Honestly, if you stepped outside in Phoenix this morning expecting that biting desert chill we usually get in January, you were probably pretty surprised. It’s Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and the valley is currently sitting at a remarkably comfortable 75°F.
That’s not just "nice" weather.
It’s actually significantly warmer than what the history books say we should be feeling right now. Typically, a mid-January afternoon at Sky Harbor tops out around 67°F or 68°F. Today? We’re blowing past that.
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Why Todays Temp in Phoenix Feels Like a Different Season
It’s sunny. Like, aggressively sunny.
Right now, the humidity is hovering at a bone-dry 14%, which is classic Arizona. But here’s the thing: because the air is so thin and dry, that 75°F high feels even warmer when you’re standing in the direct sun. We’ve got a tiny bit of movement in the air—a west wind at about 1 mph—but it’s basically negligible. It’s the kind of day where you see people in shorts and t-shirts at lunch, even though the calendar says it’s the dead of winter.
If you’re planning on staying out late, don’t let the afternoon sun fool you into leaving the house without a jacket. The desert doesn't keep its heat. Once that sun dips behind the White Tank Mountains, the temperature is going to crater. We’re looking at a low of 50°F tonight.
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That’s a 25-degree drop.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let's look at how today actually stacks up against the long-term averages for January 13.
- Current Temp: 75°F
- Forecasted High: 75°F
- Historical Average High: 67°F
- Record High for this date: 79°F (set back in 1904)
- Current Humidity: 14%
- UV Index: 3 (Moderate)
We aren't quite hitting record-breaking territory—that 1904 record of 79°F is still safe for now—but we are well above the "normal" range. For context, the record low for this time of year is a bone-chilling 20°F from 1963. Imagine that. Living in a city that can swing from 20 degrees to nearly 80 degrees on the exact same calendar day depending on the year.
The "Dry Heat" Myth in Winter
People always joke about the "dry heat" during the 120-degree summers, but it’s actually more relevant for todays temp in phoenix than you’d think.
With the humidity at 14%, your body evaporates sweat instantly. You don't feel "hot" in the way someone in Florida feels hot at 75 degrees. You just feel... crispy. The UV index is currently at a 3. That sounds low, especially compared to July when it hits 11+, but a 3 is still enough to catch a burn if you’re fair-skinned and sitting out at a spring training game or hiking Camelback for two hours.
Basically, the sun is doing all the heavy lifting today.
The dew point is sitting at 28°F. That is exceptionally low. It means there is almost zero moisture in the atmosphere to trap heat near the ground once the sun goes down. This is why the transition from the 75°F high to the 50°F low feels so abrupt. It’s not a slow fade; it’s like someone flipped a switch.
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How to Handle the Rest of the Day
If you’re local or just visiting, there are a few things you should probably do to stay comfortable.
First, hydrate more than you think you need to. Because the air is so dry, you’re losing moisture through your breath and skin constantly. You won't feel thirsty until you're already behind the curve.
Second, dress in layers. It sounds cliché, but the "Phoenix Uniform" of a hoodie over a t-shirt exists for a reason. You’ll be peeling that hoodie off by 11:00 AM and looking for it desperately by 6:00 PM.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sun Protection: Even with a moderate UV index of 3, apply a light SPF if you're spending more than 30 minutes outdoors today.
- Pet Safety: The pavement isn't "summer hot," but it can still reach 100°F in the direct sun when the air is 75. Check the asphalt with the back of your hand before walking your dog.
- Evening Prep: Expect the temperature to start dropping rapidly around 5:42 PM (sunset). If you have a patio heater or a fire pit, tonight is the perfect night to use it as we hit that 50°F low.