Weather Uyuni salt falts
What is the weather like in the Uyuni salt flats
Are you planning a trip to the stunning Uyuni Salt Flats and wondering what the weather will be like when you get there? Or would you like to know the best time to visit Uyuni? The good news is that you can visit the Salar de Uyuni any time of the year, as our Uyuni tours run year-round. However, as your safety is our top priority, the exact itinerary will depend on the weather and road conditions.
During the rainy season, which lasts roughly from late December to April, parts of the Salar are often covered with water. While it is still possible to visit the Salar during this time, the water may prevent us from crossing it for several hours, unlike the dry season. As a result, you may not be able to reach Isla Incahuasi (Fish Island). Additionally, the Tayka Salt Hotel in Tahua is often inaccessible during the rainy season, so we will instead arrange accommodations at Luna Salada, Palacio de Sal, Cristal Samana, or the Tayka Stone Hotel Hotel.
This also applies to our stargazing tours. You have to keep in mind that driving at night on the salt flats requires extra focus and concentration. When it is dark it becomes more difficult to navigate the terrain. A breakdown at night is more risky than during the day. The temperatures can quickly drop down to -17º Celsius. For your own safety during the rainy season (December-April) we therefore only drive within a 20 km radius from Colchani.
The big plus when visiting the Uyuni salt flats during the wet/rainy season is that the salt flats are covered with (a thin layer of) water. The flat surface (so flat that the variance in height from any single point to another is less than a meter) forms an incredible big “mirror” with a strong reflection, making it ideal for calibrating the distance measurement equipment of satellites! Take a look at images of Salar de Uyuni taken from the International Space Station ISS or read more about salar de Uyuni in wikipedia.
Especially during January and February the salt flats are most likely to be flooded, producing the famed “mirror effect”. The out-of-this-world visual effect is exactly what many visitors are looking for when travelling to Uyuni.
If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of rain in Uyuni are June-October. The dry season is the best in terms of being able to move easily around the country (this applies actually not only to Uyuni but to other destinations in the rest of the country), almost all dirt roads will be accessible. It is winter time though, so you will have access to all the attractions but come prepared for very cold nights with low temperatures (-15º Celsius) in Uyuni. Is that a reason to stay indoors? Not necessarily, check our stargazing tours!
If you are taking a tour to the Uyuni salt flats from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) during winter time there is a chance of snowfall and ice in the area. When this happens the Bolivian-Chilean border at Hito Cajon can be shut down, sometimes even for a few days in a row. If this is the case during your trip we will have to use a border crossing far more north, near Ollague.
So, when do you go? What is the best time to visit the Uyuni salt flats? This mostly all depends on wether you are after the “mirror effect” or not.
Regardless of when you visit Uyuni, the scenery is always beautiful and breathtaking and it will get you inspired. With the unparalleled visual effects, you will be able to make beautiful, creative photos all year round.
Check our complete range of Uyuni salt flats tours.
Also check :
- The weather forecast for Uyuni
- Our page about how to get to Uyuni
You can always contact us for more information. Happy travels!