Will rain disrupt Paso’s New Year’s Eve bonfire or the Polar Bear Dip in Cayucos?
A new storm is expected to bring rainy weather to some of San Luis Obispo County’s favorite New Year’s festivities this week.
Up to an inch of rain could fall across the county over the course of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, according to the National Weather Service.
“It does look like 2026 will start off wet,” the weather service’s forecast discussion said.
Here’s what the forecast means for Paso Robles’ New Year’s Eve Concert and Bonfire and the annual Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip in Cayucos.
Some SLO County New Year’s events happening ‘rain or shine’
Paso Robles’ annual concert and bonfire is set to take place on Wednesday “rain or shine,” the city said on its website.
The free event from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Downtown City Park will feature live music, food trucks, alcoholic beverages, face painting and a “spectacular bonfire to keep the evening cozy,” the city said.
The concert and bonfire will also include a 9 p.m. countdown to 2026 that’s synced to East Coast midnight, according to the event page.
On Wednesday evening in Paso Robles, there’s a 90% chance of rain with temperatures dipping to a low near 51 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
On New Year’s Day, Cayucos’ annual Polar Bear Dip won’t be hampered by rainfall either.
According to organizers, the event will start at noon Thursday at the Cayucos Pier even if showers are underway.
“Rain in the forecast? Perfect. We’re already planning on getting wet,” the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce posted on Facebook. “A little drizzle only cranks up the energy at the Polar Bear Dip. More laughs, bigger cheers, extra bragging rights. The ocean doesn’t care and neither do we.”
However, organizers urged participants to enter the ocean with caution and safety in mind since water and weather conditions can shift quickly.
According to the National Weather Service’s forecast, Thursday will be rainy and breezy with a high around 61 degrees.
Public safety teams will be on the beach and in the water during the Polar Bear Dip, organizers said.
