Best time to visit Chile

The best time to visit Chile is between November and February, when you get some of the best weather for exploring this thin sliver of land sandwiched between neighbouring Argentina and the South Pacific.

Stretching for over 4,000km from north to south, but only 170km at its widest, you’ll find different climates as you travel from one tip to the other – some areas, like the Atacama desert and the salt flats, Santiago and the vinelands in the centre, and the mysterious moai of remote Easter Island can be visited almost year-round, while the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia in the far south can only be explored between October and March.

Along the way, you’ll discover aqua lakes and icy glaciers, volcanoes and vast deserts, rolling vineyards and gloriously colourful cities, with skiing in the mountains around Santiago during the southern hemisphere’s winter, between June and August.

It’s peak summer in Chile in January, and one of the best times to visit the country – although also one of the busiest. Many residents leave Santiago though, as temperatures hit 30C, so it can be a quieter month to explore the city and colourful Valparaiso, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage for its vibrant architecture and funiculars climbing the steep hillsides.

It’s high season in Patagonia too, where you can explore the wild and beautiful landscapes during some of the year’s best weather. There’s up to 18 hours of sunlight, meaning long days for hiking, plus a good chance of seeing whales and other animal life this month. The island of Chiloé is one of the few places in the world where both the Humboldt and the Magellanic penguin nest. It’s not too hot despite being midsummer, with highs of around 20C in Torres del Paine, although it’s cooler at Punta Arenas.

The country’s beaches are also packed this month, with locals and visitors making the most of the sun, and the perfect time for stargazing in the Atacama desert with brilliantly clear skies. Head to San Pedro de Atacama, the driest place on earth, ringed by volcanoes and salt flats, and home to bubbling geysers. Or discover more of the country’s fabulous landscapes this month. This month is also a great one to drive one of the world’s most memorable road trips along the Carretera Austral through the Andes, although watch out for horseflies in Chile’s Lake District.

It’s one of the busiest months on Easter Island too, but if you’re wondering when to go to Chile’s fascinating Polynesian territory, the weather is ideal in January.

Festivals: Chile starts the new year with fireworks and festivities, as well as parades and processions for Three Kings Day on January 6.

On January 20, the Fiesta de San Sebastian is celebrated in Yumbel , with thousands of pilgrims taking part in one of the country’s most important religious events.

Best for: Hiking and wildlife in Patagonia, exploring the whole country, stargazing in the Atacama, road trips.

February is another of the busiest months for a holiday in Chile, but with some of the best weather across the country. It’s still hot in Santiago, with average high temperatures of 30C, and the locals tend to flee to the beach, the Lake District and the countryside. It’s slightly cooler at the coast in eye-catching Valparaiso, where you can find a few breezes by the bright clifftop houses which have helped make the port city a UNESCO World Heritage.

If you love hiking, this is when to go to Chile’s southern region, Patagonia, with long days and pleasant weather, whether you’re looking for a more challenging hike or a more relaxed way to discover the dramatic landscape of Torres del Paine. Take a boat trip out to Chiloé to spot the Humboldt and Magellanic penguin colonies found here, spot whales, discover the southernmost continental city in the world at Punta Arenas, or see the icefields of the Carretera Austral, which can be one of the quieter areas during Patagonia’s high season.

This period is the best time to visit Chile if you’re hoping to see the whole country, with clear skies over the Atacama desert – ideal for stargazing. You’re also guaranteed to avoid the rain as you explore volcanoes, geysers and salt flats around San Pedro de Atacama, where it has been dry for over 400 years. February is perfect for a holiday in Chile’s Lake District as the horseflies start to vanish, and you could even combine it with a visit to Argentina.

It’s also one of the best months to discover Polynesian culture on Easter Island, with the island’s biggest festival this month and some great weather.

Festivals: Tapati Rapa Nui Festival, also known as Rapa Nui week, is the biggest cultural celebration on Easter Island, designed to celebrate the culture of the Rapa Nui and to teach these traditions to the next generation, featuring everything from sharing legends to body painting. Runs for the first two weeks of February.

The Carnavalon festival is Chile’s equivalent of Carnival, with indigenous traditions mixed in in the northern regions of the country, celebrating Mother Earth, Father Sun and the symbolic welcome to No Carnavalon, which represents fertility and fortune.

Best for: Seeing the whole country, hiking and wildlife in Patagonia, summer in Valparaiso, stargazing in the Atacama, road trip, Lake District

As shoulder season begins, it’s still a good time for a holiday in Chile – especially if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds. Patagonia is quieter and you can expect the weather to be rainier, but you’ll also find the first autumn colours appearing in the north of the region, along the Carretera Austral. The winds also drop, so if you’re happy to brave the cooler temperatures, with highs of around 11-13C, it’s still a good time for hikers in Torres del Paine – do go well prepared for more challenging treks as the weather can be unpredictable by this point of the year – or to visit Punta Arenas at the ‘end of the world’. And it’s the last chance to spot penguins on Chiloé before next spring.

Temperatures are dropping in Santiago de Chile as well, although you can still expect it to be hot at the start of the month and always pleasantly warm to explore the capital. If it gets too hot, head to the coast at vibrant Valparaiso, to take a funicular to its higgledy piggledy hilltop houses or head down to the seafront.

It’s one of the best months to explore the Lake District and the central winelands, as harvest time arrives across Chile with a series of festivals and the autumn leaves turn a riot of golds and reds. Further north in the Atacama desert, it’s still pleasantly warm to explore during the day though cooler at night, and you’ll have to share sights like the geysers at San Pedro de Atacama, and the salt flats, with few others.

March also signals the end of high season in Easter Island, with the crowds beginning to thin here as well.

Festivals: The grape harvesting festivals, or Vendimias, are well underway this month – some may begin in late February and you’ll find festivals across the winelands, but one of the oldest takes place in Curico, with a stomping competition, parade and ceremonial blessing.

The Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo, Chile’s biggest rodeo event, takes place this month (or early April) in Rancagua, with some of the country’s best riders competing.

Best for: Escaping the crowds, Santiago de Chile, the winelands

As autumn continues across Chile, the whole country starts to get quieter, with hotels closing for the season across Patagonia and rain becoming more likely. It’s still possible to visit Torres del Paine, although be prepared for temperatures around zero. Some of the longer and more challenging hikes like the W Trek may not be recommended this month. You will get to see some of the fabulous autumnal colours across the region though, along with some of the shyer wildlife such as puma, which avoids the crowds of summer.

The best places to visit in Chile in April are further north though. Now is when to go to Santiago de Chile, with pleasantly warm temperatures to sightsee here and in Valparaiso after the heat of summer, as well as a chance to explore the winelands as harvest continues this month – the valleys look spectacular this month too, with festivals in full swing.

The autumn colours begin to fade in the Lake District but you can start to see snow on the peaks, plus there’s some great hiking in the central regions this month before temperatures drop too far during the winter months. In the north, the Atacama desert stays dry and warm enough to explore during the day, including the geysers at San Pedro de Atacama. Be prepared to wrap up at night, especially if you’re planning to go stargazing.

Rainfall increases slightly this month in Easter Island, though it’s still a good time to explore without the crowds of summer.

Festivals: The grape harvesting festivals, or Vendimias, are at their peak this month – you’ll find festivals across the winelands from late February onwards, but one of the best this month is the Pirque Wine Festival, one of the last of the season and one of the biggest, with dancing, music and equestrian displays.

The Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo, Chile’s biggest rodeo event, takes place this month (or late March) in Rancagua, with some of the country’s best riders competing.

The Chile + Cultura festival takes place across the country this month, celebrating film-making, art, poetry, dance and music.

Best for: Santiago, grape harvest in the winelands, Lake District, puma in Torres del Paine

Winter is on the horizon, so you can expect temperatures to drop across the country. It’s still warm in Santiago with little rain over the capital this month, so it’s a good time to explore the city if you’d prefer sightseeing when it’s quiet and not too hot. Valparaiso has similar temperatures with highs of around 18-19C, and plenty of vibrant architecture to brighten up any grey days.

The days are shorter in the Atacama Desert and while it’s warm at lunchtime, it’s usually only a few degrees above zero during the night, so desert camping and stargazing becomes a much colder experience. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the driest places on earth, so if you’re looking for some guaranteed rain-free days, this is the place to go.

In the south, there’s a higher chance of rain and some seriously chilly weather in Patagonia – while it’s not impossible to visit this month, many areas are inaccessible, it’s wetter and windier, with temperatures dropping to zero and some snowfall this month.

It’s also wet in the Central Valley, so not a particularly tempting time of year to visit the winelands or the Lake District, and the wettest month of the year in Easter Island too.

Festivals: May 1 is a national holiday for Labour Day, with many places closing for the celebrations, including colourful parades as workers take to the streets.

On May 31, Chileans celebrate Naval Glories Day, marking the victory at the naval battle of Iquique during the 19th century War of the Pacific, with flowers decorating public buildings and more parades. Some of the biggest celebrations are in Valparaiso and Santiago, as well as Iquique itself.

Best for: Exploring the cities, dry days in the Atacama desert

Winter arrives in June, so it’s not a great time for a holiday in Chile this month unless you’re planning winter sports, or to explore the north with fewer tourists. Keen skiers can enjoy some of the best-looking slopes in South America, and it’s easy to combine the pistes with time in Santiago and Valparaiso.

The full ski season is only beginning so it’s also less busy this month than later in the winter, which means fewer people blocking your views of the Andes as you swish down the slopes although early winter storms mean you may find better conditions later in the month.

Mountain passes in the Carretera Austral may be blocked this month, so don’t plan to head up into the peaks here, and many hotels are closed for the season in Patagonia, where gale force winds and low temperatures make trekking harder and less enticing for all but wannabe Arctic explorers.

If you’re looking for winter adventure, head north instead to the Atacama desert to explore the salt flats and canyons. There’s less daylight but it remains warmer during the daytime, although temperatures often drop below freezing and there’s even a chance of rain, with wildflowers bursting into unexpected life thanks to the rare water.

It’s cool in the Lake District too, but the Swiss-German architecture of the villages seems made for winter, with some snow falling on the volcanic peaks this month. And there’s a chance to celebrate the winter solstice on Easter Island, with temperatures peaking in the low 20s for a taste of Polynesian winter.

Festivals: For the indigenous people of Chile, New Year begins with the winter solstice on June 24, marked in various locations across the country by the Aymara, Quechua, Mapuche and Rapa Nui (on Easter Island). The festival is called We Tripantu by the Mapuche, which is the best-known celebration, taking place in Santiago as well as southern Chile.

Around the middle of June, the Festival de la Lluvia, or rain festival, takes place in Puerto Varas, with contests, music and thousands of umbrellas filling the streets.

Best for: Skiing, festivals

July is a skier’s dream, with plenty of snow across the ski resorts this month. You can expect it to be busy, but it’s hard to beat the slopes near Santiago with their views to the Andes, and a chance to combine the pistes with the capital and Valparaiso at the coast.

There’s more chance of snow on the peaks in the Lake District too, where the ski season is also underway and the spectacular blue-green lakes shimmer on clear days. The Alpine scenery of the villages (courtesy of German and Swiss immigrants long ago) really comes into its own in midwinter as well.

If you’re craving warmth, you can still expect temperatures around 20C in the Atacama desert during the day, but also short days and freezing nights as well as wind whipping up the sand. It’s not unknown for snow to fall in the desert in July, unless you’re headed to San Pedro de Atacama, renowned for being among the driest places on earth.

It’s not a great time for a holiday in Chile if you’re planning to visit Patagonia, drive the Carretera Austral or hike in the Central Valleys, which are all either freezing or wet this month, although there are a string of festivals to brighten the darker days of midwinter.

Festivals: The Carnaval de Invierno, or Winter Carnival, takes place in Punta Arenas, the region’s most important festival of the year, with parades and fireworks, plus a competition to be named Carnival Queen.

You can also celebrate the Fiesta de la Nieve, or Snow Festival, in Puerto Williams, with a string of winter sports and activities along with concerts and the crowning of the festival queen.

Early July sees the National Day of the Cuequero, Chile’s national dance, with competitions held and various events showcasing the dance.

Best for: Skiing, festivals

As winter starts to come to an end, it’s the last weeks of the ski season, with quieter resorts as the snowfall starts to ease and school holidays end. Santiago and Valparaiso are both great options to combine with time on the slopes, or you can still enjoy skiing around the Lake District as well this month.

The rain is starting to ease in the south, although you can still expect snow in parts of southern Patagonia, while much of northern Patagonia is still impassable. If you do want to brave the cold in Torres del Paine, go prepared but you can expect to have it almost to yourself. The W Trek isn’t usually an option this month.

It’s still as dry as ever in the Atacama desert, with temperatures below zero at night, but warmer days to explore. The midwinter winds have usually dropped, and it can be a fantastic time for stargazing and photography as long as you wrap up warm.

Festivals: The Assumption of the Virgin is celebrated with a holiday across Chile on August 15, marked by parades in larger cities and smaller festivals in rural communities.

Best for: Skiing, stargazing in the Atacama

Spring is showing its face in Chile this month, with temperatures beginning to warm up but still none of the crowds of peak season. Santiago sees highs of around 20C this month, which makes it a great time for a holiday in Chile’s capital, pleasantly warm enough to sightsee. Nearby Valparaiso is only slightly cooler, with mostly dry days to appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its vibrant architecture and hilltop views.

The Lake District is also pleasant to explore this month, cool enough to get out hiking, biking and scaling volcanoes, but warm enough to make the blue lakes glisten in the sunshine. There’s some snow left if you’d like to grab your toboggan after a morning spent soaking up the views and visiting the attractive Alpine-style villages.

If you fancy hiking in the Central Valley, the worst of the cold, wet weather is over here too, so it’s a good time to get out and explore before it’s too busy. Or enjoy some guaranteed dry weather in the Atacama desert, where you can hike in the canyons, explore the salt flats, and watch geysers erupt in the shadow of volcanoes – it’s still cool at night but not as freezing as the winter months. If you’re lucky, you can experience the Flowering Desert, especially near Copiapo, where the tiny amounts of rain spur the flowers into exuberant life.

Patagonia is slowly starting to open up again this month, although the area’s famously strong winds are also picking up, so it’s better to postpone your visit than battle the elements in September.

Festivals: The Fiestas Patrias take place this month on September 18 and 19, with national holidays marked across the country. On the first day, Independence Day, Chileans celebrate in ramadas, or temporary shelters with roofs made of branches, enjoying traditional food and drinks. The second day marks the commemoration of the First Assembly of the Government, with a parade in Santiago, bareback horse races, rodeos and kite-flying for children, plus some quirky competitions like contests to climb greased poles.

Best for: Santiago without the crowds, Lake District, Atacama, festivals

Spring has sprung across north and central Chile, with flowers blooming in the Lake District this month – expect spring showers to accompany the blossom, although the rain is lighter than September. The rivers are in full spate and there’s still snow on the highest peaks, so you can enjoy some fabulous scenery too, and even combine it with a visit to Argentina.

It’s warm and dry in the capital Santiago, making October a perfect time for a holiday in Chile if you’re looking to do some sightseeing, as well as exploring nearby Valparaiso and hiking in the Central Valley. Spot flowers in the Atacama desert too this month, after the small amounts of winter rain, or explore the sights without the crowds – everything from geysers to volcanoes, canyons, salt flats and lunar landscapes.

Patagonia is open once more too, and October is the best time to visit Chile if you’d like to hike here before it’s too busy. Days can be mild, which is ideal if you’re trekking through the region’s dramatic, wild landscapes, although be prepared for colder weather in the mornings and evenings, and some unsettled days. It’s cooler the further south you go, so plan to wrap up warmer if you’re heading to Punta Arenas rather than Torres del Paine, while the famous W Trek has reopened this month too.

The first penguins are starting to return to Chiloé to breed this month as well, while it’s a great time to see Southern Right whales. The Carretera Austral is open to drive once more now the snows of winter have melted, so you can discover one of the world’s most memorable road trips as you journey along the route.

It’s also one of the driest months of the year in Easter Island, with pleasant temperatures to explore this small Polynesian territory.

Festivals: On October 12, Columbus Day in Chile has a different focus – known as the Day of the Meeting of Two Worlds, or the Day of Cultures, it features cultural activities highlighting the diversity of Chilean culture from over the centuries.

And you can also enjoy Oktoberfest in several parts of Chile with a large German immigrant population, including Fiesta de la Cerveza in Malloco, just outside Santiago, and in Puerto Varas.

Best for: Spring flowers, hiking, exploring without the crowds, wildlife spotting in Patagonia

Summer starts to arrive back in the southern hemisphere this month, with visitors beginning to return with the great weather. You can still avoid the busiest months of peak season if you visit in November, so it’s one of the best times to visit Chile if you want to explore the whole country.

In the south, Patagonia is warmer if windier, making it a good time to head out trekking around Torres del Paine, including some of the more challenging hikes like the W Trek. More penguins are coming to Chiloé too, one of the few places worldwide where you can spot Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, while you can spot the birds off southerly Punta Arenas as well.

For some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, head out to drive the Carretera Austral, or for gentler but no less breath-taking hikes and landscapes, the Lake District is also beautiful this month and you’ll avoid the bigger summer swarms of horseflies too. Discover some of the less-visited areas of the Lake District, or combine it with a visit to Argentina.

Further north, the vineyards of the Central Valley are just as tempting. Pleasant sunny days make it a lovely time to explore the countryside, as well as visiting a few of the area’s vineyards to see the grapes ripening in the warmth. It’s easy to combine with a visit to Santiago, where it’s dry and pleasantly warm at around 26C, and Valparaiso, where it’s slightly cooler, but where the colourful UNESCO World Heritage architecture lights up in the sunshine.

Head to the beaches to soak up the summer sun, or keep travelling north to the Atacama desert, where it’s as dry and warm as ever, but where night-time temperatures are also beginning to rise. Discover San Pedro de Atacama, one of the driest places on earth, or see geysers, volcanoes and canyons. Easter Island is still quiet, with warm days and low humidity this month too.

Festivals: All Saints Day is celebrated on November 1, with families adorning graveyards with bright flowers to remember those they have lost.

Best for: Great weather to explore, wildlife spotting, hiking and trekking, exploring the whole country

It’s one of the busiest times of year to visit Chile, with locals taking their holidays and escaping the heat of Santiago for the beach, coast and countryside so the earlier you go this month, the better. But there’s a good reason this is peak season, with some of the year’s best weather, whether you’re exploring at the southern tip of Punta Arenas, the northern Atacama Desert or isolated Easter Island, as well as pretty much anywhere in between.

Patagonia is at its best and busiest, with the longest day of the year this month and warm weather, although the summer winds are also getting stronger. Spot penguins off Punta Arenas and the island of Chiloé, where you get the rare sight of both Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, plus it’s also peak season for whale-watching. Pull on your hiking boots to explore around Torres del Paine, including the famous W Trek, or escape the worst of the crowds by setting out along the Carretera Austral.

It’s also one of the best months to explore the Lake District and the wine valleys, where the sun is shining and the vines are heavy with grapes. Take a trip over to Argentina, or enjoy some of the activities to be found in the Lake District, including rafting and biking in the shadow of the volcanoes.

Santiago is hot this month, with temperatures rising to around 29C, so it’s tempting to follow the locals’ example and head to the coast around Valparaiso to enjoy the colourful buildings and take the funiculars up the hills to soak up the views and a few sea breezes.

And there’s an unexpected sight if you head to the Atacama this month, where the coast is a hub for whale watching from now until February. The hamlet of Chañaral de Aceituno is one of the main locations with boat trips taking you to see Blue, Fin, Humpback and Minke whales, along with orca and dolphins – it’s warm enough for people to take a dip along the coast too. In the desert itself, it’s hot and sunny with pleasantly warm temperatures at night, clear skies for stargazing, while you can often spot flocks of flamingos on the salt flats.

Festivals: Find Christmas markets and plenty of celebrations in the lead-up to December 25, especially in Santiago. But there’s also an unusual festival a little way north of the capital in Andacollo between December 24 and 26. The Fiesta de La Virgen de Andacollo celebrates the ‘copper queen’ and the importance of the metal, with dances and ceremonies, whose origins are Quechua.

End the year with some spectacular parties on New Year’s Eve, especially the fireworks display at Valparaiso

Best for: Great weather, exploring the whole country, whale-watching, trekking and hiking