Uruguay in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Uruguay in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevideo | 27° | 18° | 85 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Salto, Uruguay | 32° | 19° | 143 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Paysandú | 32° | 19° | 131 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Las Piedras, Uruguay | 28° | 17° | 90 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Rivera | 31° | 18° | 146 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Maldonado, Uruguay | 26° | 18° | 78 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Tacuarembó | 32° | 18° | 121 mm | extreme | Warm |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Montevideo & Río de la Plata Coast
High summer in Montevideo is humid and lively, with daytime highs often in the high 20s-low 30s°C (mid 80s F). The Rambla fills with swimmers and cyclists and the city’s outdoor cafés are buzzing; bring light clothing, sun protection and expect crowded beaches on weekends. Sudden late-afternoon storms can puncture heat waves, but they usually pass quickly and leave clearer air and cooler evenings suitable for a stroll through Ciudad Vieja.
Punta del Este & Maldonado Coast
Peak summer sun and ocean-swim conditions in January make Punta del Este and La Barra come alive; daytime temperatures commonly sit in the high 20s°C with humid spells. Beach clubs, boat charters and restaurants are full, and José Ignacio attracts a fashionable crowd. Bring sunscreen and reserve restaurants and accommodation well ahead - traffic and parking around Playa Brava can be difficult on holiday weekends.
Rocha Coast, Nature Reserves & Cabo Polonio
January is full summer at Cabo Polonio and Punta del Diablo: warm, sometimes humid days and lively beaches draw locals and independent travellers. Sandy tracks to the remote dunes can get hot in the sun, so bring water and sun protection; nighttime bonfires and low-key beach bars are part of the local vibe. Ferry and access to Cabo Polonio are usually steady unless a southerly storm stirs the sea.
Southwest: Colonia, Carmelo & Río de la Plata Estuary
January is warm along Colonia’s cobbled streets and Carmelo’s riverside vineyards, with highs in the mid-to-high 20s°C and abundant sunshine. Ferries from Buenos Aires are frequent but expect busy crossings and higher prices during holidays; book ahead. Historic Colonia del Sacramento is lively with day-trippers and café terraces full - bring sun protection and a bottle of local wine for a riverside picnic.
Interior Plains & Northwest (Salto, Paysandú, Tacuarembó)
January can be hot and humid across the northwest plains around Salto and Paysandú, with daytime temperatures frequently cracking the low to mid 30s°C. River beaches and thermal resorts like Termas del Daymán (near Salto) are busy refuges from the heat and great for families; bring sun protection and expect lively local weekend crowds. Sudden afternoon thunderstorms are typical and can make rural dirt roads muddy.