Weather in Bogota 🇨🇴
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
January
Avg Temp
19°C
Rain Days
14 days
Sun Hours
11 hrs
Humidity
82%
South America › 🇨🇴 Colombia › Bogota
Updated: March 2026
Is January a Good Time to Visit Bogota?
5/10
Fair
January is a fair time to visit Bogota (5/10). With 11 daily sunshine hours and only 14 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it the sunniest month of the year in Bogota. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find January a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. December offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Bogota's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
vs December:19°C avg high
Bogota in January rewards travelers with average highs of 19°C and overnight lows around 10°C. Expect around 14 rainy days, so a compact umbrella is worth carrying. With 11 daily sunshine hours on average, conditions are comfortable for sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
19°C
66°F
Avg High
10°C
50°F
Avg Low
14 days
58 mm total
Rain Days
11h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
Temperature in Bogota in January
The 9°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 19°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 4 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Winds are calm at an average 9 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 66°F average high, 50°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Bogota in January
Morning10°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon19°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening13°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Bogota in January means dressing for 19°C days and 10°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 19°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 10°C, a modest 9°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 14 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Layers are more practical than a single heavy garment in Bogota. The day-to-evening temperature shift rewards packing a versatile mid-layer you can add or remove as conditions change.
Events in Bogota in January
January has no major festivals or public holidays in Bogota, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Bogota in January
Based on 19°C average highs and 14 rainy days
- Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings
- Mix of short and long-sleeve layers
- Comfortable walking shoes with good arch support
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Bogota in January
- Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 19°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
- Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
- Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
- Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)January is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 14 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningJanuary brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmJanuary seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year
Why is Bogota mild in January?
In January, Bogota sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 19°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 10°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bogota in January
In January, Bogota experiences average highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F). Expect around 14 rainy days and 11 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 9°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV exposure is moderate at index 4.
Bogota typically sees 14 rainy days in January, with total precipitation of around 58mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Bogota typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than January.
Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Bogota in January. Daytime temperatures of 19°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 10°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 14 rainy days, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.
January is a reasonable time to visit Bogota. Expect 14 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 19°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 11 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Bogota in January is 19°C (66°F), and the average low is 10°C (50°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 15°C (58°F). The day-to-night range of 9°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Bogota is generally August. August offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day and only 7 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 19°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around August gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
January is shoulder or low season in Bogota, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 11 sunshine hours and 14 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In January, Bogota suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 19°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 11 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
January ranks 1st sunniest of the year in Bogota, with an average 11 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are August, September, and July. September is the hottest month (20°C avg high); May is the coolest (18°C). From here, temperatures fall 0°C into February. Compared to last month (December: 19°C high, 16 rain days), January is similarly warm and drier. January is among the top three sunniest months to visit Bogota.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 10°C | 14 | 11h | View |
| February | 19°C | 11°C | 15 | 10h | View |
| March | 19°C | 11°C | 19 | 10h | View |
| April | 19°C | 11°C | 19 | 9h | View |
| May | 18°C | 11°C | 17 | 9h | View |
| June | 18°C | 11°C | 11 | 10h | View |
| July | 18°C | 11°C | 10 | 10h | View |
| August | 19°C | 11°C | 7 | 11h | View |
| September | 20°C | 10°C | 9 | 11h | View |
| October | 19°C | 10°C | 17 | 10h | View |
| November | 19°C | 10°C | 21 | 9h | View |
| December | 19°C | 10°C | 16 | 10h | View |
January
14 rain days, 11h sun
19°10°
February
15 rain days, 10h sun
19°11°
March
19 rain days, 10h sun
19°11°
April
19 rain days, 9h sun
19°11°
May
17 rain days, 9h sun
18°11°
June
11 rain days, 10h sun
18°11°
July
10 rain days, 10h sun
18°11°
August
7 rain days, 11h sun
19°11°
September
9 rain days, 11h sun
20°10°
October
17 rain days, 10h sun
19°10°
November
21 rain days, 9h sun
19°10°
December
16 rain days, 10h sun
19°10°
Other Months in Bogota
Plan Your Trip to Bogota
Data Sources for Bogota
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.