Honestly, if you aren’t in the Old Pueblo today, you’re missing out. While the rest of the country is probably scraping ice off windshields or dealing with that gloomy gray sky that hangs around until April, the weather in Tucson Arizona right now is doing exactly what it does best in the winter.
It’s crisp. It’s clear. It’s that specific kind of Arizona morning where the air feels like a cold glass of water before the sun starts to actually do its job.
🔗 Read more: Food City in Fairfield Glade TN: What Locals Actually Wish You Knew
As of early Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, we are looking at a current temperature of 44°F. If you’re heading out for a coffee run at Presta or Cartel, you definitely need the heavy hoodie. The wind is barely a whisper—just 2 mph coming out of the southeast—so it’s not that biting cold, just a solid desert chill. Humidity is sitting at 57%, which is actually high for us, but it’ll drop off the face of the earth once the sun climbs over the Rincons.
What to expect for the rest of Saturday
Don't let the chilly start fool you. Tucson winters are all about the "onion strategy"—layers, people. You start with a jacket, move to a sweater by 10:00 AM, and you’re probably in a t-shirt by lunch.
Today’s high is hitting 74°F. That is about 8 degrees warmer than the historical average for mid-January, which usually hovers around 66°F according to National Weather Service records. We are basically getting a sneak peek of spring.
The sky? Pure blue. There is a 0% chance of rain, and the UV index is a 3, so while it’s "winter," you’ll still want the sunscreen if you're hitting the Loop or hiking Tumamoc Hill. It’s the kind of day that makes people want to move here, right up until they realize it’ll be 110°F in five months.
Why January feels different this year
Historically, January is our "coldest" month, but 2026 is starting off on a fairly warm note. Last year, January 2025 was actually one of the coolest we’d seen in a decade, with lows hitting the 20s. Today, our low is staying at a manageable 44°F.
People always ask: "Does it actually get cold in Tucson?"
Yeah, it does. But it’s a dry cold. It doesn't sink into your bones the way it does in the Midwest. However, the temperature swings are wild. You can see a 30-to-40-degree difference between sunrise and 3:00 PM. That’s exactly what’s happening today.
Quick snapshot for today, January 17:
- Condition: Sunny and clear (all day and all night).
- High Temp: 74°F.
- Low Temp: 44°F.
- Wind: Light and variable, topping out around 3 mph from the south.
- Rain: None. Zero. Zip.
If you’re planning your weekend, Sunday looks even warmer, potentially creeping up toward 77°F. It’s perfect patio weather.
How to handle the Tucson "Winter"
If you're visiting or just moved here, don't be the person in shorts at 6:00 AM. You’ll regret it. The desert loses heat incredibly fast once the sun goes down. Tonight will drop back to a clear 44°F, so if you're heading downtown for dinner, bring the coat.
For those hitting the trails, keep an eye on the humidity. It's 25% during the day, which means you’re losing moisture way faster than you think. Drink more water than you feel like you need.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Dress in three layers: A base t-shirt, a mid-weight flannel or sweater, and a shell for the morning.
- Hydrate: Even at 74°F, the dry air will dehydrate you quickly during outdoor activities.
- Plan outdoor dining: Today is the day for an outdoor brunch or a sunset drink on Fourth Avenue; the conditions won't get much better than this.