Medellín edges it in January. Buenos Aires averages 20–30°C with moderate crowds; Medellín 18–28°C with high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Buenos Aires and Medellín
The verdict for January
Hot, humid and half-empty
+Quieter city as many locals are on holiday.
–Heat, humidity and some closures.
January brings heat and many porteños leave town, so some restaurants and shops close. It is still a lively city for tourists.
Dry season and Christmas lights
+Dry weather and the lights remain in places.
–Hotels are busy and priced high.
January falls in the dry season, with the city's Christmas lights display extending through early January. It is a popular time for visiting.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month