How cold can it get in Phoenix? Here’s the coldest temperature recorded in the Valley

We are far too aware that Phoenix is known for its extreme heat, but does Phoenix experience extreme cold?

Better yet, what is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Phoenix?

Surprisingly enough, during the winter, Phoenix can experience some pretty cool weather once the winter months of January and February come around.

Believe it or not, it has reached below 50 degrees in Phoenix before. In fact, on numerous occasions, the temperature has even reached below 20 degrees.

Here’s the coldest day ever recorded in metro Phoenix, and the weather residents can expect during the winter months.

What’s the coldest day ever in metro Phoenix?

The coldest day ever recorded in Phoenix was on Jan. 7, 1913, when the temperature reached a frigid 16 degrees.

That January, Phoenix experienced a cold streak of days with temperatures reaching below 20 degrees. Jan. 6-8, 1913, are three of the top four coldest days ever recorded in metro Phoenix.

The coldest days ever recorded in Phoenix are as follows:

• 16 degrees: Jan. 7, 1913.
• 17 degrees: Jan. 6, 1913.
• 19 degrees: Jan. 8, 1913, and Jan. 7, 1971.

When is it coldest in metro Phoenix?

The coldest months in Phoenix are January and February.

Once winter starts, temperatures in Phoenix typically cool off significantly. This year, the first day of winter is Saturday, Dec. 21.

Here are some facts about Phoenix’s average temperatures during the winter months, according to U.S. Climate Data:

• The average low in Phoenix during December is 45 degrees, with a high of 66 degrees.
• The average low in Phoenix during January is 46 degrees, with a high of 67 degrees.
• The average low in Phoenix during February is 53 degrees, with a high of 77 degrees.
• The average low in Phoenix during March is 46 degrees, with a high of 67 degrees. The last day of the 2024-2025 winter season is March 20, 2025.

Reporting by Zach Bradshaw, Arizona Republic