Things to Do in Uruguay in January

January Weather in Uruguay

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer weather with 14+ hours of daylight - perfect for exploring Montevideo's Old City and waterfront areas from 7am until 9pm when most tourists experience only 10-12 hours elsewhere
Beach season in full swing with water temperatures at 21°C (70°F) - locals pack Punta del Este and Montevideo's coastal areas, creating authentic summer atmosphere you won't find other months
Carnival season kicks off late January - street murgas (musical groups) practice openly, and you'll catch spontaneous performances in Barrio Sur and Palermo neighborhoods before official festivities
January is harvest season for local fruits - street vendors sell fresh higos (figs), duraznos (peaches), and the prized tannat grapes used in Uruguay's signature wines at 30-40% lower prices than imported alternatives

Considerations

Accommodation prices spike 200-300% especially in Punta del Este and coastal areas as wealthy Argentines and Brazilians flood in for summer holidays - book 6-8 weeks ahead or expect to pay premium rates
Intense UV exposure with minimal ozone protection - you'll burn in 15-20 minutes without SPF 50+, and locals avoid beaches between 11am-4pm for good reason
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly with little warning, typically between 3-6pm, and can dump 25-40mm (1-1.6 inches) in 30 minutes, flooding Montevideo's lower streets temporarily

Best Activities in January

Punta del Este Beach and Peninsula Tours

January is peak beach season when water reaches swimmable 21°C (70°F) and all beach clubs, restaurants, and nightlife venues are fully operational. La Mansa (calm side) stays warm and protected while La Brava (ocean side) offers perfect waves for surfing. Crowds create authentic summer energy but arrive early (before 10am) to secure good spots at popular beaches.

Booking Tip: Book accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead as prices triple during January. Day tours from Montevideo typically cost $80-120 USD and include transport and beach club access. Look for tours that cover both sides of the peninsula and include sunset viewing at Casapueblo.

Montevideo Historic Quarter Walking and Food Tours

January's long daylight hours (14+ hours) and warm evenings make this perfect for exploring Ciudad Vieja's colonial architecture and vibrant food scene. The heat drives locals to seek shade in traditional markets like Mercado del Puerto, where you'll find authentic asado and medio y medio (wine and sparkling water) culture at its peak.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. Food tours typically cost $60-90 USD and should include traditional markets, local wine tastings, and asado experiences. Book through operators who start early and include indoor market visits.

Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips

This UNESCO World Heritage site is stunning in January's golden summer light, and the ferry ride across Rio de la Plata provides relief from Montevideo's heat. Cobblestone streets retain morning coolness, making early exploration ideal. January crowds are manageable compared to Punta del Este, offering a peaceful contrast.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost $45-65 USD roundtrip and should be booked 2-3 days ahead in January. Morning departures (8-9am) give you cooler exploration time and better photography light. Look for combined ferry and walking tour packages that include historic district access.

Uruguayan Wine Country Tours in Canelones

January is peak harvest season for tannat grapes, and many boutique wineries offer harvest participation experiences unavailable other months. The countryside is lush green from summer rains, and tastings paired with fresh local produce showcase Uruguay's wine culture at its most authentic.

Booking Tip: Harvest tours cost $90-140 USD and must be booked 2-3 weeks ahead as spots are limited. Choose tours that include multiple wineries and harvest activities, not just tastings. Transportation from Montevideo adds 2-3 hours to day tours.

Thermal Springs in Salto and Paysandú Regions

While counterintuitive in summer heat, thermal springs provide unique relief during January's humidity. Natural hot springs at 38-42°C (100-108°F) followed by cool pool areas create perfect temperature regulation. Fewer crowds than winter months make this a local secret for beating summer stress.

Booking Tip: Overnight packages cost $150-220 USD including accommodation and spa access. Day visits cost $25-40 USD. Book midweek for better rates and fewer crowds. Transport from Montevideo requires 3-4 hours, so overnight stays are recommended.

Gaucho Estancia Experiences

January's long days maximize time for horseback riding, cattle demonstrations, and traditional asado preparations on working ranches. Summer weather makes outdoor activities comfortable from 7am-7pm, and you'll see ranch life during peak season when gauchos work with newborn livestock.

Booking Tip: Full-day estancia tours cost $120-180 USD including meals and activities. Half-day options cost $70-100 USD. Book tours that include multiple activities and authentic working ranch experiences, not tourist-focused operations. Transportation typically included from Montevideo area.

January Events & Festivals

Late January

Pre-Carnival Murga Rehearsals

Late January sees murga groups (musical theater troupes) practicing openly in neighborhoods like Barrio Sur and Palermo. These free street performances offer authentic carnival culture before tourist-heavy February events. Locals gather in small crowds to watch and sing along.

Early January

Punta del Este Summer Season Opening

Early January marks the official opening of beach clubs, high-end restaurants, and nightlife venues that remain closed most of the year. This transforms Punta del Este from quiet town to South America's premier beach destination with nightly events and parties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index hits 8-9 with minimal ozone protection, causing burns in 15-20 minutes

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon storms dump 25-40mm (1-1.6 inches) in 30 minutes between 3-6pm

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Montevideo's colonial cobblestones become slippery when wet from frequent afternoon showers

Light cardigan or jacket for air-conditioned spaces - restaurants and malls blast AC to counter 25°C (77°F) heat, creating 10°C (18°F) temperature differences

Insect repellent with DEET - summer humidity increases mosquito activity, especially near coastal areas and after rain

Reusable water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in humid heat, and tap water is safe to drink throughout Uruguay

Swimwear and beach towel - water temperature reaches perfect 21°C (70°F) and beach culture dominates January activities

Sandals or flip-flops for beach areas - sand temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F) by midday, making barefoot walking uncomfortable

Portable phone charger - long 14-hour days of sightseeing drain batteries quickly, especially with constant photo-taking

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid beaches between 11am-4pm due to intense UV - follow their lead and explore indoor markets, museums, or take afternoon siestas during peak heat

Argentine peso devaluation means wealthy Argentines flood Uruguay in January, driving up prices 200-300% in tourist areas but creating vibrant nightlife and restaurant scenes

Free wifi is available in most Montevideo plazas and parks - download offline maps before exploring as cellular data can be expensive for tourists

Pharmacy chains like Farmashop stay open 24 hours and sell everything from sunscreen to basic medications without prescription requirements that exist elsewhere

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Punta del Este accommodation last-minute - prices increase 300% in January and availability disappears 4-6 weeks before travel

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when UV is strongest and afternoon storms hit - locals schedule around this and you should too

Underestimating January's humidity impact - 70% humidity makes 25°C (77°F) feel like 30°C (86°F), so pack lighter and looser clothing than temperature alone suggests