Chile
The best time to visit
When to go to Chile
For 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 links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Mar.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
The quietest, cheapest stretch of the year.
In short
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.
Month by month
Chile month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Santiago.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 12°C / 54°F | 0 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot and dry. |
| February | 29°C / 84°F | 11°C / 52°F | 2 mm | Ideal 97 | Hot and dry. |
| March | 27°C / 81°F | 9°C / 48°F | 5 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Santiago hotels in March |
| April | 23°C / 73°F | 7°C / 45°F | 12 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Santiago hotels in April |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 5°C / 41°F | 40 mm | Ideal 92 | Mild and dry. |
| June | 15°C / 59°F | 3°C / 37°F | 70 mm | Ideal 75 | Cool with a little rain. |
| July | 15°C / 59°F | 3°C / 37°F | 75 mm | Ideal 75 | Cool with a little rain. |
| August | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 39°F | 55 mm | Ideal 87 | Mild with a little rain. |
| September | 19°C / 66°F | 6°C / 43°F | 30 mm | Ideal 96 | Mild and dry. |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 8°C / 46°F | 15 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Santiago hotels in October |
| November | 26°C / 79°F | 9°C / 48°F | 8 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. |
| December | 29°C / 84°F | 11°C / 52°F | 5 mm | Ideal 97 | Hot and dry. |
By region
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.
Go for
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.
On the calendar
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
Where to stay in Chile
Compare hotels and rentals around Santiago, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions