Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Phoenix in January
The year's rain peaks now, with about 1.3 in (33 mm) falling in Phoenix, alongside highs near 67°F (20°C) and lows of 42°F (6°C).
At 97/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 67°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 1.3 in (33 mm)
- Humidity
- 46%
- Cloud cover
- 40%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 97/100 · Great
What January feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 67°F (20°C), good for long walks.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 42°F (6°C), about 14°C (25°F) below the afternoon high.
About 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's January.
Plan around January
January is one of Phoenix's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort holds steady from December (96 → 97/100).
- Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 42°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Phoenix in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail
Steep, rocky 1.2-mile climb to the city's best summit view.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best sunrise, Oct–Apr.
Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizza in a 1929 brick building at Heritage Square.
Why now January scores 97/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Desert Botanical Garden
Trails through saguaros, cacti and wildflowers from deserts worldwide.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 1.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio, seen on guided tours.
Rusty Spur Saloon
Old Town Scottsdale saloon, open since 1951, with live country music.
Nearby in January
- Papago Park & Camelback in January~7 mi · highs 66°F, 1.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in January~100 mi · highs 51°F, 1.9 in rain · 9°C (16°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Catalina Foothills in January~106 mi · highs 63°F, 1.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown Tucson in January~106 mi · highs 65°F, 0.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Phoenix.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~494 m to Phoenix's ~331 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Phoenix in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Phoenix?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 97/100. Expect highs of 67°F (20°C) and 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain. Our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends Mar – May, so January is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Phoenix in January?
Average highs are 67°F (20°C) and average lows 42°F (6°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Phoenix in January?
Not much: about 1.3 in (33 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.0 in (254 mm).
What should I pack for Phoenix in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 42°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Phoenix in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.