Phoenix in January is a bit of a local secret, though the secret has definitely been out for a few decades now. While most of the country is digging out of snowdrifts or dealing with that gray, slushy mess that defines a northern winter, we're basically living in a postcard. But don't let the postcard fool you. Desert weather is fickle. If you’ve ever stood in the sun at 2:00 PM and then felt the bone-deep chill of a desert night at 8:00 PM, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Honestly, the five day forecast phoenix is looking like the quintessential Arizona winter experience. We aren't seeing any of those wild monsoon-style downpours or the record-breaking heatwaves that make national headlines in July. Instead, it’s a steady, predictable stretch of "Chamber of Commerce" weather that makes the snowbirds very happy they made the trip.
What’s Actually Happening Over the Next Five Days?
If you're planning a hike at Camelback or just trying to figure out if you can finally turn off the heater, here is the breakdown. Today, Sunday, January 18, we are looking at a high of 75°F with partly sunny skies. It’s pretty much the sweet spot. Lows will dip to 47°F tonight, so if you're heading out to dinner, that light jacket isn't just a suggestion; it’s a requirement.
Moving into Monday, January 19, it’s a carbon copy of today. High of 74°F, low of 48°F. Expect some light southeasterly winds around 4 mph, which is basically a gentle nudge from the atmosphere. By Tuesday, January 20, the clouds clear out almost entirely. We’re hitting 75°F again with full sun. It’s the kind of day where the UV index hits a 3, so don't forget the sunscreen even if it feels "cool" to you.
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The back half of the week stays remarkably consistent. Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22 both hold steady with highs of 74°F. We might see a slight increase in cloud cover on Wednesday night, with a tiny 10% chance of rain, but honestly, in Phoenix, a 10% chance usually means you might see a single drop on your windshield if you’re lucky.
The Weird Reality of Desert Humidity
One thing people get wrong about the five day forecast phoenix is the humidity. We talk about "dry heat" all summer, but "dry cold" is a different beast entirely. Over the next few days, humidity levels are hovering between 23% and 28%.
For those visiting from the Midwest or the Coast, that sounds like a dream. No frizz, no dampness. But for your skin and your hydration levels, it’s a silent drain. In 24% humidity, your sweat evaporates before you even realize you’re perspiring. You’ll be halfway up a trail feeling great, only to realize you’re actually getting dehydrated because the air is essentially a giant sponge.
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Why the Rex Block Matters Right Now
Meteorologically speaking, we are currently under the influence of what experts call a Rex Block pattern. I know, it sounds like something out of a dinosaur movie, but it’s actually a high-pressure ridge sitting off the coast of Washington that's keeping the storm tracks pushed way north of us.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, this high pressure is what's keeping our temperatures about 5 to 8 degrees above the seasonal normal. Usually, January highs in the Valley average around 67°F or 68°F. Hitting the mid-70s consistently is a treat, though it does remind us that the "normal" is slowly shifting.
How to Actually Dress for This
If you’re a local, you already have the "Phoenix Uniform" down. If you’re visiting, you’re probably the person walking around in shorts at 7:00 AM while we’re all in parkas.
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The temperature swing is the real story here. When you have a high of 75°F and a low of 47°F, that’s a nearly 30-degree difference in a single day. You basically need three different outfits to survive 24 hours comfortably.
- The Morning (7 AM - 10 AM): It’s in the 50s. You need a hoodie or a light puffer.
- The Afternoon (11 AM - 4 PM): The sun is intense. Short sleeves are fine. If you’re hiking, you’ll probably want a hat.
- The Evening (5 PM onwards): The sun drops, and the desert floor loses heat instantly. Back to the jacket.
Actionable Tips for the Week Ahead
The five day forecast phoenix is giving us a green light for pretty much any outdoor activity, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of it:
- Hit the Trails Early, but not too early: While you don't have to beat the 110-degree heat, popular spots like Piestewa Peak will be packed by 9:00 AM this week because the weather is so perfect.
- Water, Water, Water: Don't let the 74-degree high fool you. The low humidity means you need to drink more water than you think.
- Check Your Irrigation: With highs in the 70s and almost no rain in the forecast, your desert plants might need a supplemental drink if you’ve scaled back your timers for the winter.
- Sunset Timing: Sunset is hitting around 5:43 PM right now. If you want those iconic pink and purple Arizona sky photos, be in position by 5:30 PM.
The next five days are basically why people live here. It’s predictable, it’s warm, and it’s about as easy as weather gets. Just remember that the desert is always a bit more extreme than it looks on a phone screen—dress in layers and keep that water bottle full.