Chile, South America

Atacama Desert in January

Chile's summer holidays fill San Pedro. The altiplanic winter can bring storms that close high-altitude tours and cloud the night sky.

TradeoffsWarm days near 82F (28C), cool nights near 45F (7C), afternoon storms possible

Valle de la Luna Atacama, Atacama Desert — Atacama DesertPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Atacama Desert. Chile's summer holidays fill San Pedro. The altiplanic winter can bring storms that close high-altitude tours and cloud the night sky.

Weather: Warm days near 82F (28C), cool nights near 45F (7C), afternoon storms possible
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Atacama Desert

January is summer in the Atacama. Days in San Pedro are warm, with highs near 82F (28C), and nights cool to about 45F (7C). The catch is the altiplanic winter: afternoon storms can roll in from Bolivia, close the road to El Tatio and the high lagoons, and cloud over the night sky. Chile's summer holidays also fill town, so rooms and tours cost more and sell out.

It works if January is your only window and you can stay flexible, with a few spare days for canceled tours. Families on school break will find plenty to do at low altitude. If you can choose, April or October gives you clearer skies, open roads and lower prices.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Atacama Desert this month.

Warm evenings in town

Nights are the mildest of the year, so dinners outside and evening walks in San Pedro are comfortable.

Floating in Laguna Cejar

Warm afternoons make the salty float at Laguna Cejar far more pleasant than in winter. Bring fresh water to rinse off.

Sunset at Valle de la Luna

The low-altitude valley usually stays open when storms hit the high country. Book entry ahead, since summer slots fill.

What to pack for January

A light rain shell for afternoon storms
A warm fleece for dawn starts
High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
A reusable water bottle, at least 1 liter per person

Our timing tip

Book high-altitude tours for the morning and keep afternoons for town or Valle de la Luna, since storms tend to build later in the day.

Book Atacama Desert for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Atacama Desert
Opens a hotel search for Atacama Desert in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Atacama Desert
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Atacama Desert
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Atacama Desert for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Atacama Desert

Full guide

Valle de la Luna

A valley of salt formations, dunes, and ridges. Sunset from the viewpoints is the classic experience; entry is limited, so book ahead in high season.

Tickets and tours →

El Tatio geysers

Leave San Pedro before dawn to see the geysers at their most active. It is freezing at that hour in any season, so dress in layers.

Tickets and tours →

Stargazing tour

Local operators set up telescopes outside town. Book on nights close to the new moon for the darkest skies.

Tickets and tours →

Laguna Cejar

A salt lagoon so dense you float, a short drive from San Pedro. Rinse off afterward; the salt dries fast.

Tickets and tours →

Altiplanic lagoons (Miscanti and Miniques)

Deep blue lakes below volcanoes at over 13,000 feet. Go after a few days acclimatizing in San Pedro.

Tickets and tours →

ALMA Observatory

One of the world's largest radio telescope arrays. Free public visits to the operations support facility run on weekends and must be booked in advance.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid Chile's summer holidays (January and February) and the July winter break, when San Pedro fills with domestic travelers.
Book stargazing tours for nights near the new moon; tours still run on full moon nights, but the stars are washed out.
Spend the first two days on lower-altitude trips like Valle de la Luna before tackling El Tatio and the high lagoons.
April, May, October, and November combine clear weather with lower prices and fewer visitors.

Know before you go

Summer storms in January and February can close roads and cancel tours to El Tatio, the high lagoons, and the Bolivian border.
Winter snow in June through August can close the high passes and routes to Uyuni.
Valle de la Luna and some other sites are managed by local Indigenous communities or public agencies and may close on certain days or have capped entry.
ALMA public visits run only on weekends and require advance booking.

Atacama Desert in January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Atacama Desert?

January is a month of real tradeoffs in Atacama Desert. Chile's summer holidays fill San Pedro. The altiplanic winter can bring storms that close high-altitude tours and cloud the night sky.

What is the weather like in Atacama Desert in January?

Warm days near 82F (28C), cool nights near 45F (7C), afternoon storms possible.

Is Atacama Desert crowded in January?

Atacama Desert is busy in January, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.