Chile Santiago Weather in January — Climate Guide
January in Santiago is high
Santiago Weather in January — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 30° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 1mm · 1 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Santiago in January averages a high of 30°C and low of 12°C with 1mm of rain over about 1 days. Peak summer — hot and bone-dry. Highs near 30°C/86°F, cool nights around 12°C/54°F. Light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and SPF 50+ for the intense, high-altitude sun. A light layer for evenings and the cool of the Andes foothills.
January is high for Santiago.
January is the heart of Santiago's summer — hot, sunny, and almost rainless, with the cleanest air of the year as the winter smog is long gone. Highs reach about 30°C/86°F under near-constant sun, while the dry climate brings nights down to a pleasant 12°C/54°F.
This is peak season for the Andes day trips: Cajón del Maipo's hiking, the turquoise Embalse del Yeso reservoir, and the Termas Valle de Colina hot springs are all at their best. The wine valleys (Maipo, Casablanca) are lush and green ahead of the autumn harvest.
Travel score
Santiago January Weather Stats
Avg High
30°C
Avg Low
12°C
Rainy Days
1
1mm total
Sunshine
11h
Daily avg
Humidity
45%
dry
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
13 km/h
Gusts 26
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
January Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
15 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
31°C
Nighttime
12°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
13 km/h
Max gust 26 km/h
Activities Recommended for January
January Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cleanest air of the year — sharp Andes views
- Near-zero rain, long sunny days
- Peak Cajón del Maipo & hot-springs season
- Cool, comfortable nights despite the heat
Cons
- Intense midday heat and extreme UV
- City quieter as locals head to the coast
- Coast & Patagonia at their busiest and priciest
- Sun-exposed Centro sightseeing is tiring midday
January Events & Festivals
- Southern-Hemisphere summer peak — hot, dry, cleanest air of the year
- New Year holiday hangover — locals on holiday, some businesses quiet
- Cajón del Maipo hiking & El Yeso reservoir season
- Wine valleys green and active (pre-harvest)
- Domestic-travel high season (Patagonia, coast)
Santiago in January — Full Picture
January is the heart of Santiago's summer — hot, sunny, and almost rainless, with the cleanest air of the year as the winter smog is long gone. Highs reach about 30°C/86°F under near-constant sun, while the dry climate brings nights down to a pleasant 12°C/54°F.
This is peak season for the Andes day trips: Cajón del Maipo's hiking, the turquoise Embalse del Yeso reservoir, and the Termas Valle de Colina hot springs are all at their best. The wine valleys (Maipo, Casablanca) are lush and green ahead of the autumn harvest.
Many Santiaguinos leave for the coast and Patagonia in January, so the city itself can feel a touch quiet while the beaches and far south fill up. Daytime sightseeing in the exposed Centro and on Cerro San Cristóbal demands sun protection and water.
Note: the sun is intense at altitude — UV hits extreme levels midday, so cover up and hydrate. It's a great month for clear Sky Costanera and Cerro San Cristóbal views of the Andes.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Peak summer — hot and bone-dry. Highs near 30°C/86°F, cool nights around 12°C/54°F. Light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and SPF 50+ for the intense, high-altitude sun. A light layer for evenings and the cool of the Andes foothills.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
22.7°C
8°C
3.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
15.7°C
4.3°C
6/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22.3°C
9°C
3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current29°C
11.3°C
1/mo
Santiago Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30° | 12° | 1d·1mm | 11h | 45% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| 29° | 11° | 1d·2mm | 10.5h | 47% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| March (Best) | 27° | 10° | 2d·5mm | 9h | 52% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 23° | 8° | 3d·15mm | 7h | 58% | 6 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 18° | 6° | 6d·65mm | 5h | 70% | 4 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 15° | 4° | 7d·80mm | 4h | 78% | 2 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 15° | 4° | 6d·75mm | 4.5h | 78% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 17° | 5° | 5d·55mm | 5.5h | 73% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| September (Best) | 19° | 7° | 4d·30mm | 6.5h | 65% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| October (Best) | 22° | 9° | 3d·15mm | 8h | 58% | 8 | Busy | Shoulder |
| November (Best) | 26° | 11° | 2d·8mm | 9.5h | 50% | 10 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 28° | 11° | 1d·3mm | 10.5h | 47% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Santiago January Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Santiago?
Santiago in January is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Santiago in January?
Santiago January averages a high of 30°C and a low of 12°C.
Does it rain much in Santiago in January?
Santiago January averages 1mm of rainfall over about 1 rainy days.
What should I wear in Santiago in January?
Peak summer — hot and bone-dry. Highs near 30°C/86°F, cool nights around 12°C/54°F. Light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and SPF 50+ for the intense, high-altitude sun. A light layer for evenings and the cool of the Andes foothills.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Santiago in January?
Santiago January sunrise is 06:45 and sunset is 20:55, with 14h 10min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Santiago in January?
Santiago January air quality (AQI) averages 40, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 15μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Santiago in January?
In January, Santiago is great for Cajón del Maipo & Embalse del Yeso, Termas Valle de Colina hot springs, Clear Cerro San Cristóbal & Sky Costanera views.
Is January peak season in Santiago?
Santiago January crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Santiago
View Other Months
Planning a January trip to Santiago?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.