Visiting Chile in July

January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December

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