Weather in Потоси by month: what to expect

Потоси sits high in the Andes, and its weather reflects the city’s elevation. Days are mild, while nights can turn sharply cold, especially outside the warmer months. The year splits clearly into two seasons: a wet period from November to March and a dry stretch from April to October.

Travelers visiting Потоси in the wet season should prepare for frequent rain, particularly in January and December, when downpours are heaviest. The dry season brings crisp air and sunny skies, though temperatures drop noticeably after sunset. Even in the warmest months, the city rarely feels hot, thanks to its altitude.

In Потоси, average temperatures hover between +7 °C and +11.7 °C year-round, but daily swings are common. The coldest months—June and July—see nighttime lows dip below freezing, sometimes reaching -2.5 °C. Daytime highs in these months stay around +15 °C, so layers are essential.

The warmest period in Потоси falls between October and November, when daytime temperatures peak near +19.6 °C. Even then, evenings cool quickly, often dropping to +1.4 °C or lower. Travelers should note that the city’s thin mountain air can make the cold feel more intense, even when thermometers show modest numbers.

Потоси’s wet season runs from November to March, with January and December being the rainiest months. During this time, afternoon showers are frequent, and roads can become muddy. Rainfall tapers off sharply in April, marking the start of the dry season, which lasts until October.

From May to August, Потоси sees almost no rain, with monthly totals often below 10 mm. The driest month, June, records just 0.9 mm of precipitation. While the dry season offers clear skies, the lack of rain also means lower humidity and dustier conditions, especially in the city’s higher areas.

For a trip to Потоси in the wet season, waterproof footwear and a lightweight rain jacket are practical. Even in January or February, temperatures can drop at night, so a warm layer is wise. A scarf or hat helps shield against wind, which picks up in the afternoons.

During the dry season, packing for Потоси means preparing for cold nights and mild days. A fleece or insulated jacket is useful for evenings, while lighter clothing works for daytime. Sunglasses and sunscreen are important year-round, as the high-altitude sun is strong even when temperatures are low.