If you’re checking the weather in Tucson 10 day forecast right now, you might think you’ve accidentally pulled up a spring schedule for San Diego. It is mid-January, yet the Sonoran Desert is currently showing off with temperatures that make a mockery of "winter." Honestly, if you aren't from around here, the numbers look like a typo.
We are looking at a stretch of days where the highs are consistently hitting the mid-70s.
Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, we’re peaking at around 75°F. That is nearly ten degrees above what the National Weather Service (NWS) considers "normal" for this time of year. But here is the thing about Tucson weather: the daytime high is only half the story.
The 30-Degree Swing You Need to Plan For
Living in Tucson means becoming a master of the "desert onion" technique—layers. You've got to peel them off.
While the afternoons are glorious, the nights are still a reminder that we live in a high-desert valley. Tonight will drop to about 47°F. That’s a 28-degree swing in a single day. You will see people at the University of Arizona walking to morning classes in heavy parkas and beanies, only to be carrying those same coats while wearing t-shirts by 2:00 PM.
The next ten days look remarkably stable, which is actually a bit weird for January. Usually, this is when we might see a Pacific storm front track south enough to give us a "winter monsoon" (locally called equipatas). Not this year.
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What to Expect Over the Next Week
Looking at the immediate horizon through January 24, the pattern is basically "rinse and repeat." Friday and Saturday (Jan 16-17) will stay sunny with highs of 73°F and lows hovering around 45°F.
Sunday, January 18, brings a tiny bit of variety. We’ll see some "partly sunny" skies as a few high-altitude clouds drift in from the west. The humidity is staying incredibly low, sitting between 20% and 30%. For those with sensitive skin or allergies, this is the "lotion and saline spray" window.
By Monday and Tuesday (Jan 19-20), those clouds thicken up a bit. We aren't expecting rain—maybe a 5% to 10% "ghost" chance—but the cloud cover will actually keep our nights slightly warmer. Expect lows to stay up around 50°F during those "cloudier" nights.
Why 75 Degrees is Not "Just 75 Degrees"
If you're coming from the Midwest or the East Coast, a 75-degree day sounds like a dream. It is. But the Tucson sun hits differently.
At our elevation (about 2,400 feet at the airport, much higher in the foothills), the UV index still matters, even in January. The current UV index is sitting at a 3. That sounds low, but if you’re out hiking Tumamoc Hill or the Catalina State Park trails at noon, that sun will bake you faster than you realize.
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The air is also "thirsty." Because the dew point is currently in the low 20s, your sweat evaporates instantly. You won't feel hot, but you are dehydrating.
Rain? Don't Hold Your Breath
The official record-keeper at Tucson International Airport has noted that this has been a particularly dry start to the year. Historically, January averages about an inch of rain. So far in 2026? We are well below that.
The 10-day outlook shows almost zero chance of significant accumulation. Toward the end of the window, around Saturday, January 24, a northern front might dip down to bring some wind—gusts could hit 10 to 15 mph—but the moisture just isn't there.
Practical Survival Tips for the Current Forecast
If you are visiting or just trying to survive the week without a sinus headache, here is the breakdown of how to handle this specific 10-day stretch.
- Morning (6 AM - 9 AM): It’s cold. Really. You want a light puffer jacket or a heavy fleece. If you’re heading to the Tucson Botanical Gardens early, don't be fooled by the "sunny" forecast.
- Midday (11 AM - 4 PM): Short sleeves are totally fine. This is peak "patio dining" weather. Fourth Avenue will be packed.
- Evening (6 PM onward): The second the sun drops behind the Tucson Mountains, the temperature plummets. It’s like someone turned off a heater. Switch back to that jacket.
Basically, keep a "car coat" at all times.
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Looking Past the 10-Day Window
Is this "False Spring"? Kinda.
Tucson is famous for having a few weeks of "winter" in February where we get a sudden frost that kills everyone's bougainvillea because they got confident and stopped covering their plants. While the weather in Tucson 10 day outlook looks like smooth sailing, don't put away the frost blankets just yet.
The Climate Prediction Center is actually favoring above-normal temperatures for the rest of the month. We might be in for one of the warmest Januaries in recent memory.
If you’re planning outdoor activities like the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (which starts soon!), this weather is a goldmine. Just remember that the dust can be brutal when it’s this dry. Keep the windows up if the wind starts gusting toward the end of next week.
To make the most of this stretch, focus on early afternoon outdoor activities before the wind picks up on the 24th. If you're a gardener, resist the urge to plant your spring annuals early; the "big freeze" usually waits until we've let our guard down in early February.