Surfing in Chile in January
In January the best surfing in Chile is at Matanzas, Pichilemu – Punta de Lobos & Arica – El Gringo.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 1.6 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 15–20°C, 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 16°C; 3/2 wetsuit at 19–20°C
- Air: 23°C by day, 16°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 31 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 1; a day can have both
When are you planning to go?
1
JanGOOD
Matanzas
Chile
1.9 m waves15° water21° air
Advanced only · 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ SCL 118 km
2
JanGOOD
Punta de Lobos
Pichilemu · Chile
1.7 m waves16° water20° air
Advanced only · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ SCL 164 km
3
JanGOOD
El Gringo
Arica · Chile
1.5 m waves20° water27° air
Advanced only · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ ARI 15 km
4
JanGOOD
El Colegio
Iquique · Chile
1.2 m waves19° water25° air
Advanced only · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ IQQ 35 km
Averages of the 4 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in Chile in January?
Matanzas: 1.9 m waves; Pichilemu – Punta de Lobos: 1.7 m waves; Arica – El Gringo: 1.5 m waves.
How warm is the water in Chile in January?
15–20°C: 5/4 wetsuit and boots at 15°C; 4/3 wetsuit at 16°C; 3/2 wetsuit at 19–20°C.
Which airport is closest?
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), 118 km from Matanzas; Chacalluta International Airport (ARI), 15 km from Arica – El Gringo; Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ), 35 km from Iquique – El Colegio.
