7 day forecast for flagstaff arizona: Why the High Country Is Surprisingly Warm This Week

7 day forecast for flagstaff arizona: Why the High Country Is Surprisingly Warm This Week

So, you’re looking at the 7 day forecast for flagstaff arizona and wondering if you actually need to pack that heavy-duty parka or if a light flannel will do. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in Northern Arizona, you know the weather here has a mind of its own. One day you’re shoveling three feet of powder, and the next, you’re sitting on a patio in Heritage Square wondering where the winter went.

Right now, we are in one of those weird, sunny stretches.

The current 7 day forecast for flagstaff arizona is showing a string of "bluebird" days. This basically means clear blue skies, zero clouds, and enough sun to make you forget it was literally 20 degrees last night. If you’re heading up here between January 13 and January 19, 2026, you’re looking at daytime highs in the high 40s and low 50s. That’s actually a few degrees above the historical average for mid-January, which usually hovers around $43^\circ\text{F}$.

What to Expect: The Day-by-Day Breakdown

It’s sunny. Like, really sunny.

Tuesday is kicking things off with a high of $49^\circ\text{F}$. It’s the kind of weather where you start the morning in a thick coat and end up carrying it by 1:00 PM because the high-altitude sun hits differently. Wednesday stays consistent at $48^\circ\text{F}$, but watch out for the wind—northeast gusts might hit 13 mph, making it feel a bit crisper than the thermometer suggests.

Thursday is actually the "heat wave" of the week. We’re looking at $51^\circ\text{F}$.

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The Mid-Week Shift

By Friday and Saturday, the temperatures stay locked in that sweet spot between $49^\circ\text{F}$ and $50^\circ\text{F}$. If you’re planning on hitting Arizona Snowbowl, this is actually decent news for visibility, even if the "fresh" powder isn't falling. The base depth is holding steady at about 36 inches right now, so the trails are open, but they’ll be that fast, packed-powder variety.

Sunday might even see us hit $54^\circ\text{F}$.

For anyone living in Phoenix, this sounds like a dream. For locals, it’s "hoodie weather." But here is the thing people always miss: the nights. Just because it’s 50 during the day doesn’t mean it won't drop to $26^\circ\text{F}$ the second the sun dips behind the San Francisco Peaks.

Why the Flagstaff Weather Is So Deceptive

Elevation is a trip. At 7,000 feet, the air is thin. When the sun is out, it feels 10 degrees warmer than it actually is. When it goes away? The heat escapes into the atmosphere almost instantly.

Most people check the 7 day forecast for flagstaff arizona, see "Sunny and 50," and pack like they’re going to Sedona. Big mistake. You’ve gotta remember the "Diurnal Range." That’s just a fancy weather term for the massive gap between the daily high and the nightly low. This week, that gap is nearly 25 degrees.

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I’ve seen tourists walking around downtown in shorts at 4:00 PM, only to be shivering uncontrollably by 6:00 PM. Don't be that person.

The Snow Situation

If you were hoping for a massive blizzard this week, the 7 day forecast for flagstaff arizona isn't giving it to you. The chance of precipitation is basically $0%$. According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, we had a decent dusting earlier in the month, but this week is all about dry, high-pressure systems.

  • Total Snowfall Forecast: 0 inches.
  • Road Conditions: Mostly clear, though watch for "black ice" in the shadows of the pines.
  • UV Index: 3 (Moderate). You will get a sunburn if you’re on the mountain all day. Seriously.

Surviving the High Country This Week

Since there’s no big storm on the horizon, your main "enemy" isn't snow—it's dehydration and the sun. People forget that Flagstaff is one of the sunniest cities in the US, averaging about 266 sunny days a year.

Layering is your best friend. Start with a moisture-wicking base, add a light sweater, and top it with a wind-resistant shell. You’ll probably cycle through all three of those layers twice before lunch. Also, drink more water than you think you need. The humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 25% to 40% this week. Your skin and your head (altitude headaches are real) will thank you.

If you are driving up from the valley, the I-17 should be an easy climb with no weather delays. Just keep an eye on the wind as you pass through Sunset Point; the gusts can get a little squirrelly for high-profile vehicles.

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Real Expert Tips for This Specific Forecast

Look, the 7 day forecast for flagstaff arizona says it’s clear, but things change fast in the mountains. While the data says sunny skies, always keep a "go-bag" in your trunk. A couple of blankets, a gallon of water, and some snacks won't hurt.

If you're planning on hiking Buffalo Park or Elden Lookout, the trails might have some lingering icy patches in the shade. It’s worth tossing some traction cleats (like Yaktrax) in your pack just in case.

Actionable Next Steps:

  1. Check the Arizona DOT (az511.gov) before you leave, even if the sky looks clear in Phoenix.
  2. Pack a high-SPF lip balm and sunscreen; the snow reflection at Snowbowl will fry your face even in 40-degree weather.
  3. Book your Snowbowl lift tickets in advance if you're coming up Saturday, as "bluebird" weekends tend to sell out fast.