You’ve seen the photos. Ponderosa pines draped in white, skiers carving through powder at Arizona Snowbowl, and that crisp, high-altitude blue sky that makes everything look like a postcard. But if you’re checking the weather report for Flagstaff Arizona today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you might be a little confused.
Is it actually winter?
Honestly, today feels more like a sneak peek of April than mid-January. While the historical averages usually put Flagstaff in a freezer this time of year—think highs of 42°F and lows of 19°F—the National Weather Service is seeing something much wilder. We are talking about temperatures pushing 15 degrees above the norm.
The January Thaw: Why It's 58 Degrees Right Now
Most people think northern Arizona is a frozen tundra from December through March. Not today. According to the latest readings from the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, we are hitting a high of 58°F.
It’s sunny. It’s calm. It’s basically perfect hiking weather.
High pressure has parked itself right over the Coconino Plateau. This "atmospheric cap" is basically acting like a warm blanket, driving those temperatures up and keeping the winds down to a measly 5 to 7 mph. If you’re heading out, the eastern winds are currently around 3 mph, and the humidity is sitting at a dry 36%. It’s that classic "dry heat," even in the middle of winter.
👉 See also: Flights from San Diego to New Jersey: What Most People Get Wrong
But don't let the afternoon sun fool you.
Flagstaff is famous for its diurnal temperature swings. That’s a fancy way of saying the mercury takes a massive nose-dive the second the sun ducks behind the San Francisco Peaks. We’re going from a t-shirt-friendly 58°F during the day to a bone-chilling 23°F tonight.
What the Locals Know (And You Should Too)
If you're visiting, the biggest mistake you can make is trusting the afternoon sun. I’ve seen tourists walking around downtown in shorts at 3 PM, only to be shivering uncontrollably by 5:30 PM.
- Layering isn't a suggestion; it's a survival strategy. You want a base layer that wicks sweat, a mid-layer for warmth, and a shell because the mountain air is "sneaky" cold.
- Sunscreen is mandatory. Even though it’s 38°F right now as I write this, you’re at 7,000 feet. The atmosphere is thinner. The UV index might be low (sitting at a 2 today), but that high-altitude sun will still bake your skin faster than you’d think.
- Hydration matters more than you realize. The air is dry. Like, 15-25% minimum afternoon humidity dry. You’ll lose moisture just by breathing.
Snowbowl Status: Is There Still Snow?
You might be wondering if this warm weather report for Flagstaff Arizona means the skiing is over.
Surprisingly, no.
✨ Don't miss: Woman on a Plane: What the Viral Trends and Real Travel Stats Actually Tell Us
Arizona Snowbowl is currently reporting a 33-inch base depth. Even with these warmer days, the nights are still dropping well below freezing, which allows the mountain to hold onto that snowpack. They’ve got 8 out of 8 lifts running and about 75% of their trails open.
Is it "hero powder"? Probably not. It’s likely going to be a bit "mashed potato-y" in the afternoons as the sun softens the top layer, but for a sunny Sunday, you really can’t complain about spring-style skiing in January.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of the Week
If you’re sticking around for Martin Luther King Jr. Day or the rest of the week, the warmth is sticking with us for a bit. Monday looks to be another beauty with a high of 53°F, though we might see some gusts up to 16 mph as a light breeze kicks in from the northeast.
Here is the quick look at what’s coming:
- Tuesday: Sunny and 51°F.
- Wednesday: Back up to 55°F.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy, 53°F.
- Friday: The cooldown starts. We’re looking at 49°F with gusts hitting 20 mph.
The "real" winter might try to make a comeback next Saturday. There’s a 20% chance of rain and snow showers on the horizon for January 24th. It's not a blizzard by any means, but it's a reminder that in the high country, the weather has a short memory.
🔗 Read more: Where to Actually See a Space Shuttle: Your Air and Space Museum Reality Check
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Basically, if you are in town today, take advantage of the freakishly nice weather.
Hit the FUTS (Flagstaff Urban Trail System) or take a drive out toward Buffalo Park for those unobstructed views of the Peaks. Just make sure you’re back inside or have a heavy coat ready by the time the sun hits the horizon.
Check the local National Weather Service (NWS) Flagstaff office for "Area Forecast Discussions" if you want the deep-nerd details on why the jet stream is behaving this way. Otherwise, just enjoy the sun while it lasts, because, in Flagstaff, a foot of snow is always just one "clipper" system away.
Pack your sunglasses, keep a gallon of water in the car, and don't forget that heavy jacket for the 30-degree drop tonight.