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When to go · Calama

Calama in January

Good month. Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Dec). Across Chile: Patagonia peak with long days and strong wind; Chilean holidays; Atacama summer storms possible.

Key facts

Verdict
Good
Temperature
22°C (72°F) / 8°C (46°F)
average high / low
Rain days
0
Crowds
High
Chile overall
Prices
High
Chile overall

Verdict

GoodChile month rating

Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Dec). Across Chile: Patagonia peak with long days and strong wind; Chilean holidays; Atacama summer storms possible.

Is another month better than January?

January is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in January

Long-term averages
  • CalamaHighs around 22 °C (72 °F), lows around 8 °C (46 °F), rain on about 0 days
  • Atacama and the north, Chile · San Pedro de Atacama, Calama, Aricarainy

    Among the driest places on earth; summer 'Altiplanic winter' storms (Jan–Feb) can close high roads; cold nights, freezing at the geysers Jun–Aug.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Chile overall
High
Prices · Chile overall
High

Chile overall: Patagonia peak with long days and strong wind; Chilean holidays; Atacama summer storms possible.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Calama, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Jan: Good

    Mar: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Jan: 22 °C (72 °F)

    Mar: 24 °C (75 °F)

  • Night low

    Jan: 8 °C (46 °F)

    Mar: 10 °C (50 °F)

  • Rain days

    Jan: 0

    Mar: 0

  • Crowds

    Jan: High

    Mar: Medium

  • Prices

    Jan: High

    Mar: Medium

  • Festivals listed

    Jan: 0

    Mar: 0

January: Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Dec). Across Chile: Patagonia peak with long days and strong wind; Chilean holidays; Atacama summer storms possible.

March: Inside Calama's best window: Mar–May, Sep–Dec.

Calama: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A warm layer for the evenings
  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Chile in January →