January · Peru
Best time to visit Arequipa in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Arequipa in January
Average temperature 12°C, 21 mm of rain, about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 67% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
9.5/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 12°C
- Rainfall
- 21 mm
- Humidity
- 67%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 31
- Crowd Density
- Peak Tourist Rush
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
January in Arequipa scores 9.5/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 12°C, 21 mm of rain, and roughly 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Arequipa's white sillar stone buildings sit under the Misti volcano, gateway to Colca canyon.
January in Arequipa — one of the year's strongest windows (3rd)
Temperatures hover around 12°C (54°F) — the kind of month where neither heat nor cold forces the schedule.
With around 21 mm of rain, any showers tend to pass through rather than settle in; about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 12.9 hours of daylight fill the rest.
On our climate-comfort scale this is one of the strongest months of the year for Arequipa at 9.5/10 (3rd of 12), just behind November at 9.6/10.
Pack layers you can shed by midday plus one warm layer for the evening.
Budget for peak pricing, and this is one of the busiest months here. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Arequipa in January?
- In January, Arequipa averages 12°C, 21 mm of rain, and about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 9.5/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Arequipa?
- January earns a 9.5/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Arequipa in January?
- Expect about 21 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 67% and there are about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Arequipa
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.