Honestly, if you’re waking up in the Valley of the Sun right now, you might be reaching for a hoodie before you reach for the sunscreen. It’s funny how people think of this city as a permanent oven, but January in the desert is a whole different beast.
What's the temperature in phoenix arizona today?
Right now, as we roll through Sunday, January 18, 2026, the current temperature in Phoenix is sitting at a crisp 61°F. It’s clear out there, and the air is dry—classic Arizona winter. If you’re heading out for a morning coffee or a hike up Camelback, you’ve got a northeast wind blowing at about 4 mph, which makes that 61 degrees feel just a bit sharper against your skin.
The Afternoon Peak
Don't let the morning chill fool you. The desert is famous for its massive temperature swings, and today is no exception. We’re looking at a high of 75°F later this afternoon.
Basically, it’s that "Goldilocks" weather. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right for a patio lunch.
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The humidity is hovering around 20%, which is low even for us. It means the air won't hold the heat once the sun starts to dip. By the time the stars come out tonight, we’re dropping back down to a low of 50°F.
How This Compares to the "Normal" Phoenix
Is this typical? Sorta.
Historically, the average high for mid-January in Phoenix is usually around 67°F. We’re actually running about 8 degrees warmer than the historical norm today. It’s not a record-breaker—we’ve seen it hit the 80s in January before—but it’s definitely on the pleasant side of the spectrum.
If you're visiting from somewhere like Chicago or Seattle, this probably feels like a mid-summer dream. For locals? We’re still wearing light sweaters because our blood has definitely thinned out over the years.
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What You Actually Need to Know for Today
You’ve gotta plan for the "three-layer day."
- Morning: You need a jacket. 50 to 60 degrees in the desert feels colder than 50 degrees in a humid climate.
- Midday: Sunglasses and a t-shirt. The UV index is sitting at a 3, which is "moderate." You won't sizzle, but the high-altitude desert sun can still sneak up on you if you're out for hours.
- Evening: Back to the jacket. The second the sun drops behind the White Tank Mountains, the temperature will plummet.
The Science of the "Dry Chill"
Why does it feel so cold at 50 degrees here?
It’s the lack of moisture. In a place with high humidity, the water vapor in the air holds onto heat like a blanket. In Phoenix, there’s no blanket. The heat just radiates straight back into space the moment the sun leaves. It’s why we can go from "tanning weather" to "bonfire weather" in the span of two hours.
The wind today is coming from the southeast, which is relatively calm. You won't have to worry about any dust storms or major gusts ruining your outdoor plans. It’s a stable, sunny day with just a 5% chance of rain—which, let’s be real, basically means 0% in Phoenix speak.
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Moving Forward with Your Day
If you’re planning to be outside, keep an eye on the clock. The peak temperature usually hits between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
If you're a gardener, you're in the clear. No frost warnings for tonight since we're staying well above that 32-degree danger zone. Your citrus trees and bougainvillea are safe for another 24 hours.
Your next steps for a perfect Phoenix Sunday:
- Grab a light jacket for the evening.
- Apply a bit of moisturizer (that 20% humidity is no joke for your skin).
- Enjoy the 75-degree peak—it’s why we live here through the 115-degree summers.