Weather in Uyuni: What to Expect by Season

Уюни sits at over 3,600 meters above sea level, giving it a high-desert climate with sharp contrasts between seasons. The year splits clearly into a wet period from November to March, when brief but heavy rains transform the salt flats into a vast mirror, and a dry period from April to October, when clear skies and crisp air dominate.

Daytime temperatures in Уюни rarely feel extreme, but nights can be surprisingly cold, especially in the dry season. The transition months of March and November offer a mix of conditions, with lingering rain or the first hints of dryness shaping the landscape differently each year.

Average temperatures in Уюни hover around +13 °C in the warmest months of November and December, while June and July bring the coolest weather, with averages dropping to +6.4 °C and +7.5 °C. The daily range is wide: even in January, nights can dip to +7.5 °C, while afternoons reach +19.1 °C.

The coldest nights occur in June and August, when temperatures fall to +0.7 °C and +0.4 °C. By September, the air begins to warm again, with nights rising above +2 °C and days climbing toward +17 °C. The shift from April to May is the most noticeable, as averages drop by nearly 3 °C in a single month.

Уюни receives almost all its annual rainfall between December and March, with January being the wettest month at 130.3 mm. The rains are intense but short-lived, often arriving in late afternoon and clearing by morning. By April, precipitation drops dramatically to just 2.3 mm, and from May to August, rain is nearly absent.

The dry season in Уюни stretches from May to October, with June and July seeing virtually no rain. Even in September and October, monthly totals stay below 5 mm, making these months ideal for exploring the salt flats without disruption. The first significant rains return in November, with 30 mm marking the start of the wet cycle.

For a trip to Уюни between November and March, pack waterproof layers and quick-drying clothing. Daytime temperatures reach +18...+20 °C, but nights can still feel chilly, so a warm jacket is useful. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential for navigating the wet salt flats, and sunglasses will help with the intense reflection from the water.

From April to October, the dry season calls for layers that can adapt to the temperature swings. Mornings and evenings in Уюни can be near freezing, especially in June and July, so thermal base layers, gloves, and a hat are practical. A scarf or buff will protect against dust and wind, while sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are must-haves for the strong high-altitude sun.