Montauk in January is basically a ghost town with a heavy side of salt spray. Honestly, if you’re looking for the Hamptons glitz, you’ve come at the wrong time. But for those of us who actually like the raw, wind-whipped vibe of "The End," the current weather is exactly what we signed up for.
It's cold. Really cold. As of Friday morning, January 16, 2026, the mercury in Montauk is sitting at a crisp 26°F. But that number is a total lie. Because of a relentless 27 mph wind screaming in from the west, the actual "feels like" temperature is a brutal 10°F. If you're heading out to the Lighthouse to see the surf, you better have gear that blocks every single molecule of moving air.
Breaking Down the Forecast for Montauk NY This Week
Weather out here is never just "one thing" for long. Today is mostly sunny, but don't let the blue skies fool you; that wind isn't quitting. The National Weather Service even has a Gale Warning in effect through noon today. Out on the water, we’re seeing seas between 6 to 9 feet, and occasionally as high as 11 feet. It’s definitely not a day for a casual boat ride, even for the local commercial guys.
The weekend forecast for Montauk NY looks a bit more chaotic. Saturday is expected to bring a high of 45°F, which sounds like a heatwave compared to today, but it comes with a 35% chance of light rain. By Sunday, we’re back to winter reality with a 35% chance of actual snow during the day and a high of 41°F.
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Why the Ocean Changes Everything
People forget that Montauk is basically a giant pier sticking into the Atlantic. This "oceanic effect" means we often miss the heavy snow that dumps on the city, but we get absolutely hammered by humidity and wind. Right now, humidity is hovering around 67%. That dampness makes the 26-degree air feel like it’s sinking right into your bones.
- Friday (Today): Sunny but windy. High of 41°F, low of 25°F.
- Saturday: Light rain likely in the afternoon. High of 45°F.
- Sunday: Potential for snow showers. High of 41°F.
- Monday (MLK Day): Clear and cold. High of 36°F, low of 23°F.
Looking further out into next week, things get even more intense. Tuesday is looking like the coldest day in the stretch, with a projected high of only 26°F and lows dipping down to 21°F. We might see some more snow on Thursday, Jan 22, with a 45% chance currently on the books.
Tips for Surviving the End in January
If you're actually out here right now, or planning to drive out for the weekend, you need to change how you think about "winter clothes." A fashionable wool coat is useless against a 27 mph gust at Montauk Point. You need a hard shell.
Kinda funny how the surfers still go out in this, right? They’re waiting for those western winds to groom the swells, but for the rest of us, it’s mostly about finding a fireplace at one of the few spots still open, like Gurney's or Shagwong.
The most important thing to watch is the freezing spray. With temperatures this low and winds this high, any moisture on the roads or docks is going to turn into a sheet of ice instantly.
Actionable Insights for the Montauk Forecast:
- Check the Gale Warnings: If you’re planning any coastal walks, check the marine forecast specifically; wind speeds at the Point are often 10-15 mph higher than in town.
- Layer for 10 Degrees: Ignore the "high" of 41°F for today. With the wind chill, your body will experience 10°F to 15°F most of the afternoon.
- Plan for Sunday Snow: If you’re visiting for the long weekend, keep an eye on Sunday afternoon's snow potential (35% chance) for your drive back west.
Montauk doesn't care about your plans. It’s a place that dictates the terms, and right now, those terms involve a lot of shivering and some pretty spectacular, frozen views of the Atlantic.