Things to Do in South America in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in South America

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer season in Argentina, Chile, and southern regions with 14+ hours of daylight and perfect hiking weather in Patagonia (15-25°C/59-77°F)
Dry season across most of the Amazon basin with water levels at their lowest, making wildlife spotting 60% easier along riverbanks and exposing normally submerged trails
Optimal conditions for high-altitude destinations like Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia (crystal clear skies 85% of days) and Machu Picchu with minimal morning fog
Festival season peaks with Carnival preparations beginning, authentic summer harvest festivals in wine regions, and fewer international crowds compared to February-March

Considerations

Peak pricing across southern cone countries with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than shoulder season, especially in Patagonia and wine regions
Intense heat in northern regions like Venezuela and northern Colombia (35°C+/95°F+) with high humidity making midday activities uncomfortable
Popular trekking routes like Torres del Paine and El Calafate require bookings 3-4 months ahead, with many tours completely sold out by December

Best Activities in January

Patagonia Multi-Day Trekking

January offers the most stable weather window for multi-day treks with 16+ hours of daylight and temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C (41°F) at night. The infamous Patagonian winds are at their calmest, averaging 25 km/h (15.5 mph) instead of the usual 50+ km/h (31+ mph). Wildflowers bloom across the steppes and ice conditions are safest for glacier approaches.

Booking Tip: Book refugios and campsites 4-5 months ahead through park services. Multi-day guided treks typically cost $180-320 USD per day including meals. Look for operators with certified mountain guides and emergency satellite communication. Weather can still change rapidly - ensure guides carry backup shelter.

Amazon River Wildlife Expeditions

Low water season exposes beaches and mudflats where animals congregate to drink and hunt. Dolphin sightings increase by 60% as they're concentrated in smaller water bodies. Temperatures are more manageable at 28°C (82°F) with less humidity than rainy months. Indigenous communities are more accessible as tributary rivers are navigable by smaller boats.

Booking Tip: 4-6 day lodge packages range from $200-500 USD per day. Choose operators with naturalist guides who speak local indigenous languages. Book 8-10 weeks ahead for premium ecolodges. Ensure boats have mosquito nets and first aid certified guides - medical evacuation insurance is essential.

High Altitude Desert Adventures

Crystal clear skies dominate the altiplano with visibility extending 100+ km (62+ miles). Daytime temperatures reach comfortable 20°C (68°F) at 3,500m (11,480 ft) elevation while nights drop to -5°C (23°F). Perfect conditions for sunrise photography at salt flats, flamingo watching at colored lagoons, and stargazing with some of the world's clearest skies.

Booking Tip: 3-day Uyuni tours cost $150-280 USD per person. Choose operators with oxygen tanks and cold-weather sleeping bags rated to -10°C (14°F). Book 6-8 weeks ahead. Altitude sickness affects 40% of visitors - arrive in La Paz 2-3 days early to acclimatize. Avoid budget operators using old vehicles without heating.

Wine Harvest Experiences

Harvest season peaks in Mendoza, Maipo Valley, and Colchagua with hands-on picking experiences available daily. Temperatures ideal for vineyard work at 25°C (77°F) during day, cooling to 15°C (59°F) at night. Traditional harvest festivals occur throughout the month with authentic asado (BBQ) experiences and folk music performances. Wine tastings feature new vintage previews unavailable other times of year.

Booking Tip: Full-day harvest experiences cost $80-150 USD including lunch and tastings. Book directly with wineries 4-6 weeks ahead as many limit participants to 20 people per day. Include transport as distances between wineries are 15-25 km (9-15 miles). Choose experiences that include traditional harvest lunch prepared by local families.

Coastal Whale Watching

Southern right whales peak in Peninsula Valdes waters with mothers teaching calves to swim. Best viewing occurs during morning hours when winds are calmest - under 15 km/h (9 mph). Whale sightings are guaranteed 95% of days with multiple whales visible from shore. Sea lions and elephant seals are also active in breeding colonies along the coast.

Booking Tip: Half-day boat tours range $60-120 USD per person. Shore-based whale watching is free from designated viewpoints with parking available. Book boat tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators with marine biologist guides. Morning departures (8-10am) offer calmest seas and best photography light.

Cloud Forest Birding Tours

Dry season provides clearest access to high-elevation cloud forests where endemic species are most active during cooler morning temperatures of 12-18°C (54-64°F). Over 300 bird species possible in single locations with cock-of-the-rock leks active during early morning hours. Hiking trails are driest and most accessible with minimal mud.

Booking Tip: Guided birding tours cost $120-220 USD per day for small groups. Start at 5:30am when bird activity peaks and temperatures are cool enough for extended hiking. Book with certified naturalist guides who provide spotting scopes and bird identification apps. Lodges in birding hotspots require 6-8 week advance booking.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

Festival Nacional de la Vendimia Preparations

Pre-Carnival harvest celebrations across Argentina's wine regions with authentic folk music, traditional dance performances, and grape-stomping competitions. Local families open their fincas (farms) to visitors for traditional asado meals paired with new vintage wines.

Early to Mid January

Inti Raymi Summer Celebrations

Indigenous communities throughout the Andes celebrate summer solstice with traditional ceremonies, markets featuring seasonal foods, and cultural demonstrations. Particularly authentic in smaller Andean villages where tourist infrastructure is minimal.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - temperatures swing 20°C (36°F) daily in high altitude areas. Pack merino wool base layers, fleece mid-layer, and windproof shell

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection - UV index reaches 11+ at altitude with reflection off snow and water doubling exposure

Waterproof hiking boots rated to -10°C (14°F) for early morning starts and high altitude hiking where frost occurs nightly

Lightweight rain jacket and pants - afternoon storms develop rapidly in mountains and can last 2-3 hours with little warning

Insulated water bottles (2x 1-liter) - dehydration occurs rapidly at altitude and water sources may be frozen in early morning

Headlamp with red light setting plus extra batteries - sunrise starts at 4:30am for optimal wildlife viewing and photography

Quick-dry pants and moisture-wicking shirts - humidity in Amazon regions stays above 80% even during dry season

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - Patagonian winds average 25 km/h (15.5 mph) even on calm days

Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide) - consult doctor before travel, affects 40% of visitors above 3,500m (11,480 ft)

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET concentration - mosquitos and sand flies remain active during Amazon dry season, especially at dawn and dusk

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights within South America by November - January is peak summer travel season for locals with prices increasing 200-300% closer to travel dates, especially routes to Patagonia

Start activities at sunrise (5:30-6:30am) when temperatures are coolest and wildlife most active - by 11am, temperatures become uncomfortable for hiking in most regions

Carry cash in small denominations - many rural areas and national parks only accept local currency, and ATMs are scarce in remote locations with withdrawal limits of $100-200 USD equivalent daily

Learn basic Spanish phrases for food allergies and medical conditions - English speakers are rare outside major tourist centers, and medical facilities in remote areas may not have translation services