Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia? If you're planning to go to Salar de Uyuni, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Salar de Uyuni
- Important essentials for Salar de Uyuni
- Activities for Salar de Uyuni
- Salar de Uyuni in January: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in February: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in March: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in April: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in May: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in June: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in July: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in August: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in September: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in October: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in November: weather and what to pack
- Salar de Uyuni in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Based on the climate and weather in Salar de Uyuni, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Salar de Uyuni, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Salar de Uyuni is at a very high altitude, and may result in altitude sickness. For that reason, you will want to pack strong altitude sickness prevention products and treatments.
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Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
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Oximeter to check blood oxygen
Like this
- Consider asking your doctor about Diamox
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Over-the-counter medicine
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Salar de Uyuni. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and C. This one should work in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Salar de Uyuni in January, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
February
February for Salar de Uyuni is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
March
March in Salar de Uyuni is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
April
If you go to Salar de Uyuni in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
May
May for Salar de Uyuni is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
June
If you go to Salar de Uyuni in June, you will notice that it is cold. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
July
If you are traveling to Salar de Uyuni in July, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
August
August in Salar de Uyuni is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
September
If you are traveling to Salar de Uyuni in September, you will notice that it is brisk. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
October
October in this region can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you go to Salar de Uyuni in November, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
December
December here is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost 5-10 days this month. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
Activities for Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Salar de Uyuni.
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