When is the best time to visit Chile?
The best time to visit Chile depends on the region you鈥檙e traveling to. October to March are the warmest and most accessible months for visitors heading to Patagonia, in the south of the country. This is summer in the Southern Hemisphere and the weather is very pleasant, with warm temperatures of around 72°F.
Meanwhile, Santiago, the central valleys, and the Atacama Desert are truly year-round destinations. Hot weather draws the crowds in during the summer months of December to February, so it鈥檚 important to book well in advance.
The winter months of June, July and August are popular months for skiers in the mountains around Santiago, although most other attractions close during this time. Temperatures sit between 59°F and 61°F.
April鈥檚 displays of fall leaves in Chile鈥檚 winelands make this month an appealing time for a visit, with lower visitor numbers giving you more space to explore. It鈥檚 also a great time to spot wildlife in Torres del Paine National Park, including the elusive puma. Just be prepared to wrap up warm, as temperatures can fall to 32°F.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Chile
Visiting Chile in January - February
January and February are busy times to visit Chile, it being the peak of the country's summer. Accommodation in Torres del Paine National Park in particular gets full very quickly and prices shoot up here at this time of year. This is a good time to visit Santiago as many residents travel out of the city; reducing congestion and hotel prices.
If you’re thinking of visiting the Atacama Desert, it's worth noting that, in recent years, this region has seen freak heavy rainfall for a short period (normally just a few days) in late January to early February. Please talk to your specialist for more information.
Events & Festivals
- Vendimias (late February to early May): These are wine harvesting festivals that take place across Chile's wine growing area, usually featuring grape stomping, local music and wine tasting.
Visiting Chile in March
As the crowds in Patagonia ease off and accommodation prices drop a little, March is a lovely time to travel across Chile; particularly to the Lake District and winelands.
Events & Festivals
- Vendimias (late February to early May): These are wine harvesting festivals that take place across Chile's wine growing area, usually featuring grape stomping, local music and wine tasting.
Visiting Chile in April - August
April to August are much quieter in terms of visitor numbers in Patagonia in particular, with many hotels closing for the season. However, for those wishing to experience Torres del Paine at its wildest, the park remains open and unique wildlife spotting opportunities are available.
Events & Festivals
- Puma spotting in Torres del Paine National Park (April and May): There is an increased chance of spotting the elusive puma during these months in Torres del Paine National Park.
- Vendimias (late February to early May): These are wine harvesting festivals that take place across Chile's wine growing area, usually featuring grape stomping, local music and wine tasting.
Visiting Chile in September
September is a good month for a visit that combines Santiago, the central valleys and the north of the country; including the Atacama Desert. Crowds are small and the days are beginning to warm up.
Events & Festivals
- Independence Day (September 18): Nationwide festivities take place to mark the anniversary of Chile's independence from Spain, including parties, dances and traditional meals.
Visiting Chile in October
Spring flowers in the Lake District begin to make an appearance in October, creating beautiful scenery. You can, however, expect more rain here at this time of year.
Visiting Chile in November
November is the start of Chile's summer and crowds across the country 鈥� particularly in Patagonia 鈥� begin to increase in size. Make sure you book well in advance if traveling at this time to ensure you get the best accommodation choices.
Visiting Chile in December
Chileans like to take their vacations in December, so coastal areas such as Valparaiso can become busy. As with January and February, December is a popular time to visit Torres del Paine National Park and we recommend booking well in advance for a stay here during this period.
Events & Festivals
- New Year's Eve (December 31): Celebrate New Year's Eve in style, where many of our recommended hotels offer wonderful views of the fireworks displays that take place over the bay in Valparaiso.
Chile Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easter Island | 81°F 3" | 81°F 3" | 81°F 3" | 79°F 4" | 75°F 5" | 72°F 4" | 72°F 4" | 70°F 4" | 72°F 3" | 73°F 3" | 75°F 3" | 79°F 4" |
| Elqui Valley | 75°F 0" | 77°F 0" | 73°F 0" | 68°F 0" | 64°F 0" | 61°F 1" | 61°F 1" | 63°F 1" | 66°F 0" | 68°F 0" | 73°F 0" | 75°F 0" |
| Puerto Varas | 68°F 3" | 66°F 3" | 63°F 5" | 59°F 6" | 54°F 9" | 52°F 9" | 50°F 9" | 52°F 7" | 54°F 6" | 59°F 4" | 61°F 4" | 64°F 4" |
| San Pedro de Atacama | 75°F 1" | 75°F 0" | 73°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 66°F 0" | 61°F 0" | 61°F 0" | 64°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 72°F 0" | 73°F 0" | 75°F 0" |
| Santiago | 81°F 0" | 84°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 73°F 1" | 66°F 3" | 59°F 4" | 59°F 4" | 61°F 2" | 66°F 1" | 72°F 1" | 79°F 1" | 82°F 0" |
| Torres del Paine National Park | 52°F 3" | 50°F 3" | 48°F 5" | 43°F 4" | 36°F 3" | 32°F 3" | 32°F 4" | 34°F 3" | 39°F 3" | 45°F 3" | 46°F 3" | 50°F 3" |
| Valparaiso | 73°F 0" | 72°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 66°F 1" | 63°F 4" | 59°F 6" | 59°F 5" | 59°F 3" | 63°F 2" | 64°F 1" | 68°F 0" | 72°F 0" |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Chile, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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