gowhereandwhen.comFor Santiago and the wine country, go in spring, September to November, or autumn, March to May. Patagonia is a summer trip, December to March, and the Atacama Desert is good all year. The seasons are flipped from the northern hemisphere.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Santiago. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Mar.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
The quietest, cheapest stretch of the year.
The year at a glance
Chile is a ribbon of a country running from desert to glaciers, so the season depends entirely on the region. The ratings key off Santiago, where spring and autumn bring the most pleasant weather for the city and the surrounding vineyards.
Patagonia in the far south has a short season, roughly December to March, when the gales drop and the hiking routes are open, while the Atacama in the north, the driest desert on Earth, stays clear and travellable year round. Central summers are hot and dry, winters cool.
Chile month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Santiago.
JanuaryHot and dry.Ideal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Hot and dry.
FebruaryHot and dry.Ideal 97
- Daytime high
- 29°C / 84°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 2 mm
Hot and dry.
MarchWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 27°C / 81°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 5 mm
Warm and dry.
AprilWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 12 mm
Warm and dry.
MayMild and dry.Ideal 92
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 5°C / 41°F
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
Mild and dry.
JuneCool with a little rain.Ideal 75
- Daytime high
- 15°C / 59°F
- Overnight low
- 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall
- 70 mm
Cool with a little rain.
JulyCool with a little rain.Ideal 75
- Daytime high
- 15°C / 59°F
- Overnight low
- 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Cool with a little rain.
AugustMild with a little rain.Ideal 87
- Daytime high
- 17°C / 63°F
- Overnight low
- 4°C / 39°F
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
Mild with a little rain.
SeptemberMild and dry.Ideal 96
- Daytime high
- 19°C / 66°F
- Overnight low
- 6°C / 43°F
- Rainfall
- 30 mm
Mild and dry.
OctoberWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 15 mm
Warm and dry.
NovemberWarm and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 8 mm
Warm and dry.
DecemberHot and dry.Ideal 97
- Daytime high
- 29°C / 84°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 5 mm
Hot and dry.
Where you go changes when you go
Santiago and the wine valleys
Mediterranean climate, best in spring and autumn, with hot, dry summers and a golden harvest in March.
Patagonia and Torres del Paine
A summer destination, December to March, when the paths open and the punishing gales relent. Winter closes much of it.
The Atacama Desert
The clearest skies on Earth, travellable year round, with warm days and cold desert nights.
Best time to visit Chile for
Patagonia trekking
December to March, the southern summer, for the W trek and Torres del Paine with the longest days.
Wine and Santiago
September to November and March to May for the city and the vineyards in spring bloom or autumn harvest.
The Atacama and stargazing
Year round, with the desert's clear skies among the best on the planet for stars.
Skiing
June to September in the Andes near Santiago, when the northern hemisphere is in summer.
What is on, and when
Wine harvest, March
The valleys around Santiago celebrate the vendimia under the autumn sun.
Patagonia summer, Dec to Mar
The southern trails open under long days and calmer winds.
Where to stay in Chile
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Chile?
When is the best time for Patagonia?
Is the Atacama Desert good year round?
Plan another month or destination
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