As a traveler who’s been to Chile many times, I often get asked “when is the best time to visit?” It’s an important question because Chile’s diverse landscapes and climates mean there’s no perfect time that suits everyone. The ideal Chile travel dates really come down to your specific interests and priorities.
In this guide, I’ll break down the different seasons in Chile so you can figure out the best time for your trip. I’ll also share some tips on when to visit different regions within the country. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of the pros and cons of traveling to Chile at different times of the year.
High Season (December to February)
The summer months are December, January, and February. These are considered the high season in Chile. This is the peak of summer, with warm, dry weather across most of the country. It’s a popular time for beachgoers to hit the northern Chilean coast, while adventurers flock to Patagonia to hike the trails.
What to Expect:
- Crowds & Costs: The downside of high season is definitely that it also means the biggest crowds and highest prices. Popular destinations like Torres del Paine and Easter Island will be packed with other tourists, and accommodation and flights tend to be more expensive. Also Chilean students are out of school and university and many Chileans take holidays to enjoy the summer.
- Weather: If you love warm, sunny days and long daylight hours, you’ll love summer in Chile. Temperatures vary by region, but expect 20-30°C (68-86°F) in central Chile and slightly cooler weather in Patagonia.
- Recommendation: If you want to visit touristic places, but are not a fan of big crowds, summer might be a difficult time for you. If you visit the big cities like Santiago or Valparaiso, its probably the best time to visit due to great events (for example the Festival de Viña) and parties. However, if your focus is more on the natural wonders of Chile, you may want to consider the shoulder seasons when you can enjoy the scenery with fewer tourists around.
Overall, high season is a great time to visit Chile, but be prepared for inflated prices and larger crowds, especially at the top attractions. It’s worth it if you don’t mind the crowds, but the middle seasons (Chilean autumn and spring) can offer a better balance for many travelers.
Middle Season (March to May, September to November)
The shoulder seasons of autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) can be an excellent compromise between crowds, prices, and weather. You’ll typically find fewer tourists, far cheaper accommodation, and moderate temperatures across most of the country.
What to Expect:
- Crowds & Costs: The shoulder seasons tend to be honestly much less crowded than peak summer. You’ll find fewer tourists at top attractions, and accommodation and flights are generally more affordable. It’s an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers who want to avoid the high prices and crowds of the high season, especially to touristic destinations (for instance San Pedro de Atacama, Torres del Paine, Pucon, etc).
- Weather: Spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) bring mild, moderate temperatures across most of Chile. Daytime highs are comfortable, usually in the 15-25°C (59-77°F) range. The weather is pleasant enough for outdoor activities like hiking, without the intense heat or cold of the high and low seasons.
- Recommendation: For me, the middle seasons are ideal for hiking, exploring Touristic destinations, and visiting wineries without having to battle massive tour groups. The weather is also pleasant enough for outdoor activities, though you’ll want to pack layers since it can still be a bit colder, especially in the mountains.
Overall I believe these times are best to travel to touristic destinations. The prices for flights and hotels are substantially cheaper as many Chileans are back at work, uni or school. Also a big plus in case you travel in September, that you can experience the Chilean national celebrations “Dieciocho” from 17th until 22nd September. A big recommendation if you want to experience the “party side” of Chilean culture!
Low Season (June to August)
Chile’s winter months of June, July, and August make up the low season for tourism. This is the coldest time of year, especially in the southern Patagonia region. You’ll encounter fewer crowds and lower prices, but weather can be a mixed bag.
What to Expect:
- Crowds & Costs: Chile’s low season from June to August is the winter months, which means significantly fewer tourists. Popular attractions and accommodation will be much less crowded, and you’ll find some of the year’s best deals on flights and hotels.
- Weather: Winter in Chile brings cold temperatures, especially in the south. Daytime highs in Patagonia can be just 5-10°C (41-50°F), with the possibility of snow. Northern regions like the Atacama Desert have milder winters, but you’ll still want to pack warm layers.
- Recommendation: The upside of visiting in the low season is that you’ll pretty much have outdoor attractions and accommodations to yourself. It’s an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers and ski lovers. Just keep in mind that some attractions may have reduced hours or even be closed entirely during the winter.
I must say this time is not my favorite time to travel to Chile, as I am enthusiastic about the outgoing culture of the Chileans. The vibrant city life, asados and the sun. If you are into dancing culture, concerts or going out in the city, summer or the middle seasons are better. If you search to a lonesome adventure in the winter landscape of Chilean nature, this season can be great for you, though.
When to Visit Specific Regions
While the seasons provide a general guideline, the “best” time to visit Chile also varies quite a bit by region. Here’s a quick overview:
- Northern Chile (Atacama Desert): March to November for mild, dry weather
- Central Chile (Santiago, Valparaiso): try to avoid the winter months June to August.
- Southern Chile (Patagonia): October to April for the mildest weather and fewer crowds
- Easter Island: Year-round, but summer (December to February) is the busiest season
Ultimately, the ideal time to visit Chile comes down to your personal travel style and what you hope to experience. If you’re flexible on dates, the middle seasons are usually the best time for traveling considering all. But if you have your heart set on a particular region or activity, it’s worth doing some research to find the best time.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to share my Chile travel insights.