Chile's extensive coastline enables it to host every climatic zone imaginable, ranging fromdesert yet moderate in the north to the Mediterranean in the middle to oceanic and chilly in the Andes.
Chile Climate
Chile has a landmass smaller than any other South American republic except Ecuador, but its long coastline (2,700 miles/4,300km) makes it seem enormous. The country is never more than 100 miles (180 km) wide, with the towering Andes Mountains defining its eastern border. At some points, the Andean peaks can be seen from the Pacific beaches.
In the north is one of the driest deserts in the world - some parts have never recorded even trace amounts of precipitation! Moving south, you'll encounter an agricultural valley the size of California and then a province of mountain lakes and volcanoes - the famous Lake District. Further south is the wilds of Chilean Patagonia, a landscape of fjords, islands, glaciers. Chile's far southern tip points towards the polar ice of Antarctica.
What is the Weather like in Chile Year-round?
Chile's climate can be unpredictable, but it's generally pleasant year-round. The northern and central regions are warmest between November and February, while the south is warmest between January and March. It can be stiflingly hot in summer and very cold in winter in the north. In Santiago, average temperatures range from a high of about 82 degrees F (27 C) in January and a low of about 56 (13 C) in July. In the central regions, temperatures range from 82 F (28 C) in January to 57 F (14 C) in July. In the south, expect temperatures ranging from 55 F (13 C) in winter to 61 F (16 C) in summer. It gets colder as you go southward, so you will want to bring appropriate clothing if you plan on visiting Patagonia or Antarctica during your Chile vacation.
This northern area of the country is dominated by the Atacama desert and includes the towns of Tarapaca and Antofagasta. Despite its aridity and tropical latitude, the Atacama is a remarkably temperate desert, moderated by the Pacific Ocean's cool, north-flowing Humboldt current, which parallels the coast. Areas of the Atacama erupt with wildflowers in rare years of substantial rainfall that often follow El Nino weather patterns. Parts of the north of this province support a rich agriculture industry founded on irrigation in the major river valleys, especially in the Elqui. Extensive cloud cover and thick fogs known as "camanchaca" caused by high humidity often encompass the coastal range.
The peak season to visit the Atacama Desert is during the summer months of December, January, and February. Even though it’s a dessert and you’re thinking of heatwaves and scorching sand, don’t forget that the Atacama Desert is at high elevation, which means the temperature plummets at night. Bring jackets, sweaters, long pants, gloves, and hats with you!
However, for those who enjoy stargazing and astronomy, the best time of year is during winter months of June - August. These are when skies are at their clearest. Even if you can't find a telescope to use, your eyes alone will be able to spot a huge array of celestial bodies.
This middle part of Chile is the fertile heartland. Agriculture is a mainstay in this area that enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with maximum temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C) in January and 50°F (10°C) in July, the coldest month of the year in Santiago, where temperatures can drop to 38°F. The rainy season lasts from May to August.
Between late November and mid-March is the best time to visit Santiago for warm-weather activities. Summers in Santiago are hot, dry, and clear, while winters are cold and partly cloudy. Evenings and nights can be cool, even during the summer.
This is the most popular tourist area in the country; snowcapped volcanoes, many of which are still active, frame its numerous foothill lakes. Climatically the area resembles the United States' Pacific Northwest, with pleasant but changeable summer weather and cool, damp winters. Winter brings snow, and skiing is a popular wintertime activity. Puerto Montt's average summer high is 57°F (14°C), and wintertime temperatures average 45°F (7°C).
This area south of Puerto Montt and Chiloé covers about 30% of the total land area of Chile. It is a rugged, mountainous area of tremendous beauty. Westerly winds and storms often drop enormous amounts of snow and rain on the seaward slopes.
In the Magallanes and Tierra del Fuego areas, temperatures in summer average 52°F (11°C). Dampness and wind chill can make it feel cooler so be prepared by having several layers and good waterproof gear with you. The weather year-round is highly unpredictable, and in summer be prepared for constant winds that do lessen in the winter. The best times to visit Patagonia is during the shoulder season months - November and March - where you are likely to find the winds not as strong as they are during the peak of summer.
Rapa Nui enjoys a subtropical climate; winds and ocean currents strongly influence the weather patterns. The hottest months are January and February, while the coolest are July and August. The average summer temperature is 83°F (28°C), and the average minimum is 59°F (15°C). The average winter maximum is 72°F (22°C), and the minimum is 57°F (14°C), though when winds blow in from Antarctica with pouring rain, it can feel a lot colder. Light showers are the most common form of precipitation, with May being the wettest month.
When is the best time to go to Chile?
Chile is a year-round destination. Just like in the United States or Europe, Chile has four seasons. There's never a wrong time to visit Chile. Depending on what you want to see and do, one season may be better than the others.
In summer—December to March—the weather is warm, and people flock to the beaches and parks. If you want to experience Chile's seafood, the summer months is the best time. However, winter may be a better option if you're looking for more adventurous activities such as skiing or glacier hiking.
The winter months are May through August and are cold and dry, with occasional snowfall in some parts of the country. During this period, many visitors head south to enjoy the skiing resorts that are just a few hours away from Santiago. Spring in Chile—September through November—is also an excellent time to travel as there are fewer tourists and prices are generally lower.
We were referred by a satisfied client and the booking of the trip was everything we wanted to do, and they listened to the types of hotels, sightseeing, etc. we wanted to do.
Jan S
2 months ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
2 months ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
2 months ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
3 months ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.
