Best time to visit Chile

There’s no bad time to visit Chile – it all depends on where you’re headed. The country’s extreme length means the climate varies wildly, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the icy fjords of Patagonia in the south. Summer (December to February) is the best time to visit Chile for Patagonia’s hiking trails, but you’ll face the crowds. Winter (June to August) brings prime skiing in the Andes, while the Atacama stays dry and otherworldly year-round. Just be ready to layer up or strip down – you might experience all four seasons in a single trip.

When's the best time to visit Chile?

The best time to visit Chile depends on where you want to go. For Patagonia’s epic hikes, aim for the summer months of December to February. The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and you’ll have the best chance of clear skies – though you’ll need to book early to beat the crowds.

If you love skiing, head to the Chilean Andes from June to August when there is snow. The Atacama Desert, on the other hand, is a year-round vacation destination. Its arid, alien landscapes are stunning no matter when you visit, although the nights can be very cold in winter.

Want to avoid peak season? Visit Patagonia in the shoulder months of November or March for fewer people and decent weather. And if you’re okay with layering up, Santiago and the wine valleys are at their most vibrant in fall (March to May), with stunning foliage and the grape harvest in full swing.

A monthly overview

• January: Ideal for Patagonia's hikes with warm weather and long days. Beaches are packed, and Easter Island's Tapati Rapa Nui festival begins.
• February: Still great for Patagonia, but book early as it’s high season. Tapati Rapa Nui festival continues on Easter Island.
• March: Perfect for wine lovers, with grape harvests and festivals in wine country. Mild weather makes Santiago and Valparaíso great to explore.
• April: Stunning fall colors in the Lake District and wine valleys. Cooler, quieter, and a good time for cultural activities.
• May: Off-season with fewer crowds, but cooler temperatures and rain pick up. A quiet month, best for city stays and winery visits.
• June: Ski season kicks off in the Andes and Lake District. Patagonia is closed, and rain dominates central Chile.
• July: Peak skiing conditions in the Andes, especially in Valle Nevado. Atacama Desert stays dry and is a good winter escape.
• August: Great for skiing, though the season begins to wind down. Still too cold for Patagonia but excellent for city tours in Santiago.
• September: Chile celebrates Fiestas Patrias with parades, rodeos, and empanadas. Spring blooms in central Chile, and the Lake District begins to come alive.
• October: Early spring in Patagonia offers decent weather and fewer crowds. Santiago enjoys pleasant, sunny days perfect for city exploration.
• November: One of the best months for Patagonia: good weather, fewer tourists. The Atacama Desert is stunning for stargazing and exploring its surreal landscapes.
• December: The high season begins in Patagonia with warm days and accessible trails. Beaches get busy, and Easter Island preps for its cultural festivals.

When is the high season in Chile?

The high season in Chile runs from December to February, during the southern hemisphere’s summer. This is when Patagonia, one of Chile’s biggest draws, is at its best. The weather is warmer, the hiking trails are open, and the daylight hours seem to stretch forever. That said, it’s also the busiest (and priciest) time to visit, so make sure you book accommodations well in advance.

If Patagonia isn’t your thing, this is also beach season in central and northern Chile. Locals flock to spots like Viña del Mar and La Serena to soak up the sun. Easter Island also gets more visitors, especially with the Tapati Rapa Nui festival in late January and early February.

While summer brings crowds, the payoff is worth it: incredible landscapes, outdoor adventures, and the best conditions for exploring Chile’s diverse regions. Just don’t forget your sunscreen – and a good windbreaker for Patagonia!

What is the rainy season in Chile?

Chile’s rainy season varies by region, but it’s most noticeable in the winter months of May through August, particularly in central and southern Chile. In Santiago and the wine valleys, winter brings cool temperatures and steady rain – perfect for cozying up in a café or sipping your way through the vineyards.

Further south, in the Lake District and Patagonia, rainfall is heavier and more persistent, making outdoor adventures trickier. Many trails and lodges in Patagonia even close during this time. If you’re venturing to these regions, pack waterproof gear and be prepared for moody weather.

On the flip side, the Atacama Desert in the north – the driest place on Earth – remains virtually rain-free year-round. Winter here brings cooler nights but still offers clear skies, making it an ideal time for stargazing. Rain or shine, there’s always something to explore in Chile.

When to visit the best places

Chile’s sheer length means there’s no single “perfect” time to visit the entire country. The best time to visit Chile depends on what’s on your itinerary. Whether you’re strolling through colorful Valparaíso, hiking Patagonia’s epic trails, or stargazing in the Atacama Desert, each region shines in a different season. Below, we’ve broken it down to help you figure out when to visit Chile’s must-see destinations and make the most of your Chile itinerary.

Best time to visit Valparaiso & Santiago

The best time to visit Santiago and Valparaíso is spring (September to November) or fall (March to May). The weather is mild and comfortable, perfect for exploring Valparaíso’s vibrant street art or Santiago’s parks and markets. Spring brings blooming flowers, while fall offers a backdrop of colorful foliage.

Avoid the summer months (December to February) if you don’t like crowds, as locals head to the coast. Winter (June to August) can be rainy and chilly but quieter.

Best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama can be traveled year-round, but the best time to visit is March-May or September-November. These “shoulder” months have pleasant daytime temperatures, cooler nights and fewer tourists.

If stargazing is on your bucket list, winter (June to August) is ideal with its crisp, clear skies. Be prepared for cold nights, though. Summer (December to February) can be a bit hotter and sees occasional rare rains, but it’s still a magical time to explore the desert landscapes.

Discover more of Chile with:

• 10-day Chile itinerary
• 14-day Chile itinerary

Best time to visit Chilean Patagonia

The best time to visit Patagonia is December to February, during the southern summer. Trails are open, the weather is at its warmest, and daylight hours are long – perfect for hiking Torres del Paine or exploring glaciers.

For fewer crowds, visit in October-November or March-April, when the weather is still decent, but accommodations are easier to book. Avoid winter (May to August), as most trails, lodges, and parks are closed due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

The best time to visit Easter Island

The best time to visit Easter Island is January-March when the weather is warm and the famous Tapati Rapa Nui Festival takes place in early February. The festival offers an unforgettable immersion into the Rapa Nui culture with traditional dances, music and competitions.

If you prefer fewer crowds, try spring (October to November) or fall (April to May), when the weather is still pleasant, and flights and accommodations are more affordable. Winter (June to August) is cooler but still a good time to explore the island’s iconic Moai statues.

What is the best month to go to Chile?

The best month to visit Chile largely depends on what you want to do, but November is a strong contender. It’s spring, so the weather is mild across most regions, from Santiago to Patagonia. In Patagonia, you’ll find fewer tourists and good hiking conditions, while the Atacama Desert remains dry and stunning. Wine valleys are lush and vibrant, and central Chile offers pleasant, sunny days. November strikes a perfect balance: fewer crowds, decent weather, and plenty of options to explore Chile’s diverse landscapes.

What is the cheapest time to travel to Chile?

The cheapest time to travel to Chile is in winter, from May to August, when most of the country is off-season. Flights and accommodation are much cheaper, especially in Santiago and central Chile. Skiers might find good deals in the Andes, but avoid Patagonia, as many lodges and trails are closed. While winter brings cooler temperatures and rain in some regions, it’s a great time to explore cities, vineyards, or the Atacama Desert at a lower cost.