Arequipa in January

In January, Arequipa averages 20°C (69°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (127 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

January offers comfortable temperatures in Arequipa, with some rain to plan around.

20°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
17
Rain days
127 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Arequipa

10th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
27%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
13 h 0 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Arequipa (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (22°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (22°C) and cools 1°C in February (20°C).

January sunrise & sunset in Arequipa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:25 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:25 PM
Day length
13 h 0 min

Times shown for Arequipa local time (America/Lima), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Arequipa — January

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Arequipa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:25 AM – 5:05 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:05 AM – 6:05 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:45 PM – 7:25 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Arequipa in January

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (High season) and Arequipa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — January in Arequipa

High season

This is a busy month in Arequipa — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Southern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Arequipa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Arequipa in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 20°C / 69°F 11°C / 52°F 127 mm 17
February 20°C / 67°F 11°C / 52°F 171 mm 21
March 19°C / 67°F 11°C / 52°F 114 mm 19
April 21°C / 70°F 10°C / 50°F 28 mm 6
May 22°C / 72°F 9°C / 49°F 1 mm 0
June 22°C / 72°F 9°C / 47°F 1 mm 0
July 22°C / 72°F 9°C / 47°F 1 mm 0
August 23°C / 73°F 9°C / 47°F 1 mm 0
September 23°C / 74°F 10°C / 49°F 1 mm 0
October 23°C / 74°F 10°C / 50°F 3 mm 1
November 23°C / 73°F 10°C / 50°F 4 mm 1
December 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 52°F 22 mm 6

Other cities with similar January weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Arequipa in January →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Arequipa in January?

In January, Arequipa averages a high of 20°C (69°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Arequipa in January?

January is quite rainy in Arequipa, with about 17 rainy days on average.

Is January a good time to visit Arequipa?

January is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Arequipa in January?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Arequipa for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Arequipa on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.