Last updated: August 21, 2025
Experience the stunning January weather of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, where daytime temperatures can soar to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), offering warm and inviting sunshine for outdoor adventures. The average temperature of 19°C (66°F) provides a pleasant balance, while the nights cool down to a refreshing minimum of 9°C (49°F). Despite the arid landscape, January brings a modest precipitation amount of 26 mm (1.0 in), typically spreading over 5 days, contributing to a humidity level of 75% that can enhance the dry desert air. Whether you're stargazing or exploring the breathtaking scenery, January's climate sets the perfect stage for unforgettable experiences.
In January, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a delightful climate, with temperatures ranging from a cool 9°C (49°F) at night to a warm 30°C (87°F) during the day. This gives the month a pleasant average temperature of 19°C (66°F), perfect for exploring the stunning desert landscapes. As the year progresses into February and March, the weather remains consistently warm, although nighttime temperatures dip slightly, showcasing a gradual shift towards cooler evenings. By April, temperatures start to cool more noticeably, with minimums dropping to 2°C (36°F) and average highs just 28°C (83°F). The trend continues into the cooler months, with May marking the beginning of more drastic drops, even reaching lows of -1°C (31°F) in early winter. However, the transition from December to March showcases the region's warmth and sunshine, making it an ideal time for visitors to enjoy its breathtaking scenery before the chill of winter sets in.
January in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, marks the onset of a relatively wet season, with precipitation totaling 26 mm (1.0 in) over five days. This is a notable increase compared to the drier months that follow, showcasing the transition from the dry desert climate to a brief period of light rain. While February sees a peak in precipitation at 54 mm (2.1 in), the trend sharply declines in the subsequent months, with March delivering just 11 mm (0.4 in) and receding to a mere whisper of rain through the rest of the year. As January sets the stage for the upcoming patterns, it encapsulates the rare occurrences of rainfall that punctuate the region's otherwise arid atmosphere, making it a unique time in this striking desert landscape.
In January, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a humidity level of 75%, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in moisture that peaks in February at 81% and continues rising to 84% by March. After this peak, however, the trend shifts downward, with humidity levels dipping to 71% in April and continuing to fall into the cooler months, reaching lows of 51% in both July and August. As the year progresses, humidity begins to rise mildly again, closing the year with levels around 53% in December. This pattern reveals a distinct seasonal fluctuation: a summer season characterized by higher humidity followed by a drier winter, illustrating the unique climatic nuances of this desert region.
In January, San Pedro de Atacama experiences an intense UV Index of 18, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This high level of UV exposure is consistent throughout the summer months, as February and March also see UV indices of 17 and 16 respectively, maintaining the extreme classification. As the seasons shift into fall and winter, the index gradually decreases, yet remains notably high; April drops to 13, and the following months hover around 10 to 11, still within the very high range, demanding caution with a burn time increased to 15 minutes. Interestingly, the UV levels surge again in late spring, peaking at 18 in both November and December. Throughout the year, it’s evident that the sun's intensity in this desert region necessitates vigilant sun protection. For a detailed overview, visit San Pedro de Atacama UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, the sun generously graces San Pedro de Atacama with 300 hours of brilliance, marking the start of a year that shines progressively brighter. Each subsequent month builds on this solar bounty, culminating in October and December, where sunshine peaks at 378 and 391 hours, respectively. The steady ascent in daylight from the early months to the year's end reveals a pattern of increasing luminosity, inviting both locals and travelers to bask in the desert's radiant embrace. This trend underscores not only the allure of summer's warmth but also the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama's landscape under the ever-present sun, creating an irresistible charm for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
In San Pedro de Atacama during January, the likelihood of sunny weather stands at 64%, marking the beginning of a seasonal uplift in sunshine as the year progresses. Following January, February and March maintain a pleasant 72%, giving travelers a good chance to soak in the sun. As the months roll on, the sun shines even more brightly, peaking in October with an impressive 93% chance. This trend reveals a clear pattern: as summer transitions to autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, sunshine levels consistently rise, reaching their zenith before gradually descending as the year winds down. With an ideal climate for exploration, January offers a promising start to sun-drenched adventures in this stunning desert locale.
In January, San Pedro de Atacama basks in 13 hours of daylight, offering ample opportunities for exploration of its stunning landscapes. As the month turns to February, daylight decreases slightly to 12 hours, a trend that continues through March. However, the decline halts in April with a steady 11 hours, transitioning into the cooler months of May through July, where daylight remains at a consistent 10 hours. As spring approaches, daylight begins to increase once more, reaching 11 hours in both August and September. By October, the days lengthen to 12 hours again, heralding the return of longer days. Finally, November and December wrap up the year with a resurgence to 13 hours of daylight, allowing residents and visitors to fully enjoy the vibrant beauty of this desert paradise. This cyclical pattern of daylight showcases San Pedro de Atacama’s dynamic climate, perfect for both adventure and relaxation throughout the seasons.
In January, the winds in San Pedro de Atacama are gentle, averaging a soothing 2.4 m/s (or 5 mph), a trend that remains consistent through February. This tranquility paves the way for an overall calmness, perfect for basking in the region's stunning landscapes. As the year progresses, wind speeds gradually pick up, peaking in June at 3.2 m/s (7 mph). Notably, the wind remains more vigorous in July and August, showcasing a slight variation but still maintaining an average around the 2.9 m/s mark. By the time December rolls around, the winds recede once more to their January levels, creating a rhythmic dance of breezy conditions that enhance the desert's enchanting allure throughout the year.
Weather in San Pedro de Atacama varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in San Pedro de Atacama, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In January, the weather features a pleasant average temperature of 19°C (66°F), with highs reaching 30°C (87°F) and relatively low humidity at 75%. Precipitation during this month is light, with only 26 mm (1.0 in) falling over just 5 days. In contrast, February sees slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 18°C (65°F) and maximums of 31°C (88°F), accompanied by increased humidity at 81%. However, February experiences higher precipitation levels, totaling 54 mm (2.1 in) over 7 days. For more detailed insights into February's climate, you can check out San Pedro de Atacama weather in February.
In January, the weather in San Pedro de Atacama features a comfortable temperature range with minimums averaging 9°C (49°F) and maximums reaching up to 30°C (87°F), alongside a moderate amount of precipitation totaling 26 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days. In contrast, March presents slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums around 7°C (45°F) and maximums of 29°C (84°F), and significantly less precipitation at just 11 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in March to 84% compared to January’s 75%, giving the month a somewhat more humid feel. For a more detailed view of March weather, visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in March.
January and April present distinct weather characteristics. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month sees moderate humidity at 75% and experiences around 26 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over five days, indicating a slightly wetter climate. In contrast, April features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). Notably, April has significantly less precipitation at just 4 mm (0.2 in) and no rain days, coupled with a slightly lower humidity of 71%. For more details on April conditions, visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in April.
In January, San Pedro de Atacama experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), averaging around 19°C (66°F). The month sees about 26 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 5 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 75%. In contrast, May brings cooler weather, featuring a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). Precipitation drops significantly to just 3 mm (0.1 in) over 1 day, and humidity decreases to 60%. For more details, you can check out San Pedro de Atacama weather in May.
In January, the weather in San Pedro de Atacama experiences a warm range with minimum temperatures around 9°C (49°F) and can rise to a maximum of 30°C (87°F). The month sees an average temperature of 19°C (66°F), along with moderate humidity at 75% and a total precipitation of 26 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days. In contrast, June brings significantly cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F) and an average temperature of 10°C (51°F). Interestingly, June experiences much lower humidity at 52% and only minimal precipitation of 6 mm (0.2 in) across zero rainy days. For more detailed insights into the weather specifics, check San Pedro de Atacama weather in June.
In January, the weather in San Pedro de Atacama is characterized by warm temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum reaching up to 30°C (87°F). The month sees relatively high humidity at 75% and experiences light precipitation over five days, totaling 26 mm (1.0 in). In sharp contrast, July brings significantly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F), an average of 11°C (51°F), and a maximum of only 24°C (75°F). July is much drier, with just 1 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation across the month, and it boasts zero rainy days and lower humidity at 51%. For more details, check out San Pedro de Atacama weather in July.
January and August present contrasting weather patterns in San Pedro de Atacama. January boasts a warm climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), accompanied by relatively high humidity at 75% and light precipitation of 26 mm over five days. In contrast, August sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F), an average of 11°C (53°F), and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Additionally, August experiences drier conditions, featuring only 6 mm of precipitation over no rainy days and lower humidity at 43%. For detailed insights on August weather, you can visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in August.
January and September exhibit contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range significantly, with a minimum of 9°C and a maximum of 30°C, averaging around 19°C. The month experiences some rainfall, with 26 mm of precipitation over five days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 75%. In stark contrast, September offers much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C and a maximum of 28°C, averaging 15°C. Additionally, September is notably dry, boasting only 1 mm of precipitation over zero rainy days and lower humidity at 49%. For more detailed insights, check out the San Pedro de Atacama weather in September.
In January, the weather in San Pedro de Atacama is warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 75% and light precipitation of 26 mm over five days. In contrast, October sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F), an average of 17°C (62°F), and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Notably, October enjoys a dry climate, with no recorded precipitation and a lower humidity of 49%. For more details on October's weather, you can refer to San Pedro de Atacama weather in October.
In January, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a warmer climate compared to November, with minimum temperatures around 9°C (49°F) and maximum temperatures reaching up to 30°C (87°F). The month sees an average temperature of 19°C (66°F) and some humidity at 75%, alongside light precipitation of 26 mm over five days. In contrast, November is slightly cooler, with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), while maintaining the same maximum of 30°C (86°F). Remarkably, November enjoys a completely dry spell with no recorded precipitation and a lower humidity level of 47%. For more detailed insights, you can check San Pedro de Atacama weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, we see some notable differences. January experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), while December has a lower minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a higher maximum of 32°C (90°F). Both months have the same average temperature of 19°C (66°F). However, January has considerably more precipitation, receiving 26 mm (1.0 in) over five days, unlike December, which records only 6 mm (0.2 in) over just one day. This results in a higher humidity level in January at 75% compared to December's 53%. For more details on the December weather in San Pedro de Atacama, you can check San Pedro de Atacama weather in December.
As January rolls in, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a shift into warmer weather compared to the chill of earlier months. With average temperatures reaching a comfortable 19°C, the days can soar to a maximum of 30°C, making it an ideal time for sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, travelers should be prepared for occasional rain, as January sees about 26 mm of precipitation across five days, adding a unique touch to the usually arid landscape. The humidity level also rises, around 75%, enhancing the warmth. For more insights into how January's climate compares with the rest of the year, check out San Pedro de Atacama Climate.