If you’ve lived in the Valley for more than a minute, you know the drill. We spend all summer hiding from the sun like vampires in a high-stakes thriller, and then January rolls around and suddenly everyone is a hiking enthusiast. Honestly, the current Glendale AZ weather is basically the entire reason people pay the "sunshine tax" to live here.
Right now, as of Saturday night, January 17, 2026, it is a crisp 57°F outside. It's clear. It's calm. The wind is barely moving at 5 mph out of the north. If you’re sitting on a patio at Westgate or just taking the dog for a late walk, you probably need a light jacket, but that’s about it. It’s that perfect desert "winter" where the air feels thin and clean, and you aren't sweating through your shirt for once.
The Reality of the "January Thaw"
People think Arizona is just a giant blast furnace 365 days a year, but that’s just not true. Today’s high hit a beautiful 74°F. That is nearly ten degrees warmer than the historical average for mid-January, which usually hovers around 66°F. We are currently in what meteorologists often call a "January Thaw." While the East Coast is probably digging out of a snowbank, Glendale is sitting pretty with 26% humidity and zero chance of rain.
What to Expect Tonight and Tomorrow
If you’re heading out, here is the lowdown on the immediate numbers. Tonight is going to drop down to a low of 46°F. It’s going to stay clear, so the heat we soaked up during the day is going to vanish pretty quickly once the sun stays down. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is looking even better. We’re expecting a high of 76°F. It might be slightly more "partly sunny" than today’s total blue-sky vibe, but that just means you get some nice cloud textures for your photos.
📖 Related: Blue Bathroom Wall Tiles: What Most People Get Wrong About Color and Mood
The uv index is sitting at 0 tonight (obviously), but even tomorrow it only hits a 2. You still need sunscreen if you’re out at Sahuaro Ranch Park for three hours, but you won't feel like you're being microwaved.
Is This Normal for Glendale?
Usually, January is one of our "wet" months. I use quotes there because "wet" in the Desert Southwest means maybe an inch of rain for the whole month. This year, we are trending a bit drier and warmer than usual. Looking at the data from the National Weather Service and historical trends from the Phoenix Sky Harbor station—which is the closest major data point for our area—this week is about 6°F warmer than this time last year.
We had a bit of a rainy start to the year back in the first week of January, but right now, a high-pressure ridge is basically acting like a giant umbrella, keeping the storms away.
👉 See also: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Superstition Springs Menu: What to Order Right Now
Breaking Down the Next Few Days
- Monday (Jan 19): Mostly cloudy but still warm. High of 74°F, low of 46°F. There is a tiny 10% chance of a stray shower, but don't bet your car wash on it.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Back to full-on sun. 73°F/48°F.
- The Mid-Week Slide: Temperatures will start to dip slightly as we head toward next weekend. By Friday, we might be looking at highs in the upper 60s. Still beautiful, just a bit more "sweater weather."
What Most People Get Wrong About Glendale Winters
There’s this misconception that because it’s the desert, it never gets cold. Ask anyone who has stood on the sidelines of a youth soccer game at 7:00 AM in January. It’s cold. When the humidity is this low (26%-28%), there is nothing to hold the heat in the air. The temperature swings are wild. You can easily see a 30-degree difference between sunrise and 3:00 PM.
It’s also surprisingly breezy this time of year. While tonight is calm, we often get these north/northeast winds that make 55°F feel like 45°F. It’s all about the layers.
Actionable Tips for This Weather
Since the current Glendale AZ weather is so predictable and pleasant right now, it’s the prime time to actually do the outdoor stuff you ignore in July.
✨ Don't miss: Bird Feeders on a Pole: What Most People Get Wrong About Backyard Setups
- Hit the Trails Early: Thunderbird Conservation Park is perfect right now. With a high of 74°F, you can hike at noon and not die, but the 8:00 AM window is where the lighting is best.
- Garden Prep: It’s actually a decent time to start thinking about your spring planting. Just watch those overnight lows. If we dip below 40°F later this month, your sensitive succulents might need a frost cloth.
- Patio Dining: This is peak season for spots like the Gaslamp Social or any of the outdoor setups in Historic Downtown Glendale. Enjoy it before the "sweltering" season returns in May.
- Watch the Humidity: 26% is dry. Like, "my skin is turning into parchment" dry. Drink more water than you think you need, even if you aren't hot.
Basically, enjoy this. The "January Thaw" doesn't last forever, and while we don't have to shovel snow, we do have to deal with the inevitable 110°F days eventually. For now, 74°F and sunny is a win.
Next Steps for You:
Keep an eye on the Friday forecast if you have outdoor plans for next weekend. While it’s sunny now, there is a slight chance of light rain moving in by January 24th, which could bring those highs down into the 60s. Make sure your irrigation system is adjusted for the cooler temps—plants don't need nearly as much water when it's 70°F as they do when it's 90°F.