Best Time to Visit Chile

chile-64 (Shriram Rajagopalan)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
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On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Chile. We created climate tables and charts for the locations of Santiago, Antofagasta und Puerto Montt. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.

Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Chile for your holiday.

Climate Overview

Thermometer Symbol 4 °C to 30 °C
Waves Symbol 10 °C to 21 °C
Rainy Cloud Symbol 09.21 in (1 – 8 Days of Rain)
Average Annual Temperature is between 10.1 °C (Puerto Montt) and 16.4 °C (Antofagasta)
Show temperatures in degree

Geographical location

In the southwest of South America lies the Republic of Chile. The country borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west.

The Chilean territory also includes Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the Pacific Ocean and the Juan Fernandez Islands. About 18 million people live on an area of 470000 square miles. This results in a population density of only 23 inhabitants per square kilometre.

To the north of Chila is the Atacama Desert, considered the driest area on earth. In the south of the country there are rainforests, glaciers and seascapes. Chile is divided into 15 regions. In the Metropolitana region lies the capital Santiago de Chile. The northern areas are sparsely inhabited except for some rather small fishing and mining villages.

Climate in Chile

marble cathedral (Javier Vieras)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources' Due to its size and vertical extent, Chile can be divided into three climate zones: Northern, Central and Southern Chile. In the mentioned north one finds mainly desert areas. There can be no precipitation in the Atacama Desert for years. The port city of Antofagasta is one of the most important regions in the north. Temperatures here range between 16 °C to 24 °C throughout the year.

Central Chile has a climate that can be compared to the Mediterranean climate. Since Chile is in the southern hemisphere, however, the seasons are exactly opposite to the Mediterranean region. In the summer months of October to March, temperatures range between 22 °C to 30 °C, with extremely low rainfall. In the winter months of May to August, temperatures can drop to around 15 °C. During this time rain can increase somewhat, up to 3.43 in of precipitation are possible in July, for example.

The south of Chile, on the other hand, is extremely rainy. Also this region is hardly populated, the precipitation values range between 90 and 9.21 in per month. Most rain falls in this region of Chile in the winter months of May to August. At the same time, temperatures drop to a minimum of 10 °C. In the summer months there is less precipitation and temperatures can rise up to 18 °C.

Best Time to Visit Chile: Overview

JanuaryJan
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Santiago
Antofagasta
Puerto Montt
FebruaryFeb
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Santiago
Antofagasta
Puerto Montt
MarchMar
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Santiago
Antofagasta
Puerto Montt
AprilApr
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Santiago
Antofagasta
MayMay
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Antofagasta
JuneJun
Up to 8.82 in of rainof rain
Water max. 16 °C
JulyJul
Up to 9.02 in of rainof rain
Water max. 15 °C
AugustAug
Up to 8.62 in of rainof rain
Water max. 15 °C
SeptemberSep
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Antofagasta
OctoberOct
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Santiago
Antofagasta
NovemberNov
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Santiago
Antofagasta
DecemberDec
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Santiago
Antofagasta
Puerto Montt

When to visit Chile?


In principle, Chile with its different climatic zones and landscapes can be visited all year round, as there is always a region that is suitable for extensive exploration. The best time to travel in Chile is therefore difficult to estimate across the board. The sparsely populated northern and southern areas are generally less frequented. Thus, the tourist centres are mainly limited to the central region of Chile.

Santiago de Chile is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The best time to travel here is in December, January and February. The months of September and October as well as March to May are to be categorized as good travel time and bring only minor restrictions with them. If you really want summer weather, you should fly to Santiago at the best time of the summer.

The other areas of Chile can be explored more as an individual tourist. For Antofagasta and the north, September to May is the best time to travel in Chile. If you are looking for adventure and want to travel to the rather fresh south, it is best to do so in the travel season between December and March. This time is also ideal for a round trip through Chile.

Best Time to Visit the Regions

Find the best time to visit the regions (Chile) in the following overview.

LocationBest Time to Travel
SantiagoJanuary, February, March, April, October, November, and December
Antofagastaall except June, July, and August
Puerto MonttJanuary, February, March, and December

Climate Charts Chile

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Show Climate Chart for    

Santiago

Climate Chart Santiago
Show temperatures in degree

Antofagasta

Climate Chart Antofagasta
Show temperatures in degree

Puerto Montt

Climate Chart Puerto Montt
Show temperatures in degree

Day Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Night Temperatures

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Average Temperatures

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Water Temperatures

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Precipitation

Hours of Sunshine per Day

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Chile

In the following, you will find some climate tables for Chile, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.
Show climate table for    

Temperatures, Precipitation in Santiago (Chile)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature30°29°27°23°19°15°15°17°19°22°25°28°
Night Temperature13°12°11°10°12°
Precipitation (inch)0.020.030.130.411.662.773.412.040.870.530.360.08
Rainy days122578666432
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Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Santiago is 15.4 °C.

For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C

Warmest month: January (21.4 °C)
Coldest month: July (9.4 °C)

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 12.3 inch on 52 rainy days

For comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

Months that have possible snowfall: June, July, and August

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Antofagasta (Chile)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature23°23°22°20°18°17°16°17°17°18°20°22°
Night Temperature18°18°17°14°13°12°12°12°13°14°15°17°
Water Temperature21°21°20°18°17°16°15°15°15°15°17°19°
Precipitation (inch)0000.0400.04000000
Hours of Sunshine101099767788910
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Antofagasta is 16.4 °C.

Warmest month: January (20 °C)
Coldest month: July (13.4 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Antofagasta is 21 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
January, February, March, April, May, November, and December

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
January, and February

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 0.08 inch

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

You cannot expect snow in any month in Antofagasta.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 8.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Puerto Montt (Chile)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature19°18°17°15°12°13°10°11°11°14°15°17°
Night Temperature11°11°11°12°
Water Temperature14°15°14°13°12°11°10°10°10°11°11°12°
Precipitation (inch)3.543.663.95.639.218.829.028.235.754.764.414.06
Hours of Sunshine775422234566
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Puerto Montt is 10.1 °C.

Warmest month: January (14.3 °C)
Coldest month: July (6.6 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Puerto Montt is 15 °C. Bathing would be very uncomfortable.

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 70.98 inch

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): May, June, July, and August
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 35.28 in

Months that have possible snowfall: June, and July

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 6.7 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 4.3 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Highlights and Attractions


Chile has a great variety of flora and fauna due to its climatic range. However, the dry north is comparatively barren. To the south, around the Rio Elqui river, large wine-growing areas begin. The steppes are home to many exotic animals such as the guanacos, which belong to the camel family. Here you can also find chinchillas and pumas.

In the numerous forests live deer, Chilean forest cats and hummingbirds. The Andean Condor, one of the largest birds in the world, can be found throughout Chile. For a trip to Chile the Atacama Desert should be on the program. The centre of San Pedro de Atacama is a good place to go. The picturesque harbour town Cerro Playa Ancha (Valparaíso) is also a popular highlight.

Of course, the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is also very popular as a scenic contrast to the Easter Islands in Chile. Don’t miss the dramatic mountain scenery on Lake Pehoé and the glowing red towers of the Base de las Torres at sunrise.

Popular Activities

More attractions

Puerto Varas: Peulla Day Trip | Puerto Varas: Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour | Cruce Andino: Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche | Puerto Montt: Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Guided Tour | Alerce Andino National Park: Guided Day Hike | Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano Day Trip by Air-conditioned Van | From Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas: Frutillar Tour |

Current Weather and Forecast

Current Weather in Santiago (Station Santa Teresa de Lo Ovalle)
clear sky     clear sky, 20.9 °C
Clouds: 0 %       Wind: 2 mph S
Air Pressure: 1012 hPa       Humidity: 62 %
Last updated: 8th Feb 2023, 11:52 am
The next days …
8th Feb 20239th Feb 202310th Feb 202311th Feb 202312th Feb 202313th Feb 2023
sky is clear20 °C to 35 °Csky is clear21 °C to 36 °Csky is clear21 °C to 33 °Csky is clear19 °C to 33 °Csky is clear17 °C to 31 °Csky is clear15 °C to 29 °C
20 °C to 35 °C21 °C to 36 °C21 °C to 33 °C19 °C to 33 °C17 °C to 31 °C15 °C to 29 °C
Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 0 %
No PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo Precipitation
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree

Chile: Experiences of our Visitors

There are 2 reviews for Chile holiday already. Average rating is 3 of 5 stars.
  1. Avatar Preview
    Matthias De Toffol, 30 years old was there in April

    Weather-related travel to Patagonia is not recommended, as it is often rainy and cloudy here. Nevertheless, one finds excellent landscape on some days sun as they begin to decay the leaves due to the autumn. And because it’s also a low season, you’ll always find a place – even in Torres del Paine, which is otherwise overbooked!

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  2. Avatar Preview
    Tatjana, 51 years old was there in February

    It rained a lot, so many hikes fell into the water.

    Weather Rating: 1 stars – Mostly bad

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