If you stepped outside in Downtown San Jose at 7:00 AM this morning, you probably felt that familiar bite in the air. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, and honestly, the "Capital of Silicon Valley" is leaning hard into its Mediterranean winter identity today. We’re looking at a classic temperature swing that makes getting dressed for work feel like a logic puzzle.
Basically, you’ve got two different days happening within 24 hours. The morning started at a crisp 43°F, but by the time you're thinking about a late lunch, we’ll be hitting a high of 68°F. That’s a 25-degree jump. If you leave the house in a heavy parka, you’re going to be carrying it like a heavy trophy by 2:00 PM.
Breaking Down What's the Weather in San Jose Today
The sky is doing its part to keep things bright. We have a 100% chance of sunshine during the daytime hours. No clouds, no drama. Just that sharp, clear California blue.
Here is the data breakdown for today, Friday:
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- High Temperature: 68°F
- Low Temperature: 43°F
- Current Wind: West at 0 mph (virtually still)
- UV Index: 2 (Low, but still present)
- Humidity: Starting high at 86%, dropping to around 60% later.
The wind is almost non-existent right now, but later this afternoon, we might see a tiny 2 mph breeze from the west. It’s the kind of day where the air feels "heavy" in the morning due to the high humidity, then thins out as the sun does its work.
The "Spare the Air" Situation
There’s a bit of a catch to this beautiful sunny day. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has extended a Spare the Air Alert through Saturday. This is a big deal for San Jose residents because it means wood burning is strictly prohibited, both indoors and outdoors.
Why? Cold, still air traps smoke near the ground. Since the wind speed is effectively zero right now, all those fine particles from fireplaces just sit in the valley. The AQI (Air Quality Index) is hovering in the Moderate range, specifically around 79 PM2.5. If you have asthma or sensitive lungs, you might feel a bit of a tickle today.
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What to Actually Wear
Layering isn't just a suggestion; it’s a survival strategy for the South Bay in January.
- The Base: A light t-shirt or long-sleeve.
- The Mid: A sweater or hoodie.
- The Outer: A light jacket for the 43°F morning.
By the time you're walking through Santana Row or San Pedro Square this afternoon, you'll be down to that base layer. The UV Index is a 2, which is low, but the AccuLumen Brightness is high. It’s going to be very bright out there—don't forget the sunglasses.
Why Today Feels Different from the Average
Usually, San Jose in mid-January sees highs around 59°F. Today’s 68°F is actually a bit of a treat. We’re about 9 degrees above the historical average for this specific date. It’s not a "heatwave" by any stretch, but compared to the damp, gray Januaries we sometimes get, this is prime "outdoor coffee" weather.
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The dew point is currently sitting at 47°F. This is why you likely saw a thick layer of frost or heavy dew on your windshield if you parked outside last night. With humidity at 86% this morning, the air is holding a lot of moisture, but it’s not going to turn into rain. The chance of precipitation is 0% for the rest of the day.
Nighttime Outlook
Once the sun dips, the temperature is going to plummet. It happens fast in the valley. We’re looking at a low of 43°F again tonight under clear skies. If you're heading out to a Sharks game or dinner tonight, don't let the 68°F afternoon fool you—the cold returns the second the sun goes behind the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Actionable Insights for San Jose Residents Today:
- Wash the Car: With 0% rain today and a clear weekend ahead, it's a safe bet.
- Check the Air: Keep windows closed if you’re sensitive to "Moderate" air quality levels.
- Hydrate: High humidity in the morning followed by a dry, sunny afternoon can sneak up on you.
- Respect the Burn Ban: Check the Spare the Air status before even thinking about a fire pit tonight; the fines are real.
Enjoy the sunshine, San Jose. It’s a gorgeous, albeit chilly, start to the weekend.