Galveston Island will ring in the new year under cool, dry, and breezy conditions Tuesday night, followed by a rapid warmup on New Year's Day and springlike temperatures later in the week.
Galveston ended the last day of 2025 with cool, dry weather as a blast of cold air moved along the Upper Texas Coast. This made for a cool New Year's Eve night before a quick warmup to begin 2026.
It was one of the coldest on the island in recent weeks, on the last morning of 2025. While Galveston did not get as cold as other parts of the state, daytime highs stayed in the lower to mid-60s thanks to cool northerly winds and sunshine.
The weather should stay calm and dry during the New Year's Eve parties. The skies will remain mostly clear, and breezes from the Gulf will be light to moderate. After dark, the temperature will slowly drop until it reaches the upper 40s, near 50 degrees, around midnight.
Although it will not be humid overnight, setting off fireworks in dry or open areas could increase the risk of grass fires. Officials warn people to be careful, especially in seaside dunes and grassy areas where plants stay dry even though it is cooler.
On New Year's Day, the weather will likely change noticeably as winds shift south and warmer Gulf air returns. Thursday's high temperatures will reach the lower 70s with partly sunny skies. This means that the short cold spell will end soon.
The upward trend is likely to accelerate until the end of the week. Galveston Island could see highs in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees by Friday. The weather will get a little better over the weekend.
The quick temperature rise is normal for winter along the Upper Texas Coast, where temperature changes can be significant but only last a short time.
As of now, the beginning of 2026 should be calm for locals and tourists alike. Nights along the coast will be cool, afternoons will be mild, and temperatures will rise steadily through the first weekend of the year.
.jpg)
.jpg)
