If you woke up thinking you'd be sunbathing on the Seawall today, I've got some news for you. It’s January 15, 2026, and the Gulf is currently playing a different game. Honestly, most folks assume "Texas coast" equals "tropical heat" year-round, but today is a prime example of why you should always pack a windbreaker.
Right now, Galveston is sitting at a crisp 54°F.
It’s sunny, sure. The sky is that bright, piercing blue you only get when the humidity takes a hike. But with a north wind blowing at 9 mph, the real feel is hovering closer to 51°F. It’s the kind of day where the sunlight is a bit of a tease—it looks warm through a window, but the second you step out onto a balcony, that salt-chilled air hits you.
Why today's weather in Galveston Texas is actually perfect for the Strand
Most people stay away from the island when the mercury dips, which is basically their loss. Today is actually the sweet spot for hitting the historic district without melting into the pavement.
We’re looking at a high of 59°F later this afternoon.
No rain. Zero percent chance. The humidity is sitting at a remarkably low 48%, which is practically "desert conditions" for us. Usually, you’re breathing in soup down here, but today the air is light. It’s ideal for walking the 36 blocks of shops and galleries downtown. Just don't expect to jump in the water unless you're a polar bear; the sea temperature is currently 62°F.
The Marine Side of Things
If you’re planning on taking the Bolivar Ferry or headed out to the jetties, keep an eye on the water levels. There’s actually a Low Water Advisory in effect until noon. Those north winds are literally pushing the water out of the bay.
- Wind Speed: Topping out around 13 mph from the north.
- Visibility: Crystal clear.
- UV Index: It’s a 3 today. Low, but the reflection off the water can still catch you off guard if you're out for hours.
What to actually do today
Since the beach is more for "contemplative walking" than swimming right now, you’ve got options.
The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting a mixer and a ribbon cutting over at Buckshot Saloon today. If you're more into the history vibe, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace is running those "Basement to Attic" tours. It’s way better to climb those stairs when it's 59 degrees out than when it's 95 and humid.
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Kinda interestingly, tonight is going to be a "sweater and fire pit" kind of night. The temperature is dropping to a low of 47°F under clear skies.
Actionable Steps for Today:
- Layer up: A light sweater over a t-shirt is the move. You'll want to shed the outer layer by 2:00 PM and put it back on by 5:30 PM.
- Check the tide: If you're a boater, that low water advisory is no joke for the bay side.
- Ditch the sunscreen? Not quite. With a UV index of 3 and zero clouds, 20 minutes of exposure can still leave a mark if you're fair-skinned.
- Go North: The north wind means the Seawall might feel slightly shielded compared to the wide-open West End beaches. Stick to the areas with a bit of "city" windbreak.