Verdict

In Phoenix, January has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, the weather is warming up. You can usually expect a mild month that feels reliable day to day.

It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Conditions are generally easy to work with, with only occasional curveballs.

Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
10h
What to expect
  • Daytime feel - Mild days with big shifts between day and night. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
  • Wet weather - Some rain, some shine. You’ll get wet windows, then dry windows. You’ll likely see a few passing showers.
  • Midday sun - A bright month overall. If you're out for hours, sunscreen is worth it. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
  • Wind feel - Generally still, and exposed areas feel sharper when gusts roll through. A light outer layer helps when you’re in the shade.
January in context

How it compares to the rest of the year in Phoenix.

Hottest (avg)
#11 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#2 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#10 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#2 / 12

Temperature

Daytime high
Nighttime low
Feels like (avg)

Sunshine

Daylight
10.2 hours
UV index (max)
5
Typical sun hours
07:30 – 17:43

Rain & Snow

Total
Rainy days
4
Cloud cover
37%
Snowfall

Humidity & Wind

Humidity (avg)
51%
Wind (avg)
Wind (max gusts)

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good time to visit Phoenix?

Typical January days in Phoenix reach highs of 19°C (66°F) with nights around 5°C (41°F). It usually feels mild by day and cold after dark. It is among the wetter months, so it is wise to have some indoor backup plans or flexible activities.

What are temperatures like in January?

Daytime temperatures in January typically peak near 19°C (66°F), while nights drop to around 5°C (41°F). Expect mild afternoons and cold evenings.

How much does it rain in January?

Rainfall in January averages 28 mm (1.1 in) across roughly 4 days. Overall it is a mostly dry time of year, so showers are usually brief rather than all-day downpours.

How many hours of daylight are there in January?

You can expect about 10 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 07:30 and sunset near 17:43. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.

How strong is the sun in January?

UV levels are moderate (around 5); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.

Is it windy in January?

In January, average wind speeds are around 8 km/h (5 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 37 km/h (23 mph). On the ground, it is a gentle to moderate breeze is common, but stronger winds are not frequent.

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