What January feels like in Phoenix
January is mid-winter in Phoenix, although winter here means mild days rather than cold ones. The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. The day–night swing is wide (about 13.7°C (24.7°F)): nights are cold, so mornings and evenings feel very different from midday. Moderate humidity keeps the air pleasant.
Rain in Phoenix in January
Dry weather dominates, and an umbrella can mostly stay packed. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 10.2 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is heavier than Phoenix's usual 8 mm per rainy day across the year. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 7:32 am and sets around 5:42 pm local time, giving 10 h 10 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 12 min more daylight than mid-December. About 87% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How January compares to the rest of the year
In Phoenix's temperature order, January sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against December, the average high is 0.3°C (0.5°F) higher, with 2 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into February. By February, typical highs are 21.1°C (70°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
Tips for visiting Phoenix in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Phoenix in January?
Expect around 18.7°C (65.7°F) in the afternoon and 5°C (41°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Phoenix in January?
Hardly — only about 3 rainy days and 31 mm for the whole month.
What should I wear in Phoenix in January?
The numbers point to versatile layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is January or February better for visiting Phoenix?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#3 of 12 vs #4). February is warmer.