Things to Do in Venezuela in January

January Weather in Venezuela

28°C (82°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with less than 15mm (0.6 inches) rainfall - perfect for Angel Falls helicopter tours and Roraima trekking with clear visibility up to 50km (31 miles)
Cool morning temperatures at 16°C (61°F) make early hiking comfortable before afternoon heat - ideal timing for Los Llanos wildlife drives starting at 5:30am
Post-Christmas tourism dip means 40-60% fewer crowds at Canaima National Park compared to December, with easier permit acquisition and better photography opportunities
January trade winds keep coastal areas like Morrocoy and Los Roques at comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F) with excellent visibility for diving - often 30m+ (98+ feet)

Considerations

High UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection - sunburn happens within 15 minutes without SPF 50+, especially problematic at Roraima's 2,800m (9,186ft) elevation
Harmattan winds from the northeast can create dusty conditions in Los Llanos, reducing photography quality and requiring daily lens cleaning
January is hunting season in some rural areas - certain hiking trails may have restricted access, and you'll hear gunshots in remote regions

Best Activities in January

Angel Falls Helicopter Tours and Canaima Lagoon Exploration

January's dry conditions provide crystal-clear visibility for helicopter flights to Angel Falls, with minimal cloud cover obscuring the 979m (3,212ft) drop. The Carrao River runs at optimal levels for boat access to base camps. Morning flights offer best conditions with calm air and dramatic lighting on the tepuis.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead through licensed operators in Canaima village. Helicopter tours typically cost $450-650 USD per person for 45-minute flights. Weather delays are rare in January - only 5% cancellation rate versus 30% in rainy season. See current tour options in booking section below.

Los Llanos Wildlife Photography Safaris

January's dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources, creating exceptional viewing opportunities. Morning temperatures at 18°C (64°F) keep animals active until 9am. Expect to see capybaras, caimans, anacondas, and over 300 bird species in 4-hour drives. Rivers are at their lowest, exposing sandbars where birds congregate.

Booking Tip: Book lodge-based packages 2-3 weeks ahead, typically costing $180-280 USD per day including meals and guides. Early morning departures at 5:30am are essential - afternoon heat above 35°C (95°F) sends wildlife into hiding. Multi-day packages offer better value and wildlife encounters.

Mount Roraima Multi-Day Trekking

January offers the most reliable weather window for the challenging 6-day Roraima trek. Morning starts at cool 12°C (54°F) with afternoon highs reaching 22°C (72°F) on the tepui summit. Clear skies provide unobstructed views of the unique landscape that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's 'Lost World'. Creek crossings are manageable with low water levels.

Booking Tip: Mandatory guided tours must be booked 4-6 weeks ahead through certified operators, costing $650-900 USD for 6-day packages including permits, meals, and camping gear. Physical fitness requirements are strict - practice hiking with 15kg (33lb) packs. January has 90% success rate versus 60% in rainy months.

Los Roques Archipelago Island Hopping and Kitesurfing

January's consistent northeast trade winds at 15-20 knots create perfect kitesurfing conditions. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F) with minimal rainfall affecting boat transfers. The 42-island archipelago offers pristine coral reefs with 30m+ (98+ feet) visibility for snorkeling. Flamingo populations peak in January lagoons.

Booking Tip: Fly-in packages from Caracas typically cost $350-500 USD for 3-day trips including flights, accommodation, and boat transfers. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as small aircraft capacity limits daily visitors. Kitesurfing equipment rental costs $80-120 USD per day. Weather delays are minimal in January's stable conditions.

Morrocoy National Park Mangrove Kayaking and Snorkeling

Calm January seas with wave heights under 0.5m (1.6ft) make kayaking through mangrove channels safe for beginners. Water clarity reaches 15-20m (49-66ft) around coral cays. Manatee sightings increase during dry season as they concentrate in deeper channels. Morning paddles avoid afternoon heat and provide best wildlife viewing.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $60-90 USD including kayak rental, snorkeling gear, and island lunch. Book locally through coastal town operators or see current options in booking section below. Multi-day camping permits available but require 10-day advance application through INPARQUES. Bring reef-safe sunscreen - regular sunscreen is prohibited.

Orinoco Delta Indigenous Community Tours

January's lower water levels expose traditional Warao indigenous villages normally accessible only by dugout canoe. Cooler mornings make traditional craft workshops comfortable, and fishing is most productive as fish concentrate in remaining pools. Pink dolphin sightings peak during dry season when they're easier to spot in narrower channels.

Booking Tip: Multi-day homestay packages cost $120-200 USD per day including meals, canoe transport, and cultural activities. Book through responsible tour operators ensuring fair compensation to communities. Mosquito populations are lowest in January but bring long sleeves for dawn and dusk activities. Respect photography restrictions in sacred areas.

January Events & Festivals

Early January

Festival de la Chinita Continuation

While the main festival occurs in December, celebrations continue through early January in Maracaibo with street parties, traditional gaitas music, and food stalls. Local families maintain nativity scenes and offer free hallacas (traditional Christmas tamales) to visitors.

January 6

Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

January 6th celebrations across Venezuela feature children receiving gifts and families sharing rosca de reyes bread. In Caracas, Plaza Bolívar hosts traditional music performances and craft markets. Rural communities organize horse parades and traditional joropo dancing competitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index 9 causes burns in 12-15 minutes, especially dangerous at high-altitude tepuis above 2,000m (6,562ft)

Lightweight long-sleeve hiking shirts - protect from sun exposure during day hikes while allowing cooling, essential for Los Llanos morning safaris

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - while January has fewer mosquitos, Orinoco Delta and rainforest areas still require protection against chitra flies

Quick-dry hiking pants convertible to shorts - morning temperatures start at 16°C (61°F) but reach 32°C (90°F) by noon in most regions

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500m+ (1,640ft+) elevation gains - essential for Roraima trek's rocky terrain and stream crossings

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - prevents loss during helicopter flights to Angel Falls and provides critical shade during midday Los Llanos drives

Lightweight rain jacket - despite dry season, brief afternoon showers occur 3-4 days monthly and provide welcome cooling

Polarized sunglasses with UV400 protection - essential for reducing glare off water during Los Roques boat transfers and lagoon activities

Power bank 20,000mAh minimum - remote areas like Canaima and Roraima have limited electricity, and GPS devices drain quickly in heat

Dry bags in multiple sizes - protect electronics and documents during river crossings, boat transfers, and unexpected weather changes

Insider Knowledge

Venezuelans celebrate 'Año Nuevo Llanero' (Plains New Year) in mid-January with traditional cattle roundups - join working ranch activities in Apure state for authentic cowboy culture experiences tourists never see

January mornings before 7am offer the best exchange rates at unofficial casa de cambio operations - US dollars go furthest when changed early before daily rate fluctuations begin

Local 'chicha' (fermented corn drink) vendors appear only during January's dry season celebrations - try this traditional beverage that's impossible to find other months but exercise caution with street preparation

Venezuelan families host 'parrandas' (informal house parties) throughout January - locals often invite foreign visitors they meet, providing authentic cultural exchange opportunities beyond tourist circuits

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects at Angel Falls base camp (1,000m/3,280ft) and Roraima (2,800m/9,186ft) - acclimatization headaches are common and require extra hydration and slower pace than lowland activities

Assuming all tour operators accept credit cards - most remote area guides and small operators require cash USD payment, and ATMs are unreliable outside major cities

Packing only summer clothes for 'tropical' Venezuela - January mornings in mountain regions and Los Llanos drop to 16°C (61°F), requiring warm layers for dawn activities