Best Time to Visit Chile: Seasonal Travel Guide

Chile's seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere: Winter: June to August; Spring: September to November; Summer: December to February; Autumn (Fall): March to May.
These travel seasons are essential to consider for planning a tour to Chile.
While the Southern Hemisphere experiences four distinct seasons, the transition isn't as dramatic as in Europe or North America. You'll notice the change most vividly in cities, where leaves fall from non-native trees (European and Asian varieties) planted over the last five centuries. Keep in mind that proximity to southern latitudes means daylight hours vary significantly; winter days, even in the country's center, are about four hours shorter than in summer, which can be especially relevant when planning travel to Chile.

Choosing Your Ideal Travel Window:

The best time to visit Chile depends entirely on your trip's purpose. The high season in Chile runs from December to March, with a significant peak in February. This is the summer vacation period for Chileans, most of whom travel domestically.

Antarctic Expeditions & Activities:

Summer is essential for cruises to the South Pole or Antarctica, mountain climbing, multi-day hikes, and wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing:

From December to March, you can see penguins, whales, and other rare migrating animals — making this one of the best times to visit Chile for wildlife.

Wind Sports:

Conditions are ideal from September to April for wind-related sports like kite surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding, with reliable winds throughout the day.

Easter Island Sunrises:

To capture the incredible sunrise at the moai ceremonial platform Ahu Tongariki, plan your trip between December 21 and March 21. The dry season on Easter Island runs from October to March, which is also the best time to visit Easter Island for consistently good weather.

Off-Season (Shoulder Months: March–April or September–November) If you prefer to explore tourist cities and semi-deserted nature reserves without high-mountain climbing or Antarctic travel, the Chilean off-season is perfect. For a wildlife focus, target March over April and November over October. The Chilean low tourist season conveniently aligns with the high, dry season in neighboring Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley).
This makes May to September ideal for combining a tour of the best of both countries, especially if you're planning a Chile and Peru itinerary. Check out our Chile tours

Winter Season (June to August): If you love skiing, plan your tour to Chile in this period For visitors booking Chile private tours or tours from Santiago, the closest and most popular ski area is Farellones, located just an hour from the capital and easily accessible during the winter season.

A note of caution:

If your time is limited, avoid strict plans around ski resorts on volcanic slopes, as areas may close for safety during unpredictable periods of volcanic activity. Conversely, this feature is an attraction for photography enthusiasts seeking sensational nature shots.

Navigating Chile's Diverse Climates. Since you can encounter almost all the world's climate zones in Chile, you must pack based on the season, region, and altitude you plan to visit. High altitudes (especially above 3,000 meters) are always significantly colder — essential knowledge when planning a multi-region tour in Chile.

The climate in Central Chile, including Santiago, is considered Mediterranean.

Summer:

Mid-Oct to Early May +25°C to +40°C. Dry, low humidity (down to 15–30%). Day/night difference can reach 15–20°C due to the Andes. Rain is sporadic. Light, summery clothing for the day. Bring a shawl or light jacket for the early morning/late evening. This is considered the best time to visit Santiago for city tours and day trips.

Winter:

June to August, Overcast: +4°C to +10°C. Sunny: Up to +18°C to +22°C. Cold nights (down to 0°C, rarely –2°C). Drizzle is typical, not heavy rain: a light coat, a waterproof autumn jacket, or a thick wool cardigan. Complement with a light scarf/shawl and a thin or felt hat. Down jackets are unnecessary unless you're going to nearby ski resorts.
These seasonal conditions are important to keep in mind when booking a tour or planning a trip in Chile.

The Atacama Desert is a great place to visit year-round and one of the most iconic destinations for Atacama Desert tours. Summer, which runs from December to February, is the busiest season for tourists. Visitors can expect warm, sunny days and cool nights in the desert, making it perfect for exploring the valleys, salt flats, geysers, and high-altitude lagoons, as well as joining Atacama stargazing tours.
Sometimes, a weather event known as the "Altiplanic winter" can bring brief showers or afternoon storms to the higher Andes and the Altiplano during these months. While these storms may affect some high-altitude excursions for a short time, they usually do not ruin an entire trip. In many years, there is little to no rainfall.
The shoulder months, from March to May and September to November, provide pleasant daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and stable conditions with fewer visitors. This period is often seen as the best time to visit Atacama for comfort and quieter travel. Winter runs from June to August and brings colder nights that can drop below freezing, especially at higher altitudes. However, days are usually clear and sunny, which makes this an excellent time for outdoor activities and stargazing.
Be sure to pack layers to account for significant temperature differences between day and night, a windproof jacket for high-altitude tours, and reliable sun protection year-round.

Easter Island is a year-round destination, boasting a mild subtropical climate with stable temperatures of around 26 to 28°C In summer (December to March), and 19 to 24°C for the rest of the year. Summer is the high season, offering the driest weather, warm ocean water, and plenty of sunshine, especially in January and February — ideal for Easter Island tour and beach activities. The wetter period runs from May to August, but rain usually falls in short bursts that rarely disrupt daily activities. The shoulder months (April to June and October to December) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors.
The dry season typically lasts from October to March. The wetter months bring more clouds and the occasional shower, but there are still many clear spells. For sunrise photography at Ahu Tongariki, the best time is between December 21 and March 21, when the sun rises directly behind the moai — the classic Easter Island sunrise experience. No matter the season, travellers should be prepared for strong sunshine, wind, and sudden weather changes. It is wise to bring layers, sun protection, and a light waterproof jacket.

Chilean Patagonia, centred on Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, and Torres del Paine National Park, is a classic adventure destination in southern Chile and one of the top regions for Patagonia trekking.
The primary travel season is from October to April. During this time, most hotels, refugios, and services are open, and the trails are fully accessible.

Summer runs from December to February

Brings the warmest temperatures along with the longest days. You can expect up to 16 to 18 hours of daylight during the peak of summer. This weather is perfect for all-day hikes and scenic drives. Daytime highs in Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales reach around 15 to 18 °C (59 to 64 °F). Nights are cooler, and the winds can be powerful, especially in January and February — a signature of the Patagonia travel season.
Summer is also the busiest time for popular routes such as the W Trek and O Circuit. For this reason, it is essential to book accommodation and park permits well in advance, especially if you want to complete Torres del Paine trekking routes.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to April)

Are often the best times for many travelers to visit Patagonia, offering fewer crowds and more stable weather. Spring starts cool and can feel wintry in September and early October. You may see snow on the mountains and experience changeable weather. Night-time temperatures usually range from 3 to 7°C (37 to 45°F), while daytime highs reach 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F). These conditions come with blooming wildflowers and great wildlife spotting.
Autumn offers more stable weather, stunning autumn colours, and slightly calmer winds — perfect for photography and day hikes.

From June to August (winter)

Many places close down. Daylight hours are short, and the weather can be harsh. Snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures, and strong winds mean that a guided trip and flexible plans are usually required for a visit to Torres del Paine in winter, making winter travel suitable primarily for guided Patagonia tours.