Driving up the Mogollon Rim feels like entering a different dimension. Honestly, you leave the scorching concrete of the valley and suddenly, the air actually smells like pine needles and damp earth instead of hot asphalt. But if you’re heading up there thinking it’s just "cooler Phoenix," you’ve got it all wrong. The weather for forest lakes az is its own animal, shaped by an elevation of 7,700 feet that dictates everything from what you wear to whether your car will start in the morning.
It’s high. Really high.
Most people don’t realize that Forest Lakes is often colder than Flagstaff. Because it sits on the edge of the Rim, the wind patterns are weird and the snow stacks up deep. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, it’s a crisp 44°F under a bright sun, but the wind is biting from the northeast at 10 mph. That "feels like" temp is sitting at 39°F, which basically means if you aren't wearing a windbreaker, you're going to be miserable.
The Seasonal Reality Check
You’ve probably heard that Arizona doesn't have seasons. Forest Lakes proves that's a lie.
Winter here isn't just a light dusting. It’s a full-on Alpine event. Right now in mid-January, we're looking at a high of 46°F today, but don't let that fool you. Tonight it drops to 23°F. That’s a 23-degree swing. By Monday, we’re expecting lows of 22°F. If you’re staying in a cabin, this is the time of year when pipes freeze if you aren't careful.
Spring is when the wind picks up. April is historically the windiest month, with averages around 14.3 mph. It’s that gusty, unpredictable wind that makes hiking the Rim trails a bit of a gamble. One minute it’s 69°F and sunny; the next, a gust hits you and you’re reaching for the hoodie you almost left in the truck.
Summer is why people buy property here. While Phoenix is melting at 115°F, Forest Lakes is chilling. June usually sees highs around 88°F to 90°F. It’s perfect. It’s the kind of weather where you can actually sit on a porch at 2:00 PM without needing an IV drip for dehydration.
The Monsoon Mystery
July and August change the game entirely.
The monsoons in Forest Lakes are legendary. According to the National Weather Service, the season officially runs from June 15 to September 30. In Forest Lakes, July is the wettest month. You get these massive, booming thunderstorms that roll in like clockwork in the late afternoon.
It's beautiful but kinda dangerous.
The rain doesn't just fall; it dumps. July averages about 13 rainy days. These storms bring lightning, flash flood risks, and sudden temperature drops. You’ll be at Willow Springs Lake in a t-shirt, a storm hits, and suddenly it's 60°F and you're shivering.
- June: Dry, sunny, highs near 88°F. Best for camping.
- July: Monsoon peak. Afternoon storms. Highs near 89°F.
- August: Still rainy, slightly cooler. Highs near 88°F.
- September: The "sweet spot." Drier air returns. Highs near 83°F.
Snow and the Rim
Snow totals are where things get serious. While the valley gets "rain," Forest Lakes gets buried.
Historical data shows that January and February can see significant accumulation. This year, regions nearby like Arizona Snowbowl are reporting an 85-inch season total already. While Forest Lakes isn't a ski resort, the snow sticks around. The ground stays frozen, and the shadows of the Ponderosa pines keep the ice from melting on the back roads.
If you're coming up for a "snow day," check the wind. Today's 10 mph north wind is mild, but by next Monday, January 26, gusts are expected to hit 15 mph from the southwest. That creates drifts.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake? Assuming the "high" temperature is the temperature for the whole day.
In the mountains, the sun is a liar. It feels warm because you're closer to it at 7,700 feet, but as soon as it slips behind a cloud or the horizon, the temp plunges. In the upcoming forecast for Tuesday, January 20, the high is 51°F, but the low is 22°F. That’s nearly a 30-degree difference.
You need layers. Not "a sweater." I mean a base layer, a fleece, and a shell.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
If you're planning to navigate the weather for forest lakes az this week or next, here's what you actually need to do:
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- Monitor the Southwest Shift: Starting Sunday, January 18, the wind shifts from North to Southwest. This usually brings in more moisture. While the chance of snow is low (around 10%), that southwest flow often means cloudier skies and "rawer" feeling air.
- Hydrate More Than You Think: The humidity right now is sitting at 24%. That is incredibly dry. Combined with the altitude, you will get a headache before you realize you're thirsty. Drink double what you do in the city.
- Check Your Battery: Cold kills car batteries. If yours is more than three years old and you're parking it outside in 22°F weather overnight, have a jump-pack ready.
- Tire Pressure: Going from 1,000 feet to 7,700 feet changes things. Your tire pressure light will probably come on. Don't panic, but do check the levels once you've settled in.
- Watch for the "Ice Glaze": Friday, January 23, shows a 10% chance of rain with a low of 33°F. That’s the danger zone for black ice on Highway 260. Even a tiny bit of rain at those temps turns the road into a skating rink.
Forest Lakes is a high-altitude sanctuary, but it demands respect. Whether it's the 14.3 mph winds of April or the 22°F nights of January, the weather here is the boss. Pack for the low, not the high, and you'll be fine.