these sharp swings in the winter. You can be in a parka at 7:00 AM and a swimsuit by 2:00 PM.

What to Expect if You're Heading to the Parks

If you’re at Disney or Universal this week, your packing list needs a major override.

1. Layers are your best friend. You need a heavy fleece for the morning.
2. Forget the water parks. While Blizzard Beach might be open, hitting a water slide in 50-degree weather is a bold move I wouldn't recommend.
3. Check the wind. The northwest wind is the culprit here; it’s funneling that Canadian air straight down the peninsula.

The Long-Term Reality

Looking past this weird freeze, Orlando usually stabilizes. The average high for January is typically 71°F, with lows around 52°F. We are currently well below those averages.

If you're planning a trip later this year, keep in mind that the "real" Florida weather returns in May. That’s when the "hot season" kicks in, lasting through September with daily highs hitting 90°F or 92°F. That’s also when the afternoon thunderstorms become a clockwork occurrence. You can almost set your watch by the 4:00 PM downpour.

Actionable Advice for the Current Chill

If you are in Orlando right now:

• Protect the "7 Ps": People, pets, plants, pipes, pools, paper (documents), and practice fire safety with space heaters.
• Check your tires: Drastic temperature drops like this often trigger your "low tire pressure" light because the air inside compresses.
• Watch the wind chill: Friday morning is going to feel like the upper 20s. If you're waiting for a shuttle or standing in a rope-drop line, cover your ears and extremities.

The weather in florida orlando might be famous for sunshine, but tonight, it's all about survival and sweaters. Stay warm, because this record-setting chill is no joke.