Best time to visit Chile
Weather and climate
A thin sliver of land sandwiched between neighbouring Argentina and the South Pacific, Chile is a country which spans a range of latitudes and climates and is home to vast dry deserts, rolling vineyards, aqua lakes and icy glaciers.
You can head to the north and Easter Island any time of year, whereas central Chile (including Santiago) has the opposite seasons to us here in the UK. Patagonia, in the far south, is best visited between October and March but is prone to changing weather conditions. Check out our climate tips below to find out the best time to explore the different regions of Chile.
North Chile & Easter Island
In the north of Chile lies the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. You can explore this part of the country all-year-round. A five-hour flight off the Chilean coastline lies the remote Easter Island, one of the few places in Chile where you’ll find the combination of sun, sea, sand and palm trees. Though the biggest draw for travellers here are the mysterious moai statues that scatter along the coastline. Easter Island enjoys a humid, subtropical maritime climate and you can head here any time of year.
Santiago & Central Chile
Famous for its abundance of verdant rolling vineyards, central Chile boasts a balmy Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool wet winters. Valparaiso is located right in the heart of this central region and can be visited any time of year, though the Spring and Autumn shoulder seasons (late September- November and March-May) are particularly good months to visit.
The South & Patagonia
The best time to visit Patagonia and the southernmost region of Chile is November to early March (summer). During this time, the conditions are ideal for exploring places such as Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego. Although you should bear in mind that because this is a popular time, this region is also likely to be more crowded. If you want to visit the southern region during your Chile trip, we’d advise against travelling there between the months of June to September when freezing cold temperature make travelling around more tricky.
