If you've ever stood on the pier at Magnolia Beach with a fishing rod in one hand and a smartphone in the other, you know the struggle. One app says it’s going to be a gorgeous 70-degree day. Another warns of a "norther" that’ll have you shivering by noon. Honestly, the weather forecast for Port Lavaca Texas is famously fickle because we’re sitting right on the edge of the Matagorda Bay system.
The water controls everything here.
Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, we’re seeing exactly how that coastal influence plays out. Currently, it’s a crisp 48°F out there under clear nighttime skies. The humidity is sitting heavy at 90%, which is pretty typical for a January night in Calhoun County. If you’re heading out early, just know the wind is coming from the west at a gentle 7 mph, but don't let that fool you.
Things are about to ramp up significantly as the sun comes up.
What’s Actually Happening with the Weather Forecast for Port Lavaca Texas
Today’s high is expected to hit a very comfortable 71°F. That sounds like perfect t-shirt weather, right? Well, sort of. While the sky will be sunny, a northwest wind is going to kick up to 17 mph. That’s enough to create some decent chop on the bay and make that 71°F feel a few degrees cooler if you're out on the water.
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Tonight, the temperature is going to dip back down to 45°F. We’re in that classic Texas winter cycle where you need a parka at 7:00 AM and sunglasses by lunch.
The Week Ahead at a Glance
Looking forward, the pattern stays relatively dry but keeps us on our toes with temperature swings. Tomorrow, Thursday, we’re looking at another sunny day, though slightly cooler with a high of 62°F and a low of 45°F. The wind shifts to the northeast at 13 mph.
Friday is actually looking like the pick of the week. We’re forecasting a high of 73°F. It’ll be sunny during the day, though some clouds will creep in by nightfall. The wind settles down to a southwest breeze at 9 mph, which is basically as good as it gets for a January afternoon in Port Lavaca.
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Saturday takes a bit of a dive back to 60°F for the high, and Sunday bounces to 64°F.
The Bay Factor: Why Your App Might Lie
Most people don't realize that the weather at the Calhoun County Airport (KPKV) can be drastically different from what you experience at the Port Lavaca Bayfront.
Coastal microclimates are real.
When a cold front—what we locals call a "norther"—blows through, the air temperature can drop 20 degrees in just a couple of hours. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it can be dangerous for mariners. Historically, severe freezes in this area have been known to "numb" fish in the shallow flats, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife data. While we aren't seeing a "fish-killing" freeze in this week's data, the 17 mph northwest winds today are a reminder of how quickly the bay can turn.
Rain Chances and Humidity
We just came off a very wet Tuesday where there was an 80% chance of rain. Today? Zero. In fact, the precipitation chance stays at 0% all the way through Sunday.
If you have outdoor projects or want to get the boat out, this is your window. Humidity will hover around 53% today, which is quite low for our area, making the air feel much "crisper" than the swampy 90% we started with this morning.
Planning Your Port Lavaca Visit
If you're visiting or planning work around the weather forecast for Port Lavaca Texas, keep these specific data points for today and tomorrow in mind:
- Sun and UV: Even though it’s January, the UV index is hitting 4 today. You can still get a sunburn on the water when the sun reflects off the bay.
- Wind Direction: Today’s northwest wind (17 mph) means the protected side of the jetties will be your best bet for fishing.
- Tides: The first high tide yesterday was at 9:46 PM, and we’re seeing a rising tide trend that usually peaks late in the evening during this part of the month.
By Monday, January 19, the weather starts to shift again. We’re looking at mostly cloudy skies and a return of light rain chances (around 20% by Monday night).
Basically, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
The best way to handle Port Lavaca weather is to dress in layers and always check the wind speed before you leave the dock. A 70-degree day is beautiful, but a 17 mph wind on the bay makes for a very bumpy ride if you're in a small skiff.
Next Steps for You:
Check your tire pressure if you're trailering a boat today; the drop from 71°F to 45°F tonight can cause significant pressure fluctuations. If you're heading out on the water, verify the latest small craft advisories, as 17 mph winds often trigger "Caution" levels for inexperienced boaters in the Matagorda Bay area.