Weather in Uyuni

Planning a trip to Uyuni? Check out the most up-to-date weather information and detailed forecasts in this section to be prepared for any conditions.

The climate in Uyuni can be described as a cold desert climate, due to its high-altitude location. The weather here remains cool throughout the year, with characteristic sharp temperature drops between day and night. Even in the warmest months, the air rarely warms up above +20°C, so tourists should always carry warm clothing, regardless of the season.

Two distinct seasons stand out during the year: a wet summer and a dry winter. The period from December to March is the rainy season: the highest number of wet days is observed at this time, and the average temperature hovers at a comfortable level of around +11...+12°C. From May to September comes the dry and cold period, when there is practically no precipitation, the sky delights with bright sunshine, but night temperatures consistently drop below freezing.

For travellers, these climatic features are crucial when choosing travel dates. In the rainy season, a thin layer of water on the salt flat creates the famous "giant mirror effect" reflecting the sky, whereas in the dry months, the surface hardens, forming photogenic salt polygons. Regardless of the month, be prepared for intense solar radiation during the day and piercing cold after sunset.

The climate of Uyuni is distinguished by a moderate temperature regime, typical of the Andean highlands. Here, you will not encounter exhausting heat even at the height of the local summer, which falls on the period from November to January. At this time, the air warms up during the day to maximally comfortable values of +18...+19°C, creating pleasant conditions for excursions on the salt flat. The warmest month is usually December with an average temperature of about +12.4°C, however, even in summer, the nights remain cool, and the thermometer drops to +5°C.

The winter season, lasting from June to August, brings noticeable cooling, although the days often remain sunny. June is considered the coldest month: the average temperature is only +4.5°C. During this period, travellers should be prepared for night frosts, when the temperature regularly falls to -2...-3°C. Despite the frosty nights, during the day the air manages to warm up to +11...+12°C, which allows for being outdoors comfortably in warm clothing.

An important feature of the weather in Uyuni is significant daily temperature fluctuations. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be quite sharp at any time of the year. For example, in November and April, this drop often exceeds 15 degrees. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is important to adhere to the principle of layering in clothing: what is comfortable at noon under the bright sun may prove insufficient immediately after sunset.

The climate in Uyuni is characterized by pronounced seasonality, dividing the year into wet and dry periods. The bulk of precipitation falls during the Southern Hemisphere summer months — from December to March. January is considered the rainiest month, when about 19 days with precipitation are recorded, although the total volume remains small (about 4 mm). It is during this period that tourists flock here to see the famous "mirror effect" on the salt flat.

With the onset of autumn, the amount of moisture decreases sharply. The period from May to August is an absolutely dry season: according to statistics, the probability of rain is reduced to zero in these months, and there are no rainy days. This time is ideal for those who prefer clear skies and guaranteed dry weather for travelling through the desert landscapes of Bolivia.

Transitional months, such as April, September, and October, also remain predominantly arid, with rare and short-lived precipitation (1–2 rainy days per month). Even in the wettest season, rains here are rarely torrential, more often resembling a light drizzle, however, travellers planning a trip at the beginning of the year should be prepared for variable cloudiness.

When packing for Uyuni, it is important to remember the sharp temperature drops characteristic of the Bolivian highlands. Even in the warmest months (November-January), the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness can be significant, so the main principle of your wardrobe is layering. During the day you will be comfortable in light clothing, but as soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops rapidly. Be sure to take thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a reliable windbreaker to feel cosy at any time of day.

The choice of gear also depends on the season. If you are planning a trip during the "mirror" season (January-March), when most precipitation falls, bring waterproof shoes and a high-quality raincoat. In the dry winter period (from May to August), night temperatures often drop below zero, so a warm hat, gloves, and scarf are vital. Regardless of the time of year, the sun at altitude is very active, and the white salt reflects the rays, so high-factor sunscreen and high-quality sunglasses are mandatory accessories for every tourist.