Atacama Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Atacama, Chile in January.

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Copiapó Chañaral Caldera Bahia Inglesa

Planning a trip to Atacama, Chile this January? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Atacama in January

Atacama, Chile is a region in Chile. January in Atacama generally has warm temperatures, with almost no precipitation.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are warm and range from 22°C (72°F) in Bahia Inglesa to 28°C (82°F) in Copiapó. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 16°C (61°F) in Copiapó and 16°C (61°F) in Bahia Inglesa. In Atacama, Chile, January typically stands out as the hottest month of the year. If you're planning a visit during this time, it would be wise to come prepared. Packing light and breathable summer cloths will ensure you stay comfortable throughout your stay.

For a closer look at conditions across Atacama, Chile, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

January is a very dry month with an average rainfall of around 0.1 mm (0 in) in Copiapó. Going by our weather data, this month in Copiapó usually has the least rain, making it the driest month of the year.

Average sunshine

Several destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine this month. Copiapó sees close to 295 hours of sunlight, making it great for sun lovers.

Explore Atacama by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Best Places to Visit in Atacama in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Atacama.

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Atacama

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Atacama, Chile?

Temperature range in Atacama (January)

Precipitation variation in Atacama (January)

Copiapó

In January Copiapó generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
27°C (81°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly sun hours
292 hours
295 hours
260 hours
Monthly rainfall
0.5 mm (0.02 in)
0.1 mm (0 in)
0.3 mm (0.01 in)
Monthly rainy days
2 days
4 days
4 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Copiapó →

Chañaral

In January Chañaral generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
22°C (72°F)
23°C (73°F)
23°C (73°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly rainfall
4.9 mm (0.2 in)
3.9 mm (0.2 in)
4.5 mm (0.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
2 days
3 days
4 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Chañaral →

Caldera

In January Caldera generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
21°C (70°F)
22°C (72°F)
23°C (73°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly sun hours
292 hours
295 hours
260 hours
Monthly rainfall
1.7 mm (0.1 in)
1.5 mm (0.1 in)
1.6 mm (0.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
a single day
2 days
3 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Caldera →

Bahia Inglesa

In January Bahia Inglesa generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
21°C (70°F)
22°C (72°F)
23°C (73°F)
Min temperature
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
17°C (63°F)
Monthly sun hours
292 hours
295 hours
260 hours
Monthly rainfall
1.6 mm (0.1 in)
1.4 mm (0.1 in)
1.5 mm (0.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
a single day
2 days
3 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Bahia Inglesa →

Vallenar

In January Vallenar generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are perfect that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
26°C (79°F)
28°C (82°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
16°C (61°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly rainfall
0.6 mm (0.02 in)
0.3 mm (0.01 in)
0.3 mm (0.01 in)
Monthly rainy days
a single day
3 days
3 days
Weather conditions
perfect
perfect
perfect
Climate in Vallenar →

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Atacama, in Chile.

In our records: Chile January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Chile in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the warmest January day in Chile reached 41°C (106°F) in Los Ángeles on January 26, 2017.
  • From our sources, the wettest January day in Chile brought 300 mm (12 in) in Coyhaique on January 2, 1981.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Atacama in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Copiapó 28°C (82°F) 16°C (61°F) 0.1 mm (0 in)
Chañaral 23°C (73°F) 16°C (61°F) 3.9 mm (0.2 in)
Caldera 22°C (72°F) 16°C (61°F) 1.5 mm (0.1 in)
Bahia Inglesa 22°C (72°F) 16°C (61°F) 1.4 mm (0.1 in)
Vallenar 28°C (82°F) 16°C (61°F) 0.3 mm (0.01 in)
Piedra Colgada 27°C (81°F) 15°C (59°F) 0.1 mm (0 in)

Atacama weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Atacama, Chile in January?

Atacama, Chile typically experiences perfect weather in January, part of the season. Daytime highs in Copiapó average around 28°C (82°F), and temperatures drop to about 16°C (61°F) at night.

What is the average temperature in Atacama, Chile in January?

Daytime temperatures in Copiapó peak at roughly 28°C (82°F) in January, dropping to about 16°C (61°F) overnight.

Does Atacama, Chile get a lot of rain in January?

January is on the drier side in Atacama, Chile. Copiapó averages only about 0.1 mm (0 in), with most days staying dry.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Atacama, Chile?

In our opinion, January is a good time to visit Atacama, Chile with overall perfect weather in Copiapó.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in offering mostly perfect weather in Copiapó.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Atacama.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Chile? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Chile.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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