Chile (Atacama) · January
Best travel monthTravel seasonChile · South America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 26° (79°)20– (68–)29 (84) | 25° (77°)19– (66–)29 (84) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)28 (82) | 24° (75°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)19– (66–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)22– (72–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)29 (84) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 13° (55°)9– (48–)16 (61) | 13° (55°)9– (48–)15 (59) | 12° (54°)8– (46–)14 (57) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)13 (55) | 6° (43°)1– (34–)9 (48) | 4° (39°)-1– (30–)7 (45) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)7 (45) | 4° (39°)-1– (30–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)11 (52) | 8° (46°)4– (39–)12 (54) | 10° (50°)6– (43–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)8– (46–)15 (59) |
☀️Sunshine | 12h UV 10 | 12h UV 10 | 12h UV 10 | 12h UV 9 | 11h UV 8 | 11h UV 8 | 11h UV 8 | 11h UV 9 | 12h UV 10 | 13h UV 10 | 13h UV 10 | 13h UV 8 |
🌧Rain Days | 3d25mm (1.0") | 5d47mm (1.9") | 2d11mm (0.4") | 0d4mm (0.2") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 0d4mm (0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 1d3mm (0.1") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
January is among the best months in Chile (Atacama): only 3 rain days, 26°C (79°F) highs, and good sunshine make for ideal holiday conditions.
Daytime highs average 26°C (79°F), cooling to 13°C (55°F) at night (daily average: 19°C (66°F)). Peaks reach around 29°C (84°F), the coldest nights around 9°C (48°F). With 12 sunshine hours per day, January is one of the sunniest months — 25 mm (1.0 in) of rain over 3 days.
Summer clothing and a light jacket for evenings is enough. Conditions are ideal for excursions, hikes, and sightseeing.
Summer in the desert: the days are long, it is warm by day and the temperature drops quickly in the evening. Sunset trips to the Valle de la Luna are popular now, and peak season means full accommodation. In January and February thunderstorms from the highlands can cancel tours and close roads.
Packing list for Chile (Atacama) in January
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Chile (Atacama)?
- Yes — January is one of the best months to visit Chile (Atacama) (Climate Score: 80/100). Pleasant temperatures (26°C (79°F)), good sunshine (12 h/day), and few rain days (3) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Chile (Atacama) in January?
- In January, Chile (Atacama) sees daily highs of 26°C (79°F). Nights cool to 13°C (55°F), with a daily average of 19°C (66°F). Peaks reach around 29°C (84°F), the coldest nights around 9°C (48°F).
- How much rain falls in Chile (Atacama) in January?
- In January, Chile (Atacama) receives an average of 25 mm (1.0 in) of rain over 3 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Chile (Atacama) get in January?
- Chile (Atacama) averages 12 sunshine hours per day in January — close to the annual average.
