Honestly, most people look at a desert forecast and think "sun." They pack three pairs of shorts and maybe a light hoodie because they've seen the postcards. Then they land at Sky Harbor, drive up to Scottsdale, and realize that 75 degrees in the sun feels like 85, but 48 degrees at night feels like the inside of a freezer.
The 10 day weather forecast scottsdale right now is basically a masterclass in desert mood swings.
What the Numbers Actually Mean
Right now, we’re looking at a high of 79°F for today, Thursday, January 15. That is phenomenal patio weather. You’re sitting at a place like Arcadia Farms Cafe with a salad and a glass of wine, and you're thinking you’ve hacked the system while your friends back east are shoveling slush. But don’t let that high fool you. The low tonight hits 48°F.
That's a 31-degree swing.
🔗 Read more: Pic of Spain Flag: Why You Probably Have the Wrong One and What the Symbols Actually Mean
If you’re out for a wine dinner at Caesars Republic tonight, that northeast wind—even at a tiny 2 mph—will make you wish you brought a real coat, not just a "resort layer."
The Next 10 Days: A Breakdown
Friday and Saturday keep the "Goldilocks" vibe going. We're talking highs of 77°F and 75°F. The sky stays clear, the UV index is around a 3, so you definitely still need sunscreen if you’re hiking the Gateway Loop.
By Sunday and Monday, things shift a little.
💡 You might also like: Seeing Universal Studios Orlando from Above: What the Maps Don't Tell You
Expect some "mostly cloudy" vibes on Monday, January 19. The high dips slightly to 74°F, and there’s a 10% chance of rain. In Scottsdale terms, a 10% chance usually means you’ll see a cloud that looks threatening, but you’ll probably stay dry. Still, it’s the day the desert feels "wintery."
Mid-week next week—Tuesday through Thursday—the temps start to retreat. We go from a comfortable 75°F on Tuesday down to 70°F by Thursday, January 22. It’s a slow slide. By the time we hit next weekend, January 24 and 25, the highs are hovering around 71°F or 72°F.
Why the Wind Matters
The wind speeds over the next 10 days are incredibly low, ranging from 2 mph to 6 mph. In a lot of cities, that’s a non-factor. In the Sonoran Desert, it means the heat just sits on you during the day because there’s no breeze to whisk it away. But at night, without that wind to mix the air, the cold air settles into the valley floors.
📖 Related: How Long Ago Did the Titanic Sink? The Real Timeline of History's Most Famous Shipwreck
If you're staying near the Waterfront, it’ll feel crisp.
Handling the "Desert Dry"
The humidity is hovering between 21% and 35%. For anyone visiting from Florida or the Pacific Northwest, your skin is going to feel like parchment paper within 48 hours. Locals know the drill: double the water intake and don't skip the moisturizer.
How to Use This Forecast
If you're here for Western Week or planning to catch the Arizona Concours d'Elegance on the 18th, you’re in the sweet spot. The weather is stable. No major storms are rolling in from the coast.
Basically, the 10-day outlook is perfect for:
- Golf: Start your tee time around 10:00 AM. Anything earlier and you're playing in the 50s.
- Hiking: The mornings are brisk (46°F to 50°F lows), which is actually the best time to hit Camelback before the crowds arrive.
- Dining: If you’re booking a table for the Gold Palette ArtWalk on the 29th, request a spot near a heater.
Actionable Next Steps
- Pack in "Three": A base tee, a mid-layer (quarter-zip), and a legitimate jacket for after 5:30 PM when the sun drops.
- Monitor Monday: That 10% rain chance on the 19th is the only "wildcard" in an otherwise dry 10-day stretch.
- Hydrate Early: Don't wait until you're thirsty; the 25% humidity will dehydrate you before you even realize you're sweating.