January is in the austral summer rainy season across much of Bolivia - expect heavy afternoon rains in the lowlands and Amazon basin. High-elevation cities such as La Paz are milder by day but can be chilly at night with regular showers. Travel to the highlands may be affected by muddy tracks, while the wet season brings lush landscapes elsewhere.
SeasonLow SeasonTemperature Altiplano: -2 to 12°C (28 to 54°F); Lowlands: 22 to 30°C (72 to 86°F)Crowds LowPrices Low
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in January
CityLow / highRain
La Paz
Cool
5°18° 141 mm
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Warm
22°31° 202 mm
Cochabamba
Mild
12°25° 170 mm
Sucre
Cool
12°23° 144 mm
Oruro
Cool
5°20° 106 mm
Sacaba
Cool
11°24° 177 mm
Quillacollo
Mild
12°25° 176 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Bolivia in January.
Where to Go in Bolivia in January
Altiplano & Lake Titicaca
La Paz, El Alto, Uyuni, Potosí
High summer rains peak across the high plateau in January: afternoons in La Paz and Potosí are often clouded by short, sharp storms while nights remain cold at altitude. Temperatures in La Paz sit cool (5-18°C), but protect against strong sun and sudden downpours; the Salar de Uyuni is usually flooded in places, creating the famous mirror that photographers chase. Travelers should pack layered clothing, waterproof gear for excursions, and be ready for altitude symptoms when arriving from lowlands.
Inter‑Andean Valleys
Cochabamba, Sucre, Tarija
A hot, humid feel lingers in the valleys during January with frequent afternoon storms that break the heat and leave terraces and vineyards refreshed. Cochabamba’s nickname as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ works well this month-days are warm (20-30°C) and Sucre is often sunny and pleasant, though evening showers can appear without warning. For Tarija, vineyard activity is high; wine tours run despite the heat, but pack a light rain jacket for afternoon thunderstorms.
Yungas & Cloud Forest Slopes
Coroico, La Cumbre, Caranavi
January is peak wet season on the eastern Andean slopes: the Yungas feel hot and sticky with frequent heavy showers and low cloud that can sit all day on the hills. Coroico’s waterfalls and rivers swell spectacularly, offering dramatic scenes for nature lovers, but landslides and slippery sections on the old Yungas Road (‘Death Road’) may close parts of it. Mosquito repellent, waterproof bags for cameras, and accepting flexible schedules are essential.
Amazon Basin & Beni Pampas
Rurrenabaque, Trinidad, Guayaramerín
January is deep wet season across the Beni and northern Amazon basin: rivers are high, forest trails and pampas are submerged, and boat travel becomes the main way to see wildlife from Rurrenabaque. Flooded forests attract caimans and river dolphins and lodge itineraries favor canoe trips-bring dry bags and expect mosquitoes to be plentiful. Road access to remote communities is often limited, so allow extra time for transfers and accept waterborne schedules.
Santa Cruz Lowlands & Gran Chaco
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Sama Valley, Yacuíba
January is hot, humid and often stormy across the Santa Cruz plains and into the Gran Chaco, with heavy thunderstorms that can flood rural roads and stall travel. Santa Cruz city is muggy but lively, while the eastern Pantanal and floodplain areas see rising waters that favor boat safaris for capybara and caiman. Travelers should carry light rain gear and expect occasional schedule changes for onward overland journeys.
Events & Festivals in January
Alasitas (La Paz)
Alasitas, a fair of miniature offerings and crafts, is held in La Paz around late January (dates can vary by year).
Planning a trip to Bolivia?
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
