Don’t worry if you’re about to travel to Ushuaia in January and aren’t fully prepared. Like most people, we tend to procrastinate on the finer or last-minute details as much as possible. At this time of year—let’s call it an excuse, shall we? :)—one needs to stay as relaxed as possible and not stress over the trip that was planned with so much excitement.

I can assure you that visiting the southernmost city in the world in January is a truly unique experience. Being the height of summer, the temperatures might catch more than one unprepared traveler by surprise.

During our visits to Ushuaia in January, we’ve learned that the weather can change drastically within just a few hours. That’s why it’s important to be mindful when choosing the clothing you’ll bring, ensuring you can fully enjoy the activities and breathtaking landscapes this Patagonian city has to offer. Here, we’ll share what temperatures to expect, what clothes to pack in your suitcase, and how to prepare for your trip to Ushuaia in January.

 

The Weather in Ushuaia in January: What You Need to Know

Through our many trips to Ushuaia, we’ve learned that January offers unique weather conditions worth understanding before deciding between packing a large suitcase or a carry-on. While we’ve already discussed Ushuaia’s weather, there are a few extra details you should know..

Weather in Ushuaia in January

Day and Night Temperatures

During January, the warmest month of the year, daily high temperatures average around 13°C (55°F). While making evening plans in Ushuaia, the thermometer can drop to around 5.2°C (41°F). It’s important to note that even in the height of summer, temperatures rarely exceed 17°C (63°F), so it’s best not to expect a typical summer climate.

Common Weather Phenomena

The weather in Ushuaia has its own personality. During January, you might experience:

One key feature to keep in mind is that rainfall is evenly distributed and quite frequent during the summer. It can easily start raining after a few hours of sunshine—the sky may cloud over suddenly, and the rain will begin.

How long are the days in summer in Ushuaia?

One of the Craziest Features locas of Ushuaia in January is the amount of natural daylight during both the day and night. At the beginning of the month, you’ll enjoy approximately 17 hours and 12 minutes of sunlight, with the sun rising around 5:00 AM and setting close to 10:12 PM. This extended daylight makes it possible to fit in more than one activity or excursion each day, allowing you to make the most of your time in Ushuaia.

However, the most interesting fact about this is that the length of the day gradually decreases throughout January, shortening by approximately 2 minutes and 55 seconds each day. By the end of the month, the days are reduced to 15 hours and 45 minutes of natural light.

 

What to wear in Ushuaia in January

Getting straight to the point, the reality is that you’ll need to be prepared for absolutely every scenario. Packing different clothing combinations is a must, as a warm day can quickly turn into a stormy one. Even if you head up to the Martial Glacier, you’ll encounter snow in the summer, and you’ll definitely want to be dressed warmly for that experience.

Clothing for Cool Mornings

For the early hours of the day, when the cold is more noticeable, we recommend:

  • Thermal shirt as a base layer
  • Fleece sweatshirt or sweater as a mid-layer
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Thermal socks (keeping your feet warm is essential!)

Clothing for warmer afternoons

During January afternoons, when temperatures rise, you should be prepared to remove one or two layers of clothing. Keep in mind that shops and restaurants are often well-heated, reaching up to 20°C indoors. For this reason, we recommend wearing clothes that you can easily take off or put back on as needed. Some good options are dry-fit or cotton materials, and avoid wearing wool garments, as they tend to retain moisture.

Clothing for chilly nights

When the sun sets, the temperature becomes intensely cold but not windy enough to make it unbearable. Our recommendations for staying warm during Ushuaia’s summer nights are:

  • A high-quality waterproof jacket
  • Scarf or fleece neck warmer
  • Gloves and a hat (we use them year-round)

A piece of advice we always give, no matter the time of year: your footwear should be comfortable, warm, and waterproof, as you’ll be walking on various surfaces. Rubber soles are ideal due to their non-slip and insulating properties.

 

Layering System: The Key to Comfort

Through our years of guiding excursions in Ushuaia, we’ve discovered that the layering system is essential for enjoying the ever-changing weather. This method allows us to adapt to the temperature shifts we experience within a single day.

Clothing in Ushuaia

Base layer: thermal clothing and materials

The layer in direct contact with your skin serves a vital function: keeping your body dry. We recommend moisture-wicking materials such as:

  • Polyester or wool for better moisture absorption
  • Quick-drying synthetic fabrics
  • Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture

Mid Layers: Options and Combinations

The second layer is our ally for retaining body heat. In our experience, the best options are wool sweaters or fleece vests.

Outer layer: protection against wind and rain

The outer layer is our first line of defense against the elements. It’s highly recommended to wear a high-quality waterproof or windbreaker jacket. The Gore-Tex is an excellent option, as its pores are 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water and 700 times larger than a vapor molecule. This means that rain won’t seep through, but sweat can evaporate. Now that you know how to be prepared for rain in Ushuaia, check out what to do in Ushuaia on a rainy day to make the most of every second at the end of the world!

What makes this system special is its adaptability. We can adjust our layers according to the activity and the weather.. Por ejemplo, durante una caminata, podríamos comenzar con las tres capas y luego ir quitando según aumenta nuestra temperatura corporal. La clave está en elegir prendas que funcionen bien juntas y que sean fáciles de poner y quitar para poder cargarlas en la cintura o en la mochila.

 

Accessories and Essential Items

In addition to clothing, there are some extras you should consider bringing that are almost indispensable. The right accessories can make the difference between a comfortable and unforgettable experience and an uncomfortable one. Keep this in mind:

Sun Protection: Sunglasses

The intensity of the sun and its reflection can be overwhelming during certain excursions or activities. When you’re in the snow, surrounded by white, the glare is particularly strong and can become uncomfortable if you’re trekking for several hours. Due to the proximity to the ozone hole, it’s essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. UV rays are especially intense because of the latitude and their reflection on snow or water, making UV and UVB-protected sunglasses crucial to ensure you stay comfortable and safe.

Proper fotwear for different surfaces

To keep it short and to the point, the footwear you choose must adapt to multiple terrains. Waterproof trekking shoes are essential, especially with non-slip rubber soles. Peat, mud, roots, and loose rocks are common challenges on Fuegian trails. Imagine hiking to Laguna Esmeralda or head up Monte Susana for an extended period without proper footwear—it’s crucial for maintaining stability, moving faster, and walking safely. Any reputable brand that makes this type of footwear will work perfectly for these long walks. For the city, we recommend bringing a second pair of lighter shoes, such as sneakers or similar options. Trekking boots are always the best choice, but what if you don’t have them? Don’t worry—there are several places in Ushuaia where you can rent them.

Useful accessories for excursions

For outdoor adventures, these items are essential:

  • A small or medium-sized durable backpack to carry water and extra layers of clothing.
  • A basic first aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers in case of any unexpected situations.
  • A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, as long walks can quickly dehydrate you even in cold weather.
  • A flashlight with charged batteries is always handy for emergencies.
  • Downloading maps on your phone’s GPS is very helpful for areas with limited internet connection.

An extra tip: If you’re missing a specific item, don’t worry—Ushuaia is well-equipped with stores where you can buy whatever you need..