Honestly, if you’re looking at the 5 day weather phoenix az forecast right now, you might think you’ve accidentally pulled up a report for San Diego or some Mediterranean escape. It’s January 17, 2026. While the Midwest is currently getting hammered by a "blast of winter weather" and Florida is actually seeing icicles on vines, Phoenix is sitting pretty.
The Valley of the Sun is doing exactly what it does best: making everyone else jealous.
Right now, we are looking at a stretch that is essentially the "Goldilocks" zone of desert living. It’s not the 115-degree furnace of July, and it’s not the bone-chilling 35-degree mornings we sometimes get when a cold front dips too low from the Great Basin. Basically, if you have outdoor plans, you’ve won the meteorological lottery.
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The Raw Numbers: Breaking Down the Next 5 Days
Let's get into the specifics. You aren't here for "mostly sunny" platitudes; you want to know if you need a parka or a polo.
Today, Saturday, January 17, we are topping out at a crisp 75°F. It’s sunny, it’s dry (10% humidity, because of course), and the wind is a negligible 3 mph coming from the east. It is, for lack of a better word, perfect. But don’t let the afternoon sun fool you. The low tonight hits 45°F. That is a 30-degree swing. If you're heading out to dinner at Heritage Square, bring a jacket. Seriously.
The Sunday Shift
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, brings a tiny bit of flavor to the sky. We’re expecting "partly sunny" conditions with a high of 76°F. Interestingly, there is a 10% chance of rain. In Phoenix, a 10% chance usually means you might see a single cloud look at you funny, but it’s worth noting. The low stays relatively mild at 47°F.
Monday's Cloud Cover
Monday, January 19, which happens to be MLK Day, will feel a bit different. It’s going to be cloudy. The high drops slightly to 72°F, and that 10% rain chance lingers. If you’re planning on hiking Camelback, this might actually be the best day for it since you won’t have the sun beating down on your neck the whole time. Lows will be around 49°F.
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The Return of the Sun
By Tuesday, January 20, we are back to full-blown "chamber of commerce" weather.
- High: 74°F
- Low: 49°F
- Conditions: Sunny and clear.
- Wind: 4 mph from the northeast.
Finally, looking ahead to Wednesday, January 21, the pattern holds steady. We're looking at a high of 73°F and a low of 48°F. Sunny during the day, though it might get a bit cloudy as the sun goes down.
Why This Forecast Actually Matters
Most people think Phoenix weather is a monolith—just hot and hotter. But January is a nuanced beast. Meteorologists like Sean Benedict from the NWS have pointed out that while we typically expect a "warmer and drier" winter in 2026, we actually get a decent chunk of our annual rainfall between December and March.
Wait. Did you catch that?
The combined rainfall from these "cool" months often beats out the spectacular monsoon storms of the summer. So, while the 5 day weather phoenix az shows mostly zeros in the precipitation column, the 10% chances on Sunday and Monday are reminders that the desert is technically in its "wet" season, even if "wet" is a relative term.
The "Dry Heat" Myth in Winter
We hear it all the time: "At least it's a dry heat." In January, it’s a dry cool. Today's humidity is sitting at 10%. That sounds great for your hair, but it’s brutal on your skin and hydration levels.
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When the humidity is this low, your sweat evaporates before you even feel it. You can get dehydrated sitting on a patio at a North Central bistro just as easily as you can on a trail. The 20% humidity we're seeing in the forecast for early next week is still incredibly low compared to the 60-80% levels currently hitting the East Coast.
Actionable Tips for the Next 5 Days
- The Three-Layer Rule: Since we are seeing 30-degree diurnal temperature swings, do not leave the house in just a t-shirt. Start with a base, add a light sweater, and keep a mid-weight jacket in the car. By 2:00 PM, you’ll be in the t-shirt. By 6:00 PM, you’ll be hunting for that fleece.
- Hydrate Like It’s July: Even with highs in the 70s, the desert air is thirsty. If you're visiting, double your water intake. Your parched throat will thank you.
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: The UV index is hitting 3 today. That’s "moderate." It’s not the "Extreme" 11 we see in July, but if you’re out golfing for four hours on Monday, you will get a burn.
- Plant Watch: For the locals, these 45-49°F lows are safe for most citrus and desert plants. We aren't seeing the sub-freezing "frost warning" temps that occasionally haunt us in late January, so leave the burlap in the garage for now.
The reality of the 5 day weather phoenix az is that it's the peak of "Snowbird Season" for a reason. While the rest of the country is shoveling driveways, the Valley is offering 75-degree afternoons and clear, starry nights. Enjoy it now, because June is only five months away.
Keep an eye on the sky Monday; those clouds might provide the best sunset of the week. Desert dust plus high-altitude clouds equals that purple-and-orange glow that makes the housing prices almost feel worth it.