Phoenix is a weird place in January. Seriously. You wake up and it’s 45°F, so you grab a heavy hoodie and maybe even a beanie if you're feeling dramatic. Then, by lunchtime, you’re sweating through your layers because today's high temperature in Phoenix Arizona is hitting a crisp 76°F. It’s that classic desert bait-and-switch.
Honestly, if you're visiting from anywhere like Chicago or Minneapolis right now, 76°F sounds like a dream. But for those of us living in the Valley of the Sun, this is "Goldilocks weather." Not too hot, not too cold—just right for sitting on a patio with a prickly pear margarita.
Breaking Down Today's High Temperature in Phoenix Arizona
The official numbers for Saturday, January 17, 2026, are looking pretty stellar. We’re staring down a high of 76°F. That is significantly warmer than the historical average for mid-January, which usually hovers around 66°F or 67°F. Basically, we’re getting a 10-degree bonus today.
The humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 17%. You won't feel that "heavy" heat you get in the South. Instead, it’s that sharp, direct sunlight that feels amazing on your skin but will absolutely burn you if you aren't careful.
Wind is almost non-existent. A light 4 mph breeze from the northeast? That’s barely enough to rustle a palm frond. It’s a "perfect hair day" kind of forecast.
The Real Feel vs. The Thermometer
Temperature is a lie in the desert.
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When the thermometer says 76°F in Phoenix, it feels like 82°F if you’re standing in the sun and 70°F if you’re in the shade. The UV index is a 3 today. That’s "moderate," which means you can still get a pink nose if you’re out hiking Camelback Mountain for two hours without sunscreen.
Don't let the "winter" label fool you. This is prime outdoor season. While the rest of the country is shoveling snow, Phoenix is busy being an outdoor playground.
Is 76°F Normal for January?
Not exactly. If we look at the climatology data from the National Weather Service, the normal high for January 17th is about 68°F.
The record high for this date was 83°F back in 1976. So, while 76°F is warm, we aren't exactly shattering historical records today. We are, however, well above the record "cool high" of 48°F that happened in 2001. Imagine a day in Phoenix where it doesn't even crack 50 degrees—that's the real local nightmare.
Why the Desert Chills Out at Night
The low tonight is expected to be 45°F.
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That is a 31-degree swing from the peak heat of the afternoon. This happens because the desert air is so dry it can't hold onto the day's heat once the sun goes down. There’s no "blanket" of humidity to keep things warm.
The moment that sun dips behind the White Tank Mountains, the temperature drops like a rock. You've been warned.
What to Actually Do with a 76-Degree Day
If you’re stuck inside today, you’re doing Phoenix wrong.
A high of 76°F is literally the peak window for the Desert Botanical Garden or a round of golf at one of the 200+ courses in the area. The air is clear, the visibility is endless, and the heat isn't oppressive yet.
Some local favorites for a day like today:
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- Hiking the Piestewa Peak: It’s steep, but at 76°F, you won't melt.
- Roosevelt Row: Perfect for walking around and looking at murals without needing an ice bath afterward.
- Spring Training Prep: Even though games haven't started yet, the vibe in Scottsdale and Mesa is starting to pick up.
Expert Survival Tips for "Winter" in the Valley
Most tourists make the mistake of dressing for the high and forgetting the low.
You need to master the "Phoenix Peel." Start with a base layer (t-shirt), add a flannel or light sweater, and top it with a jacket. By 2:00 PM, you’ll be down to the t-shirt. By 6:00 PM, you’ll be hunting for that jacket again.
Drink more water than you think you need. Even at 76°F, the 17% humidity is sucking moisture out of you. You won't feel sweaty because the sweat evaporates instantly. That’s how dehydration sneaks up on people here.
Looking Ahead: Will it Stay This Warm?
The trend for the next few days seems to hold in the low 70s. We’re in a bit of a high-pressure ridge that’s keeping the winter storms up in the Pacific Northwest and leaving us with nothing but blue skies.
Enjoy today's high temperature in Phoenix Arizona while it lasts. Eventually, the 110-degree days will return, and we’ll all be huddling indoors near the AC vents, dreaming of these 76-degree January afternoons.
Your Action Plan for Today
Check the UV index before you head out—a 3 is deceptive. Pack a light jacket in the car for after sunset. If you’re planning on hitting the trails, aim for a 10:00 AM start to catch the rise toward the 76°F peak.
Stop by a local spot like Postino for some outdoor bruschetta. There is nothing better than Phoenix in January when the weather is this good.