January Weather in Popayan, Colombia

Last updated: August 21, 2025

January in Popayán, Colombia reveals a captivating climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F), an average of 15°C (60°F), and a minimum of 6°C (42°F). With a notable precipitation of 185 mm (7.3 inches) spread across 19 rainy days, the month experiences a humidity level of 74%, contributing to the lush greenery of this charming city. Visitors can expect a mix of warm afternoons and cooler evenings, making it perfect for exploring Popayán's rich cultural heritage amidst the refreshing rain.

January Temperature in Popayan

In January, Popayán, Colombia, showcases a delightful range of temperatures that invite both locals and travelers to enjoy the climate. With a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), the average temperature hovers around a comfortable 15°C (60°F). This month sets the tone for the year with cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons, offering a refreshing escape from the heat typical of other regions. As the months progress into February and beyond, the minimum temperatures gradually rise, reaching around 9°C (48°F) by July and maintaining a stable average of 15°C (60°F) throughout. Despite slight fluctuations, the comfortable warmth remains a hallmark of the region, making Popayán's weather an inviting backdrop for exploration, culture, and community.

January Weather in Popayan: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Popayan, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Popayan, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec596059606060606161605959
Data source: Temperature data for Popayan generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Popayan

In January, Popayán experiences significant rainfall, with an average precipitation of 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 days. This marks the beginning of a wetter season, as the city transitions into the months of February and March, where precipitation peaks at 226 mm (8.9 in) and 324 mm (12.8 in), respectively. The trend shows a steady increase in both the amount and frequency of rainfall, reaching a high in November with 351 mm (13.8 in), making it one of the wettest months. Interestingly, the frequency of rainy days fluctuates, with January featuring a moderate 19 days of rain, compared to the much rainier months that follow. As the year progresses, the rainfall tends to intensify, creating a lush and vibrant atmosphere in this charming Colombian city.

January Precipitation Trends in Popayan

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Popayan, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Popayan, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1852263252912581587090138262351261
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Popayan

In January, Popayan, Colombia experiences a humidity level of 74%, setting the tone for a year punctuated by fluctuating moisture levels. Following this, February sees a slight dip to 71%, but the humidity quickly rises again in March to a more tropical 78%. As the months progress towards the mid-year, humidity peaks in May at an impressive 88%, reflecting the region's vibrant wet season. After this high, there's a gradual decline, with July dropping to 75%, before a more pronounced decrease in August at 64%. This month marks the driest point of the year, after which levels rise again, culminating in October’s 80%. Interestingly, the year ends with elevated humidity, with November and December hovering around 85% and 82%, respectively. Overall, the humidity in Popayan demonstrates a clear seasonal pattern, swinging from lush peaks during the wet months to drier spells in the heart of the year.

January Average Humidity in Popayan

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Popayan, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Popayan is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec74%71%78%81%88%85%75%64%70%80%85%82%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Popayan

In January, Popayan, Colombia, experiences an extreme UV Index of 16, indicating a strong need for sun protection, particularly as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. This trend of high UV exposure continues into February, peaking at 17 before reaching an even more intense 19 in March and April. As the months progress into May and June, the UV Index slightly dips to 17 and 15, respectively, but maintains an "extreme" designation throughout. Notably, July through September sees a consistent 16, ramping up again in October to 17 before tapering off to 15 in November and finishing the year at 13 in December. This pattern illustrates a pronounced need for vigilance against sun exposure year-round. For further details on the UV Index in Popayan, explore Popayan UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Popayan for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Popayan in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Popayan typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec161719191715151616171513
Data source: Popayan January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Popayan

In Popayán, Colombia, January welcomes the year with 246 hours of sunshine, setting a vibrant tone for the months ahead. As the calendar flips to February, sunlight increases to 272 hours, heralding the arrival of warmer days. The trend continues to rise through March, peaking at 278 hours before a slight dip in April to 260 hours. Yet, May brings a resurgence with 276 hours, paving the way for an impressive summer. The sun shines its brightest in the mid-year months, particularly in July with 307 hours, and even more so in August, where it basks the city in a remarkable 323 hours of golden rays. Although September sees a slight dip to 312 hours, the sunshine remains plentiful, setting a picturesque backdrop for autumn. The year winds down with 285 hours in October, followed by 250 hours in November, and finally, 294 hours in December, offering a warm finish to the year. This trend illustrates not only a vibrant sunshine presence but also the city’s charm as a year-round destination for sun-seekers.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Popayan: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Popayan experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec246h272h278h260h276h287h307h323h312h285h250h294h
Data source: Popayan January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Popayan During January

In Popayán, Colombia, January boasts a 21% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brightest months of the year. This optimism declines in February, dropping to just 11%, and continues to wane into early spring, with March and April seeing even lower probabilities of sunshine at 8% and 6%, respectively. Interestingly, as the year progresses, a resurgence occurs in September, where the likelihood of sunny days peaks at 27%, offering a refreshing contrast to the earlier months. This trend highlights January as a promising start to the year, yet emphasizes the seasonal variability in sunny weather throughout Popayán, encouraging residents and visitors to embrace the fleeting moments of sunshine even as skies tend to cloud over.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Popayan

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Popayan throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Popayan experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21%11%8%6%12%13%19%10%27%12%10%12%
Data source: Popayan January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Popayan in January

In January, Popayán enjoys about 11 hours of daylight, marking the start of the year with a gradual increase in sunlight. As February arrives, the days extend to 12 hours, where they remain consistently throughout the following months, signaling a period of abundant daylight from March through October. Interestingly, this prolonged exposure to sunlight seems to usher in a vibrancy that characterizes the city’s activities during the mid-year months. However, as the calendar shifts towards the end of the year, November and December see a return to 11 hours of daylight, reminding inhabitants that seasonal changes are just around the corner. This cyclical pattern not only influences daily life in Popayán but also enhances the natural beauty of the region as it transitions between varying lengths of daylight.

Average Daylight Hours in Popayan for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Popayan throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11h 58m12h 1m12h 5m12h 9m12h 13m12h 15m12h 14m12h 10m12h 6m12h 2m11h 59m11h 58m
Data source: Popayan daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Popayan

In January, Popayán experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.4 m/s (3 mph), consistent with the preceding and following months. This calm atmosphere sets a tranquil tone for the start of the year, as the winds remain relatively steady. While the winds show little variation throughout the early months, a gradual increase can be observed leading into the mid-year, peaking in July at 2.1 m/s (5 mph). The subsequent months see a slight decline, but overall, the wind patterns in Popayán remain mild and pleasant, making it an inviting destination for outdoor activities year-round.

Average January Wind Speed in Popayan

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Popayan, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.4 m/s1.41.31.41.41.52.11.81.81.31.21.2
Data source: Popayan January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Popayan Compares to Other Months

Weather in Popayan varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Popayan, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, accumulating 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 74%. In contrast, February sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while the average remains stable at 16°C (60°F). However, February experiences increased precipitation, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) over 22 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 71%. For more detailed insights, check out Popayan weather in February.

In January, the weather exhibits a range of temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging around 15°C (60°F). This month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, March sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while maintaining the same average of 15°C (60°F). However, March is notably wetter, recording 324 mm (12.8 in) of rainfall across 27 days, and humidity rises to 78%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Popayan weather in March.

January and April present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is relatively high at 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 days, and humidity sits at 74%. In contrast, April offers slightly warmer minimum temperatures of 10°C (50°F) but a slightly cooler maximum of 23°C (74°F), maintaining the same average of 15°C (60°F). However, April sees increased precipitation at 291 mm (11.5 in) across 26 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 81%. For more detailed information, visit Popayan weather in April.

In January, the weather features a mild range of temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), peaking at a comfortable 25°C (77°F). However, this month also experiences significant precipitation, with 185 mm (7.3 in) falling over 19 days, contributing to a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, May sees slightly warmer conditions with a minimum temperature of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), while the maximum reaches 24°C (75°F). Rainfall increases to 258 mm (10.2 in) over 23 days, leading to a higher humidity level of 88%. For more details on the conditions in May, you can visit Popayan weather in May.

January and June present distinct weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, with 185 mm (7.3 in) of precipitation over 19 days and a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer conditions, with temperature lows of 10°C (50°F) and highs reaching 23°C (73°F), while maintaining the same average of 15°C (60°F). Although June has a bit less rain, with 158 mm (6.2 in) over 21 days, it is characterized by a higher humidity level of 85%. For more details, check Popayan weather in June.

When comparing the weather in January and July, we see a notable difference in temperature and precipitation. January experiences a wider range of temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), leading to a warm average of 15°C (60°F). In contrast, July has slightly higher minimum and maximum temperatures, ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 23°C (74°F), yet the average remains the same at 15°C (60°F). Furthermore, January is considerably wetter, with 185 mm (7.3 in) of precipitation over 19 days, while July sees much less rain—70 mm (2.8 in) across 14 days. Despite this difference, the humidity remains quite similar, with January at 74% and July at 75%. For more insights on July weather in Popayán, you can refer to this link: Popayan weather in July.

January and August present notable differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees considerable rainfall, totaling 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 days, accompanied by high humidity at 74%. In contrast, August offers slightly warmer temperatures, with lows of 9°C (48°F) and an average high of 25°C (76°F), but it experiences much less rainfall, at 90 mm (3.5 in) across 12 days and lower humidity at 64%. For more detailed weather insights during this month, you can check Popayan weather in August.

January and September present slightly different weather patterns, though both months feature similar maximum temperatures of 25°C (77°F). In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to an average of 15°C (60°F), whereas September's temperatures start at a higher minimum of 9°C (49°F) and have an average of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is more significant in January, with 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 days, compared to September, which experiences 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain over 17 days. Additionally, January is characterized by higher humidity at 74%, while September sees a slightly lower humidity level of 69%. For more detailed information, you can check Popayan weather in September.

In January, the weather features milder temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), providing a comfortable average of 15°C (60°F). However, it also sees significant precipitation, totaling 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 rainy days, contributing to a humidity level of 74%.

In contrast, October experiences slightly cooler minimum temperatures at 9°C (49°F) while maintaining the same average and maximum temperatures as January. The month is marked by increased precipitation, totaling 262 mm (10.3 in) over 26 days, which raises the humidity to 80%. For more details about October weather in Popayan, visit Popayan weather in October.

In comparing the weather between January and November, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around 15°C (60°F). However, January tends to be slightly warmer with maximum temperatures reaching up to 25°C (77°F), while November peaks at 24°C (75°F). Notably, November experiences significantly more rainfall, with 351 mm (13.8 in) of precipitation over 29 days, compared to January's 185 mm (7.3 in) across just 19 days. Additionally, November sees a higher humidity level at 85%, contrasted with January's 74%. For a closer look at November weather specifics, you can refer to Popayan weather in November.

In January, the weather features slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), while December starts off at a higher minimum of 9°C (49°F) but has a similar maximum of 24°C (76°F). Both months have an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). However, January experiences less precipitation, totaling 185 mm (7.3 in) over 19 days, compared to December’s 261 mm (10.3 in) over 25 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 82%, compared to January’s 74%. For more details on December weather, check out Popayan weather in December.

Compare Popayan's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Popayan

In January, Popayan experiences a unique blend of weather characteristics that set it apart from other months. While temperatures remain mild, hovering around a comfortable average, the month is marked by a higher frequency of rainfall, resulting in a significant number of precipitation days. The humidity lingers at a notable level, adding to the atmosphere's distinct feel. Compared to other months, January's frequent downpours and moderate temperatures offer a refreshing yet dynamic experience for locals and visitors alike. For detailed insights into the city's climate throughout the year, check out Popayan Climate.