Right now, if you step outside in Chandler, you’re hitting a crisp 57°F. It’s Friday night, January 16, 2026, and the sky is basically a giant sheet of black glass—totally clear. Honestly, it’s that kind of desert night where the air feels thin and sharp, but in a good way. You’ve got a tiny 3 mph breeze coming out of the southeast, which is basically nothing, just enough to remind you that the air isn't standing still.
The humidity is sitting at 34%. For anyone visiting from the Midwest or the East Coast, that probably sounds like a dream. It means no damp chill seeping into your bones, just a clean, dry cold.
What’s happening with the Chandler AZ weather forecast this weekend?
If you were hoping for a "Winter Wonderland," you’re in the wrong zip code. Today was a classic Arizona winter day with a high of 73°F. That’s the sweet spot. It’s warm enough to walk around Tumbleweed Park in a t-shirt but cool enough that you aren't sweating through it.
Tonight, things are going to dip. We’re looking at a low of 45°F.
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It’s a bit of a localized "desert tax"—the sun goes down, and the heat just evaporates into space. Tomorrow, Saturday the 17th, we’re expecting more of the same. The forecast is calling for a high near 76°F. It’s going to be sunny, obviously. We get over 300 days of sunshine a year here, so "sunny" is basically our default setting.
The humidity and wind factor
People always talk about the "dry heat," but the "dry cold" is just as real.
- Current Humidity: 34% (Crisp and dry)
- Daily Humidity: Peaking around 36%
- UV Index: 0 right now (It's night, after all)
- Wind Speed: 5 mph from the east during the day
Is this normal for January in Chandler?
Kinda. Usually, January averages a high of 67°F, so hitting 73°F or 76°F is actually a bit on the "balmy" side for us. Most locals are probably out on the patio at SanTan Brewing or San Marcos over in Downtown Chandler, soaking it up before the real summer furnace kicks in.
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We don't really do "seasons" in the traditional sense. We have "Outdoor Season" (now) and "Stay Inside and Pray for the AC" season (July). According to historical data from sources like the National Weather Service and local stations at Chandler Municipal Airport, January is technically our coldest month. But when your "coldest" involves 70-degree afternoons, it’s hard to complain.
There’s zero chance of rain tonight or tomorrow. 0%. The clouds have basically ghosted us.
How to handle the temperature swing
The biggest mistake people make with the Chandler AZ weather forecast is dressing for the high and forgetting the low.
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You leave the house at 2:00 PM when it’s 75°F feeling like a million bucks. Then 6:00 PM hits, the sun drops behind the South Mountain range, and suddenly that 45°F low starts creeping in. You'll see the tourists in shorts shivering at the Ostrich Festival grounds while the locals are all wearing North Face jackets. It looks ridiculous, but the 30-degree drop is real.
What to pack if you're visiting
- Layers are your best friend. A light hoodie or a denim jacket is usually enough.
- Sunscreen. Even if it’s "cool," the Arizona sun is aggressive. The UV index hits differently at this altitude.
- Moisturizer. That 34% humidity will turn your skin into parchment paper if you aren't careful.
Honestly, the weather right now is why everyone is moving here. It’s perfect golf weather. If you’re heading out to Bear Creek or Ocotillo Golf Club tomorrow, you’re looking at a 5 mph wind from the east. That’s barely a club's worth of adjustment.
Looking ahead
The dry spell looks like it’s staying for a bit. While the "Almanac" types might predict a few showers later in the month, the immediate horizon is nothing but blue. We’re in that weird transition where February starts to feel like Spring before Spring even technically starts.
If you're planning your Saturday, aim for the outdoors. The SHE Power racing event or a stroll through the Merchant Square Antique Marketplace are much better bets when the thermometer is hovering in the mid-70s rather than the mid-110s.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a light jacket in your car trunk even if the afternoon feels hot; the desert temp drop happens fast once the sun sets. If you're planning outdoor activities like hiking at South Mountain or golfing, the window between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM is your prime time for maximum comfort without the morning chill or evening bite.