So, if you’re looking at the Tucson AZ 10 day weather forecast and wondering if it’s finally time to pull the trigger on those hiking plans, honestly, the answer is a big fat yes.
January in the Sonoran Desert is usually a coin toss between "chilly enough for a puffer jacket" and "warm enough for a light sweater," and right now, we’re leaning into some seriously gorgeous territory. We're currently sitting at 48°F on a clear Tuesday night, but things are heating up—well, as much as they do in the dead of winter.
What’s Actually Happening Over the Next Week?
Basically, we’re looking at a pretty solid warming trend. Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, is shaping up to be a classic Tucson winter day. We’re hitting a high of 73°F with basically zero chance of rain. If you’ve lived here a while, you know that’s the sweet spot.
By Thursday, it gets even better. We’re looking at 75°F. That’s the peak of the week. After that, things stay remarkably consistent. Most days are hovering right around that 72°F or 73°F mark. It’s the kind of weather that makes people move here from the Midwest.
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The humidity is also staying super low, mostly in the 20% to 30% range. It’s dry, it’s crisp, and it’s predictably sunny.
The Weekend Outlook
If you're planning a trip to Sabino Canyon or just want to hit a patio on Fourth Avenue, Saturday and Sunday are looking great. Saturday is expected to be 72°F and sunny. Sunday gets a tiny bit warmer at 74°F, though we might see a few more clouds moving in by the evening.
There’s a very slight 5% to 10% chance of rain on Sunday night, but honestly, don't cancel your plans. In Tucson, a 10% chance usually just means the sunset is going to look spectacular because of the extra cloud cover.
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Breaking Down the Daily Numbers
Instead of a boring chart, let’s just look at how the vibe is shifting:
- Wednesday & Thursday: Clear skies, highs between 73°F and 75°F. Perfect for being outside.
- Friday & Saturday: Still sunny, holding steady at 73°F and 72°F.
- Sunday & Monday: Things get a bit "moody" with some clouds. Highs stay in the mid-70s, but we might see a stray shower late Sunday.
- Tuesday & Wednesday: More of the same. Partly sunny, highs around 72°F.
Is There Rain on the Horizon?
Everyone always asks about the rain. For the most part, the first eight days of this forecast are bone dry. But, if you look toward the end of next week—specifically Thursday, January 22, and Friday, January 23—things start to get interesting.
The probability of rain jumps up to 20% on Thursday and hits 35% by Friday. Temperatures will also dip a bit, dropping down to a high of 69°F. It’s not a polar vortex, but you’ll probably want that hoodie you haven't used all week. Southwest winds are also expected to pick up to about 13 mph, so it'll feel a bit gustier than the calm breeze we’re seeing right now.
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Tucson Weather Misconceptions
A lot of people think the desert is just hot all the time. That’s a total myth. January can actually be quite cold, especially at night. While we’re seeing highs in the 70s, the nightly lows are still dipping into the 43°F to 47°F range.
If you’re heading out for dinner, don’t be fooled by the afternoon sun. As soon as that sun drops behind the Tucson Mountains, the temperature plummets. It's the "dry heat" phenomenon in reverse.
Actionable Tips for This Forecast
- Layer up. Start with a t-shirt for the 75°F afternoons, but have a real jacket ready for when it hits 45°F at night.
- Hydrate more than you think. Even though it’s not 110°F, the 21% humidity will dry you out fast.
- Plan your hikes now. The stretch between Wednesday and Saturday is prime trail time before the clouds and potential rain move in late next week.
- Watch the wind. If you’re planning on being outdoors next Friday, keep an eye on those southwest gusts—they can make it feel much cooler than 69°F.
Enjoy the sunshine while it’s here, because that late-week shift might actually bring some of that much-needed desert rain.