Santa Cruz de la Sierra Weather in January

January feels hot and wet

January is sticky, with highs around 31°C and lows near 22°C. Rain falls on many days, and thick cloud often leaves little sunshine. Showers can break up a walk around Plaza 24 de Septiembre, so keep city plans flexible.

The heat and rain make long outdoor outings less comfortable. You can still explore the cathedral and nearby cafés between showers, or visit the city's museums. Save a full day outdoors for a drier spell, rather than counting on clear skies.

Holidays and quieter streets

New Year's Day brings a public holiday, and Bolivia's Plurinational State Day falls on January 22. Expect some businesses to close or change hours on those days. January isn't a major festival month in Santa Cruz, so don't plan around a large local celebration.

If you hate crowds, January can suit you better than the dry-season months of June and July. Rain and school holidays shape the feel of the city: some local families are on break, but visitor numbers are generally lower than in the cooler peak season. Prices can be easier on your budget, though holiday dates may be an exception.

Make rainy spells work

Travelling with kids? Keep an indoor stop in reserve for a sudden downpour. The Museo de la Ciudad Altillo Beni is a useful change of pace near the central area, while Parque El Arenal is best saved for a break in the rain.

For a very Santa Cruz lunch, try majadito, a local rice dish often served with fried egg and plantain. A covered café near the main square makes a handy place to wait out a shower before heading back to the cathedral or the market streets.