Visiting Chile in August

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.

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