Laguna Beach in January

Weather in January

NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the Laguna Beach station list an average January high of 68°F and an average low of 44°F. That is a 24-degree gap, so mornings and evenings run well below the afternoon figure.

Rain is the other number to know. The normal January total is 2.78 inches, and the station averages 4.9 days with 0.10 inch or more. February (3.39 inches) is the only month with a higher normal. These are thirty-year averages, so one January can be nearly dry and the next can bring several storms in a row.

Daylight is short. The U.S. Naval Observatory puts sunset at 4:54 p.m. on January 1, 2027, and 5:21 p.m. on January 31, in Pacific Standard Time. Plan beach walks and bluff views for the afternoon, and the sunset spots page lists where people watch the light go.

If you plan to hike, check conditions first. OC Parks says trails at Aliso and Wood Canyons may be closed for three days or more after rain. See hiking in Laguna Beach for the two wilderness parks and their hours.

The ocean in January

As a guide to the water, NOAA’s San Pedro South buoy (station 46253) averaged about 60°F in January over 2015 to 2025. The buoy sits offshore, about 23 miles west of Laguna Beach, so its readings show the season and not the temperature at any one beach. The typical figure is 8 degrees below the average afternoon high on land.

The city’s beach information page reminds beachgoers that not every beach has a lifeguard at all times, and the city bars alcohol on all of them. For flags, rip currents and rocks, read the ocean safety guide.

What’s on in January

• First Thursdays Art Walk. The walk is held on the first Thursday of every month, from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 40 galleries open their doors, a free trolley links them, and the Laguna Art Museum waives admission that night. Details are on the Art Walk page.
• Gray whale season. NOAA Fisheries says eastern North Pacific gray whales winter off Baja California, with calves born from early January to mid-February. Visit Laguna Beach notes that they can be seen heading south in December and north in February, and two Dana Point boat operators list gray whales from November through May. Read whale watching in Laguna Beach for shore lookouts and the 100-yard distance NOAA asks you to keep.

The Laguna Beach Music Festival opens on February 2 in 2027; see Laguna Beach in February. The full year is on the events guide.

Crowds and getting around

January falls inside the city’s off-season trolley schedule, which runs from September 8, 2026 to June 25, 2027. The free Coastal Route follows Coast Highway between North Laguna, downtown, South Laguna and the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point. It runs Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday until 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., about every 20 to 30 minutes.

The city allows leashed dogs on the beach at any time of day in fall, winter and spring. Parking meters and lots are covered in the parking guide, and the getting around guide explains the trolley.

What to pack

• A warm top layer. An average low of 44°F means evenings feel cold, and sunset is before 5:30 p.m. all month.
• A rain jacket or compact umbrella. About five days a month bring at least 0.10 inch of rain.
• Light clothing for the afternoon. A 68°F average high is mild in the sun.
• Waterproof shoes. The city recommends them for tide pools, where the rocks can be sharp.