2027 Climate Averages

Weather: San Pedro de Atacama — January

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers. Recommended month to visit.

👍 Climate Overview

January is a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama. Warm weather with highs of 28°C—great for outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, so you can leave the umbrella at home. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

9.2
GoTripzi Score Excellent

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

28°C

Avg Low

14°C

Rainy days

3days

Daylight

13.4h

Feels like 26°C / 12°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

11mm

Sunshine

12.2h/day

Humidity

30%

Comfortable
Sun Strength

12

Extreme
Wind

17 km/h (gusts 36)

Is January a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:01

Sunset

20:24

13.4h daylight

Visiting San Pedro de Atacama in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Low humidity makes the warmth pleasant

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in January

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

San Pedro de Atacama Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current 28°C 14°C 3d (11mm) 12.2h
30% Comfortable
12 Extreme
Good
Feb 27°C 14°C 3d (17mm) 11.6h
34% Comfortable
11.6 Extreme
Good
Mar 27°C 13°C 2d (8mm) 11.3h
32% Comfortable
10.7 Extreme
Excellent
Apr 25°C 10°C 0d (1mm) 10.7h
18% Very Dry
9.4 Very High
Excellent
May 22°C 7°C 0d (1mm) 10.1h
14% Very Dry
7.8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 20°C 4°C 1d (3mm) 9.8h
16% Very Dry
7 High
Good
Jul 21°C 5°C 0d (0mm) 10h
10% Very Dry
7.4 Very High
Good
Aug 21°C 5°C 1d (5mm) 10.5h
12% Very Dry
8.8 Very High
Good
Sep 24°C 7°C 0d (0mm) 11.1h
10% Very Dry
10.7 Extreme
Excellent
Oct 26°C 9°C 0d (0mm) 11.8h
11% Very Dry
12 Extreme
Excellent
Nov 27°C 11°C 0d (0mm) 12.4h
13% Very Dry
12 Extreme
Excellent
Dec 28°C 13°C 1d (4mm) 12.4h
20% Very Dry
12 Extreme
Good

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthJanScore: 8.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around San Pedro de Atacama – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

San Pedro de Atacama

Driest desert on Earth with Valle de la Luna, geysers, salt flats, flamingos, and world's clearest stargazing.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for January

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Temperatures drop significantly at night, so pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

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Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to San Pedro de Atacama?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
January is typically good for visiting San Pedro de Atacama, with average highs of 28°C and around 3 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in San Pedro de Atacama in January?
Evenings in San Pedro de Atacama during January are mild at 14°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for San Pedro de Atacama in January?
With highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C in January, we recommend: Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sun hat, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in San Pedro de Atacama in January?
San Pedro de Atacama typically sees around 3 rainy days in January. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in San Pedro de Atacama in January?
In January, San Pedro de Atacama gets approximately 13.4 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is January peak season in San Pedro de Atacama?
Yes, January is peak season in San Pedro de Atacama. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Santiago)

Last Updated: February 2026