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Best time to visit Chile: month by month
Short answer
October to April suits a trip combining Santiago, the Atacama and Patagonia: Santiago highs are about 22–29°C and Patagonian days are long. December to February is peak season with crowds and strong winds in the south; the Atacama is good all year, though nights freeze from June to August.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°C | 14°C | 1 | very high |
| Feb | 29°C | 15°C | 1 | very high |
| Mar | 28°C | 14°C | 1 | high |
| Apr | 24°C | 12°C | 2 | medium |
| May | 19°C | 10°C | 2 | low |
| Jun | 16°C | 8°C | 6 | low |
| Jul | 15°C | 7°C | 4 | medium |
| Aug | 17°C | 8°C | 7 | low |
| Sep | 18°C | 9°C | 8 | medium |
| Oct | 22°C | 10°C | 4 | medium |
| Nov | 26°C | 12°C | 2 | high |
| Dec | 29°C | 14°C | 0 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Santiago warms from about 18°C in September to 26°C in November, with little rain; Patagonia opens up and is less crowded than summer.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Santiago is hot and dry at about 29°C with almost no rain; peak season in Patagonia with long days. The 'Bolivian winter' rains can occasionally close Atacama roads in January–February.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Santiago cools from about 28°C to 19°C; vineyard harvest time, and autumn colours in Patagonia with fewer visitors.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Santiago highs of about 15–17°C, lows around 7–8°C and the most rain (4–7 days a month); ski season in the Andes, very cold nights in the Atacama, limited services in Patagonia.
Events worth planning around
- Fiestas Patrias, the national holidays around 18–19 September, with fondas, cueca and asados
- Viña del Mar International Song Festival (February)
- Grape harvest festivals in the wine valleys (March–April)
- Fiesta de La Tirana in the far north (July)
When to avoid
Patagonia from June to August is cold, dark and many services close. In January and February, Torres del Paine is crowded and refuges need booking well ahead.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Patagonia?
October to April; December to February has the longest days but also the most crowds and wind.
Can you visit the Atacama all year?
Yes. Days are sunny year-round, but nights freeze from June to August and rare summer storms can close roads.
How hot is Santiago in summer?
January averages about 29°C, often over 30°C, with almost no rain.