Phoenix forecast shows late-January warm-up, with month tracking as third-warmest at Sky Harbor

Warm, dry pattern keeps Phoenix in the 70s, with 80 degrees possible by Sunday

Phoenix is heading into a late-January warm-up as a stable high-pressure pattern keeps the region mostly dry and pushes daytime highs well above seasonal norms. Forecasts for the final days of the month show afternoon temperatures largely in the 70s, with the warmest readings expected over the weekend and a high near 80 degrees possible on Sunday.

Overnight conditions are expected to remain relatively cool, with lows generally in the 40s across the Phoenix metro area. Forecasts call for intermittent high clouds at times, but no meaningful rain signal in the immediate outlook.

January’s running average places 2026 among Phoenix’s warmest starts on record

Temperature data compiled for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport indicate January 2026 is tracking among the city’s warmest Januarys in the historical record. Through the month to date, the running average places January 2026 in third position, behind January 2003 and January 1986. The ranking is based on average temperature, which combines daily highs and lows.

Historical record lists the warmest January at Sky Harbor as 2003 (average temperature 62.0°F), second as 1986 (61.4°F), and third as 2018 (61.2°F). With several warm days remaining, the final monthly ranking will depend on how temperatures finish through January 31.

How current temperatures compare with Phoenix normals

Seasonal normals for Phoenix indicate late January typically brings daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 60s, with overnight lows often in the 40s. This week’s forecast places afternoon highs roughly around 10 degrees above normal on several days, while morning lows are closer to typical winter ranges for the Valley.

Key points for the week ahead

• Afternoon highs are forecast to rise from the low-to-mid 70s into the upper 70s by the weekend.
• A high near 80 degrees is possible on Sunday if warming trends hold.
• Morning lows are expected mainly in the 40s, limiting the risk of cold-related impacts in the urban core.
• Skies may turn partly cloudy at times, but the period is expected to stay dry.

The final ranking for January 2026 will be determined by the month’s full average temperature at Sky Harbor through January 31.

The warm finish underscores how strongly short-term weather patterns can shape monthly climate statistics. Even with cool mornings, persistent afternoon warmth can push the monthly average higher, particularly in a city where winter daytime temperatures have an outsized influence on overall monthly means.