You’ve probably heard the jokes about Arizona only having two seasons: hot and slightly less hot. Anyone who lives in or visits the high country knows that’s a total myth. Right now, the forecast for Flagstaff AZ is doing that classic high-altitude dance where the sun feels like a warm hug but the air still has a serious bite.
Honestly, the weather here is basically a mood ring. One minute you’re walking through downtown in a light hoodie, and the next, you’re digging for that heavy parka because the sun dipped behind a cloud. Thursday, January 15, 2026, is a prime example of this split personality. We’re looking at a high of 54°F, which sounds downright balmy for January at 7,000 feet, but don’t let that fool you. The low is dropping to 33°F tonight. That’s a 21-degree swing. If you aren't layering, you're doing it wrong.
The Dry Spell and That Bright High-Country Sun
It is ridiculously sunny out there. We’ve got a "mostly sunny" situation for the rest of the day with 0% chance of rain. That’s great for a hike up Fatman’s Loop, but the humidity is sitting at 44%, and it’s expected to drop even lower to around 38% by this evening. Basically, your skin is going to feel like parchment paper if you aren't hitting the lotion and drinking water like it's your job.
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The wind is coming out of the east at about 5 mph right now. It's just a light breeze, but it's enough to remind you that winter hasn't actually left the building.
What the Next Few Days Look Like
If you’re planning a weekend trip, here is the quick reality check:
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- Friday, Jan 16: Still sunny. High of 50°F, low of 29°F. The wind picks up a bit from the northeast at 12 mph.
- Saturday, Jan 17: A bit cooler. High of 45°F, low of 28°F. Expect some gusty northeast winds around 14 mph.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Clouds start creeping in. It'll be "partly sunny" with a high of 53°F and a low of 32°F.
Why Everyone Forgets the UV Index
Here’s a fun fact that catches tourists off guard: the UV index. Even when it’s 47°F outside, that high-altitude sun is intense. Today’s UV index is low (0 right now, peaking at 2), but by tomorrow it’ll hit a 3. That doesn't sound like much, but at this elevation, it’s enough to give you a "mountain tan" (read: a weird goggle burn) if you’re out all day.
Looking Ahead: Is Snow Coming?
For the snow hounds looking at the Arizona Snowbowl, the short-term forecast is a bit of a dry run. We don't see any real moisture until maybe Thursday, January 22, where there’s a 20% chance of rain turning into snow at night. Until then, it’s all about the "bluebird days."
The current conditions are perfect for outdoor patio dining during the day, provided you’re sitting in the sun. But the second that sun goes down? Forget it. The temperature drops faster than a lead balloon.
Actionable Advice for the Next 48 Hours:
- Hydrate: The humidity is low enough to catch you off guard.
- Sunscreen: Even with a low UV index, the 7,000-foot elevation means less atmosphere to filter those rays.
- The "Sunset Jacket": If you’re heading out for dinner, bring a heavier coat than you think you need for the walk back to the car.
- Wind Prep: Saturday will be the breeziest day of the week, so maybe save the outdoor activities that require still air for Friday.
The forecast for Flagstaff AZ shows a beautiful, dry stretch of winter weather, but as any local will tell you, the peace and quiet of a sunny January day is usually just the setup for the next big storm. Enjoy the clear skies while they last.