Exploring Bolivia In January: Weather Expectations

Bolivia in January is characterised by its weather: it's one of the wettest months of the year, with frequent rainfall and high humidity. However, the month has its own unique charm. While it may not be ideal for exploring the Andes or the Amazon, it's a great time to visit the bustling cities of La Paz and Sucre, as well as the salt flat of Uyuni, where rainwater creates a mirror-like reflection of the sky. The weather in January brings a range of conditions, from moderate to very warm, with temperatures in La Paz ranging from 15°C to 20°C during the day and 5°C to 10°C at night.

Rainfall and temperatures

January is Bolivia's wettest month, with the rainy season falling between December and March. On average, there are 17 days of rain in January, with rainfall reaching 168mm (6.61 inches). However, this can vary depending on the region. For example, Salar de Uyuni experiences moderate rainfall with an average of 91mm, while Villa Tunari receives heavy rainfall with 580mm. La Paz is also particularly rainy during this month, with an average of 186 hours of sunshine.

In January, daytime temperatures in Bolivia range from 14°C to 32°C, with nighttime temperatures dropping to between 7°C and 23°C. The average daytime temperature in La Paz is between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F), with cooler nights. The average daily temperature in Bolivia ranges from 13°C (56°F) at night to 24°C (74°F) during the day.

January is a great time to visit Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, as the rainwater creates a mirror-like reflection of the sky. However, it is not ideal for exploring the Andes or the Amazon due to the heavy rainfall.

What to wear

January is Bolivia's wettest month, so it's important to bring waterproof clothing. A sturdy rain jacket or poncho is essential to stay dry. You'll also want to bring clothing that can be layered, as the weather fluctuates throughout the day, especially in elevated regions like the Andes.

During the day, the average temperature ranges from 13°C (56°F) to 24°C (74°F), so you'll need a mix of lighter clothing such as t-shirts and skirts or shorts, as well as some warmer items like long trousers, sweaters, and jackets. At night, the temperature drops to an average of 13°C (56°F) or lower, so you'll want to dress warmly for evening outdoor activities.

If you plan to spend time in the rainforest, be aware that it may be inaccessible due to flooding. However, if you do venture there, make sure to bring clothing suitable for the hot and humid weather.

For exploring the cities of La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, you can dress in something warm like a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially in La Paz, which has a minimum temperature of around 3°C (37°F) in January.

Sunshine and UV levels

The average temperature in La Paz in January ranges from a high of 59°F (15°C) to a low of 39°F (4°C), with an average high of 57°F and a low of 41°F according to another source. The city experiences moderate daylight and few sunshine hours, creating a cool ambiance. The length of the day in La Paz in January is 12 hours and 59 minutes, with the shortest day of the month on January 31st, at 12 hours and 50 minutes.

In Comunidad Yumani, the average maximum temperature is 14°C, while in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, it reaches 32°C. Night-time temperatures in these locations drop to 7°C and 23°C, respectively.

Daylight hours

January in Bolivia sees a range of weather conditions, with temperatures varying from moderate to very warm, and rainfall ranging from moderate to heavy. The month of January in La Paz, Bolivia, sees an average of 186 hours of sunlight, which equates to around 6 hours per day. This ensures that the city experiences moderate daylight and few sunshine hours, contributing to the overall cool ambiance.

The length of daylight in La Paz in January is approximately 13 hours. The shortest day of the month is January 31st, with 12 hours and 50 minutes of daylight, and the longest day is January 1st, with 13 hours and 6 minutes of daylight. The average day in La Paz during January has 13 hours of daylight, with sunrise at 6:11 AM and sunset at 7:10 PM.

The month of January in La Paz sees a high chance of rain or snow, with an average of 20 days of precipitation. On the first day of January, sunrise is at 6:03 AM, and sunset is at 7:08 PM. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:20 AM, and sunset is at 7:12 PM. The average sunshine hours in La Paz during January are 5.9 hours.

The rainy season in Bolivia falls between December and March, with January being the rainiest month. This can impact outdoor activities, especially in regions like the Amazon Basin and the Yungas, which receive significant rainfall. However, the wet season also brings unique natural wonders, such as the mirror-like reflection of the sky on the rainwater surface at Salar de Uyuni.

The weather in Bolivia in January fluctuates throughout the day, especially in elevated regions. It is recommended to dress in layers to accommodate the changing temperatures.

Things to do

January is one of the wettest months in Bolivia, but that doesn't mean there's any shortage of things to do. Here are some ideas for your trip:

Visit Salar de Uyuni

The Uyuni Salt Flats are stunning, and January is the perfect time to visit. The rainwater creates a mirror-like reflection of the sky on the flat surface. You can book a tour to visit the salt flats, which is recommended as it can be difficult to visit alone. The vast expanse of salt left behind by a dried-up prehistoric lake stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a mesmerising and surreal experience.

Explore La Paz

La Paz is a captivating capital city with a rich history and culture. You can explore the Witches' Market, where you'll find strange concoctions and items like owl feathers and dried snakes. If you're looking for a more authentic experience, you can head to El Alto. La Paz also has a brilliant cable car network, which is perfect for sightseeing.

See the Sunset at the Valley of the Moon

The Valley of the Moon is what remains of a clay and sandstone mountain that was battered over time by strong winds and rains. It looks like a maze of canyons and stalagmites, and it's quite unique and bizarre. You can head out on a trek of the valley and explore the area with a trained guide.

Visit Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the world's largest high-altitude lake and the largest lake in South America. It is the birthplace of the Inca civilisation and is surrounded by traditional villages and ancient ruins. You can take a boat to nearby villages, or visit the Inca ruins in Copacabana and Tiwanaku.

Go to the Train Cemetery

Found on the outskirts of Uyuni, the "Great Train Graveyard" is a unique site where many abandoned trains and equipment from the 1940s have been left to rust. It's a popular spot for visitors and photographers, so visit in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds.

Experience the Rainforest

Bolivia is a great starting point for an Amazonian tour. The town of Rurrenabaque is the starting point for pampas tours, which are budget-friendly and give you the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife. If you want a more classic Amazon experience, you can choose the jungle option, where you can stay in an eco-lodge and choose from a range of activities.

Frequently asked questions