Right now in Phoenix, the air feels more like a perfect spring day than the middle of January. If you’re standing outside, you’re looking at a current temperature of exactly 60°F. It’s clear. It’s calm. Honestly, if you aren't wearing a light sweater, you probably don't even need one unless the 3 mph breeze from the east catches you just right.
But here’s the thing. This isn’t the "winter" people from back East expect when they move here. People are talking about it on Reddit and in line at Dutch Bros—winter basically got canceled this year.
What’s Happening with the Temp in Phoenix AZ Right Now?
Usually, January is when Phoenix tries to pretend it has seasons. We might get a night or two that hits freezing at Sky Harbor, but 2026 is being stubborn. Today, Friday, January 16, we hit a high of 75°F. That is a solid 10 degrees above what’s considered "normal" for this time of year.
When you look at the temp in Phoenix AZ right now, you have to realize we are sitting in the middle of the fourth-warmest January on record. The average temperature for the first two weeks of the month has hovered around 60.1°F. That sounds mild, sure, but for climatologists like Chris Dunn, it’s a sign that the "Phoenix Freeze" is becoming a thing of the past.
Urbanization is the big culprit here. You’ve probably heard of the Urban Heat Island effect. Basically, all the concrete and asphalt we’ve laid down across the Valley acts like a giant battery. It soaks up the sun all day. Then, when the sun goes down, it doesn't just get cold. The buildings and roads slowly leak that heat back out.
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That’s why while you might see frost on a windshield in Queen Creek or Buckeye, the urban core is staying a comfy 60°F well into the evening.
Breaking Down the Right Now Numbers
If you’re planning the rest of your night, here is the raw data from the first weather report of the evening:
- Current Temp: 60°F
- Sky: Clear
- Humidity: 29% (It’s dry, but not "skin-cracking" dry yet)
- Wind: 3 mph from the East
- Low Tonight: 47°F
It is remarkably consistent. We are seeing a pattern where the highs hit that mid-70s sweet spot and the lows barely tickle the 40s.
Why the Heat Won't Quit
We aren't just imagining things. On December 21, just a few weeks ago, Phoenix actually broke a daily heat record by hitting 81°F. Think about that. The first day of winter was over 80 degrees.
There's a "double whammy" happening. You have the local heat from the city itself, and then you have the background signal of a warming climate. It’s like a wave riding on top of a rising tide. Even without the concrete, we’d likely be warmer than our grandparents were, but the city’s growth has accelerated it.
Honestly, for most of us living here, it’s a gift. You can hike Camelback at 2 PM without dying. You can eat dinner on a patio without those giant propane heaters blasting your face. But for the local farmers or people trying to grow citrus, this lack of "chill hours" is actually a bit of a headache.
Actionable Advice for the Phoenix Weather This Week
Since the temp in Phoenix AZ right now is holding steady, here is how you should actually handle it:
- Ditch the heavy coats. You won't need them. Stick to layers—a t-shirt for the 75°F afternoon and a denim jacket for the 47°F late night.
- Hydrate more than you think. 29% humidity is low. Even if you aren't sweating, you're losing moisture.
- Plants need a drink. Since we have 0% chance of rain in the immediate forecast, don't forget your potted desert plants. They are still thirsty even if it isn't 110°F.
- Watch the UV. Even in January, the desert sun is no joke. If you’re out during the 75°F peak, wear some sunscreen.
The tranquil weather is expected to persist through the weekend. Saturday will be another carbon copy: sunny, high of 75°F, and a low of 46°F. If you’re heading out for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, expect more of the same—mostly sunny and 74°F. It’s basically a weather loop at this point.