Argentina, South America

Buenos Aires in January

Hot and sticky, and many locals leave for the coast. Some restaurants and cultural venues close or reduce hours for summer holidays.

Think twiceHottest month, highs near 86F (30C), humid, heat waves

Puerto Madero waterfront, Buenos Aires — Buenos AiresPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

January is a month to think twice about visiting Buenos Aires. Hot and sticky, and many locals leave for the coast. Some restaurants and cultural venues close or reduce hours for summer holidays.

Weather: Hottest month, highs near 86F (30C), humid, heat waves
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What January is like in Buenos Aires

January is the month to avoid in Buenos Aires. It is the height of summer, with highs near 86F (30C), sticky humidity, and heat waves that can push well above that. Many porteños leave for the Atlantic coast, and some restaurants, shops, and theaters close or cut hours for the summer break. The city feels half empty and a bit sleepy.

January only suits travelers who are passing through on the way to Patagonia or who handle heat well and want a quieter city. Culture lovers, families, and first-timers will have a much better time in March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and everything is open.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Buenos Aires this month.

Long summer evenings

Late sunsets make for pleasant outdoor dinners once the heat breaks after dark.

Quiet streets

With many locals away, popular neighborhoods like Palermo feel calmer than usual.

Tigre Delta by boat

A river day trip to the delta, with canals and waterfront restaurants, is a good way to escape the city heat.

What to pack for January

Light, breathable clothes
A sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
A refillable water bottle
Comfortable sandals for walking

Our timing tip

Check that the restaurants, theaters, and tango halls you want are open before you book, since many close for part of January.

Book Buenos Aires for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Buenos Aires
Opens a hotel search for Buenos Aires 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 Buenos Aires
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 Buenos Aires
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Buenos Aires for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Buenos Aires

Full guide

Teatro Colon

Take a guided tour or, better, see an opera or ballet during the main season. Its acoustics are among the best in the world.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Recoleta Cemetery

A city of marble mausoleums, including Eva Peron's family tomb. Go in the morning when it is quieter.

Tickets and tours →

San Telmo Sunday market

The Feria de San Telmo fills Calle Defensa on Sundays with antiques, crafts, and street tango.

Tickets and tours →

MALBA

The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, with works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Argentine modernists.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

La Boca and Caminito

The painted tin houses and La Bombonera stadium. Visit in daylight and stay in the main tourist area.

Tickets and tours →

A milonga

Watch or dance at a traditional tango hall. Many start late and run into the early morning.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Recoleta Cemetery and La Boca in the morning before tour groups arrive.
Go to San Telmo early on Sunday; by midafternoon, Calle Defensa is packed.
Book Teatro Colon tickets as soon as the season schedule is released; the best performances sell out.
May and September offer mild weather and lower prices, with fewer international visitors.

Know before you go

January is summer holiday season: some restaurants, shops, and theaters close for part of the month while locals head to the coast.
Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8pm, and locals eat around 9pm or 10pm. Plan accordingly.
Argentina has frequent public holidays, often moved to Mondays to create long weekends. Some businesses close on these days.
Economic conditions change quickly in Argentina. Check current guidance on exchange rates and card payments before you travel.

Buenos Aires in January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Buenos Aires?

January is a month to think twice about visiting Buenos Aires. Hot and sticky, and many locals leave for the coast. Some restaurants and cultural venues close or reduce hours for summer holidays.

What is the weather like in Buenos Aires in January?

Hottest month, highs near 86F (30C), humid, heat waves.

Is Buenos Aires crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Buenos Aires; most sights can be done without long waits.