Best Time to Visit Chile

The best time to visit Chile depends on the region you are visiting. The best time to go to Patagonia, Chile, is between October and March. These months are warm and accessible since it is the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere.

However, if you are keen to visit Santiago and the Atacama Desert, you can plan any time of the year, though December to February (summer months) draw the maximum crowd. Similarly, the best time to visit Chile and Easter Island is any time of the year you may wish. For Skiers, visiting the mountains around Santiago between June and August is the best time.

April is also a wonderful and appealing time to visit Chile as the autumn displays an unimaginably beautiful side of the country. You may also consider November to March as the best time to visit Chile and Argentina.

Though Chile is a year-round destination due to the variety of seasons and plenty of places, the tourist season can be divided into three broad categories.

-Peak Season in Chile

The most popular or peak season to visit Chile is during its summer months (December to February). During this time, the season in Chile turns extremely pleasant and attractive. You can enjoy basking in the warmth of the sun and soaking in the beauty of the picturesque evenings. During this season, tourists with varying interests can have a fun time as the weather is favourable for sightseeing, trekking, visiting the beaches and much more.

However, the peak season also sees a lot of crowds at popular tourist attractions, and airfare and hotel accommodations also become expensive.

-Shoulder Season in Chile

The shoulder season, which falls between September to November and March to May is the best time to travel to Chile, if you are a budget traveller. It is a wonderful time to visit Santiago as the weather is moderate and comfortable. The Lakes District is a sight to behold as it unleashes the fall colours.

You can enjoy the grape harvest and wine festivals that take place in March. The months of October and November are the best time to visit Chile and Argentina as the tourist crowd descends and the weather turns moderate.

-Low Season in Chile

June to August is the low season in Chile, as most of the country turns cold and is covered in snow. However, this season is also the best time to engage in some adventurous snow sports at some of the top mountains in South America. However, one must bear in mind that many resorts and places may be closed due to extreme weather conditions.

During the winter season, there are very few tourists in Chile, making it the cheapest time to visit Chile. Though the southern part is covered under winter, the northern part, which consists of the Atacama desert, is a fantastic place to visit.

-January in Chile

January is among the summer months and the peak season in Chile. It is the best month to visit Chile as the weather is enjoyable and many annual celebrations begin consisting of live music and fireworks. The Central and northern stretches of Chile experience warm summertime, making them an ideal place for tourism.

Average Temperature: 23°C-27°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Visit Patagonia to enjoy the sunlight hours.

• Visit the Torres del Paine National Park.

• Head to the Lake District.

• Visit the towns such as Puerto Varas

Things to Experience:

• Indulge in day hikes, treks and glacier boat tours in Patagonia.

• Adventure activities in Lake District.

• Dining options and cultural activities in Santiago and Valparaiso.

• Love Parade, Feast Day and Semanas Musicales are some of the festivals to attend.

-February in Chile

• February is the mid-summer season in Chile, with long days and high temperatures. This month, Chileans flock to the lakes and beaches in Patagonia and the Easter Islands to enjoy a vacation. Visiting Chile this month lets you witness the gorgeous scenery and solid weather for tourism.

• As it is the peak season, there is a surge in airfare and hotel rates. Hence, you must make an early booking if you plan to visit Chile in February.

Average Temperature: 17°C to 27°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Visit Easter Island for cultural festivals.

• Travel to Chiloe Island.

• Cole Cole Beach.

• Go to the coastal city of Valparaiso.

• Elqui Valley for its vineyards, towns and astronomical observations.

Things to Experience:

• Indulge in outdoor activities such as multi-day treks, wildlife tours, etc. in Patagonia.

• White water rafting, skydiving, and horseback riding in Lake District.

• Enjoy the nightlife and beaches in Vina del Mar.

• Go to the sand dunes, geysers and sauna baths in the Atacama Desert.

-Chile in March

The crowds start to disappear as fall sets in, and summer bids goodbye during March. It is the best time of the year to visit Chile if you want to witness the onset of the beautiful fall season, with colour-changing leaves and scenery gradually changing appearance.

The temperatures drop, and so does the cost of accommodation and flights. However, the season varies in different parts of Chile due to its long length.

Average Temperature: 16°C to 27°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Patagonia and the Andes are great places to visit.

• Torres del Paine National Park.

• Day trip to Atacama desert.

• Chiloe Island

• Santiago for its beaches.

Things to Experience:

• Popular music festival Lollapalooza Chile.

• Lake District for adventurous activities.

• Elqui Valley’s villages for culture and wellness activities.

• Vina del Mar town for relaxation.

• Valparaiso and Santiago consist of street art, restaurants, etc.

-Chile in April

April is the month of witnessing Chile in a different colour range. Bright reds and yellows light up many parts of the country. It is the shoulder season in Chile with different regions experiencing different climates.

Since this is the off-season, you can enjoy the tourist places peacefully without the crowds and high temperatures.

Average Temperature: 12°C to 26°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Northern Patagonia

• Laguna San Rafael National Park

• San Pedro de Atacama

• Santiago and Valparaiso

Things to Experience:

• Outdoor activities and sightseeing.

• Atacama Desert tour for stargazing and driving.

• Torres del Paine National Park to spot wildlife.

• Walking tours in Santiago.

• Colchagua for vineyards.

• Attend the Semana Easter and Fiesta de Cuasimodo festivals.

-Chile in May

Summers are gone and winters are yet to come; hence, May is the perfect time to bask in the foliage and enjoy the outdoor activities in Chile. The weather is fresh and cool, with fewer crowds and the advantage of off-season pricing.

You can comfortably explore the outdoors and indulge in various activities to have a rich experience of the country.

Average Temperature: 7°C to 24°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Puccoon

• Chiloe Island

• Santiago

• Valparaiso

• Wine valleys such as Aconcagua, Maipo and Casablanca.

• Elqui Valley

Things to Experience:

• The Atacama Desert for starry skies and astronomical tours.

• San Pedro De Atacama for Tatio geysers.

• Valley of Moon and Valley of Death for Chilean wine.

Colchagua Valley for Pre-Columbian Art and colonial architecture.

-Chile in June

June is the beginning of the winter season in Chile. Many regions experience extreme cold temperatures, which leads to the closure of tourist attractions and roads. However, skiers and adventure lovers can make the most from snow sports and get the adrenaline rush.

It is also a great time to visit the wine valleys just after the wine harvesting. If you wish to visit Chile in June, you may visit the north side as it experiences less cold.

Average Temperature: 3°C to 22°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Atacama Desert

• San Pedro

• Salar de Uyuni

• Torres Del Paine National Park

• valparaiso

Things to Experience:

• Enjoy hiking and outdoor activities in the Atacama Desert.

• Easter Island for World Heritage Site.

• Barrio Lastarria for dining, street food, street vendors, electric architecture, etc.

• La Moneda Palace for sightseeing.

• Avenida Vitacura for shopping.

Also Read: Chile Travel Insurance

-Chile in July

July marks the mid of winter season in Chile with varying temperatures in different places. This is also the low season here, making it the best time to visit Chile without the crowds. Snow lovers are in for a visual treat as the mountains and surrounding places are covered in white luminous snow.

Besides, one can also indulge in snow sports for an adventurous experience. At this time, you can visit Chile and take advantage of low hotel charges and affordable aeroplane fares.

Average Temperature: 1°C to 22°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Central Andes

• Lake District

• Northern Argentina

• Santiago

• Elqui Valley

Things to Experience:

• City museums and neighbourhood in Santiago

• Wine valleys

• Valle Nevado for snowboarding, heli-skiing

• Easter Island for scuba diving

• Fiesta de la Nieve festival

-Chile in August

As the country sees the winter season coming to an end, it is an ideal time to visit the tourist attractions with lesser crowds and stunning views of the snow, lush valleys and vineyards.

Average Temperature: 4°C to 14°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Cerro Santa Lucia

• Museum of Memory and Human Rights.

• Torres del Paine National Park

• Ski Resorts

Things to Experience:

• Termas de Chillan for mountain-style hotel snow activities.

• Driving along Carretera Austral highway.

• Arica city to enjoy beaches and Lluta and Azapa valleys.

• Atacama Desert for stargazing.

Colchagua for vine

-Chile in September

The month of September is the onset of early spring (shoulder season)in Chile, with warm sunny days smiling at you. The northern and central parts of the country see stunning wildflowers. The day temperatures are high, coupled with chilly evenings. It is best to carry warm clothes while travelling at this time of the year.

Average Temperature: 14°C to 18°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Santiago

• Casablanca Valley

• Atacama Desert

• Torres del Paine

• The Lake District

Things to Experience:

• Arica and Iquique for surfing

• Elqui Valley for health and wellness treatments, stargazing, etc.

• Army Day Parade

• Independence day celebration

• Santa Cruz for Colchagua Museum

• Snorkelling at Vina Del Mar

• San Pedro de Atacama for desert safari

-Chile in October

October turns Chile into a gorgeous-looking place as it enters full spring mode. It is a wonderful time to see the blooming flowers and admire their beauty. It is the best month to visit Chile to enjoy the spring-like weather without crowds.

Since the tourist footfall is still low, it is a great time to enjoy low hotel rates, shorter queues at attractions, etc.

Average Temperature: 13°C to 20°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Atacama Desert

• Easter Island

• Lake District

• Torres del Paine National Park

• Santiago

Things to Experience:

• Take a bus tour to see the serene landscapes.

• OktoberFest in the Lake District.

• Day hikes in the Andes mountain range.

• Cerro San Cristobal for panoramic views and a peaceful chapel.

• Sky Costanera offers a 360-degree view of the city and Andes.

• Lake District for adventure sports.

-Chile in November

It is an excellent spring month in Chile, which makes it an ideal time to witness the wildflowers, towering peaks and rivers. The weather is pleasant and becomes drier as one moves northwards.

At this time, you can escape the crowds and enjoy the moderate cost of hotels. You can also witness festivals in Chile, such as the Festival of Foreign Colonies, Feria Internacional de Artesania, etc.

Average Temperature: 9°C to 22°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Coastal towns and deserts in the North

• Patagonia

• Barrio Lastarria

• Atacama Desert

• San Pedro de Atacama

• Torres del Paine

Things to Experience:

• Hiking in Torres del Paine.

• Stargazing at Atacama Desert.

• Chiloe for wooden churches and lust forests.

• Pacific coasts like Pichilemu, Cobquecura, Arica, for surfing.

• Road trip along the Carretera Austral (drivers and cyclists).

-Chile in December

Chile delightfully transitions from spring with a warmer temperature in December. However, the temperature varies from region to region. It is the most ideal time to engage in outdoor activities and spot the local wildlife in their natural habitat.

December is also a highlight month filled with festivals such as Christmas, New Year, and many more.

Average Temperature: 8°C to 25°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Patagonia

• Lake District

• Patagonia National Park

• Chiloe National Park

• Tierra del Fuego

Things to Experience:

• Adrenaline sports in Lake Districts.

• Wellness activities in Elqui Valley.

• Multi-day trek (W circuit) in Torres del Paine.

• Zapata Valley for hills and canyons.

• Southern Patagonia ice field.

• Bahia Inglesa beach for surfing, sailing, kayaking.

Visiting a foreign country for a vacation can be thrilling and challenging at the same time. Incidents can occur unexpectedly, leaving you stressed. Hence, a travel insurance plan is the best way to secure your peace of mind on a foreign trip.

Though travelling insurance is not mandatory to visit Chile, it is highly recommended to have one as it protects you from uncalled financial stress in faraway land. TATA AIG offers you comprehensive protection with its international travel insurance, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy your vacation.

Our plans start at ₹40.82 per day to ensure you do not have to strain your finances. Our insurance plan offers coverage in dollars for medical emergencies, accidents, luggage or passport loss, hijack cover, COVID-19 and much more.

Since medical services may be expensive in Chile, our plans ensure you receive the best medical attention under all circumstances.

Chile’s mesmerising beauty and diverse landscapes attract tourists from all over the world. Whether you love sightseeing, adventure sports, or wine, there is a reason for every type of traveller to visit Chile. The best time to visit Chile varies as per the traveller’s choice and preference.

If one loves summers and outdoor activities, then October to March is the perfect time. However, if snow sports are what one prefers, then visiting Chile during the winter season is the right time.

Before setting out on a vacation, one must gather all the necessary information about the climate and be adequately equipped to adapt to the requirements. Most of all, avail yourself of travel insurance from TATA AIG for a secure and peaceful trip!

What is the official language of Chile?

The people in Chile speak Spanish.

Which is the cheapest time to visit Chile?

The cheapest time to visit Chile is during the shoulder season, which falls between September and November and March and May. The tourist crowd is less; hence, the airfares and accommodation costs are also reasonably low.