When Is the Best Time to Visit Chile?
When Is the Best Time to Visit Chile?
Wondering what is the best time to go to Chile? Geographically vast and diverse, Chile is situated in South America where there are a number of different climates in action at any point in the year. That’s why there is no such thing as a bad or the best time to visit South America, as there is always a good place to go regardless of the season.
What is the climate of Chile? The seasons in Chile are the reverse to Europe with seven main climate pockets, ranging from Alpine grasslands in the south to deserts in the north. Although the weather is seasonal in many territories of the country, with summer months from December to February and winter months from June to August, the temperature ranges in the country are variable and difficult to pinpoint. Due to its long coastline, the weather in Chile is unpredictable. So it’s not easy to recommend the top time to go there. Actually, the best time to visit Chile depends on the region you’re traveling to and what you would like to do there.
Traveling to Chile: The Best Time to Visit Top Travel Destinations
Due to its remote location, the most reasonable way to travel to Chile from Europe and North America is by plane. The flights are rather expensive, but you can use a travel search engine to compare prices on different airlines, including the budget carriers, and if you are lucky, you can find the best deals.
In this Chili travel guide, we’ll discuss the best times to visit Chile by region and season and speak about the best places to go in Chile. Whether you want to know about the best time to travel to Patagonia or looking for information about the weather in Chile in March, keep reading.
The Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert in the north is the driest non-polar place on earth, and it is 50 times drier than Death Valley. But due to the high altitude, Atacama Desert weather is relatively cool compared to many other deserts, and it’s certainly more enjoyable to hike. It’s a truly year-round destination. November to mid-March offers the best Atacama Desert weather for sunbathing. With average temperatures around 27°C during the day and 16°C at night, the summer months offer unmatched opportunities for star-gazing.
The most popular destination in the region is San Pedro de Atacama. This small desert village with picturesque streets attracts lots of travelers despite high prices. The peak season runs from December to April. If you are looking for unusual and beautiful landscapes with alien-looking rock formations, visit this place off-peak for cheaper prices and fewer tourists. If you want a truly authentic experience, use Airbnb to book accommodation and enjoy your stay like a local. But if you tight-budget reality doesn’t allow you to afford far-away travel, you can Find Cheap Vacation Destinations US.
Patagonia
The best time of year to travel to Patagonia is summer months between December and the beginning of March, especially if you want to hike in the Torres del Paine National Park. It is one of the most popular of Chile’s travel destinations due to its breath-taking mountain landscapes and large glaciers. It spans nearly 900 square miles of Southern Chile. The park is home to more than 50 wild pumas, and if you are lucky, you can spot them.
If you are looking for cheaper experiences, the best time to visit Patagonia is spring (October and November) and autumn (April and May), although the weather is less dependable. Still, the park admission will be 50% cheaper during the shoulder season, and there will be fewer hikers. Keep in mind that due to strong, persistent winds and extreme weather conditions, some areas in Patagonia may become totally inaccessible, especially in winter and autumn months.
Santiago
Santiago is the largest city in Chile and the nation’s capital. With its historic charm, stunning landscapes, and delicious culinary choices, it’s a fantastic tourist destination. Santiago’s climate is Mediterranean, and there are four well-defined seasons.
Speaking about Santiago Chile temperatures and weather, the summers are warm and dry, and winters are cold and partly cloudy. The hottest month is Santiago is January with an average high temperature of 29.4°C, the coldest month is June, and the wettest is July.
The best time to visit Chile’s capital and the surrounding vineyards depends on what you are looking for. Winter months (June, July, and August) are best for skiing and snowboarding in the surrounding mountains. Spring and autumn shoulder seasons (September to November and March to May) offer plenty of sunshine, affordable flight options, and thinner crowds. They are ideal for budget travelers. The most pleasant time to visit Santiago is summer because locals leave the city, and hotel rates are low, as well as pollution levels.
The Lake District
This beautiful area with pale green lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and the virgin and ancient forest is perfect for adventure travelers. If you prefer trekking and rafting, the perfect time to go there is between October and March, and the high season is from October to January. Volcano slopes are perfect for hiking all year round, and if you like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, we recommend visiting this area from mid-June to mid-October.
Easter Island
This remote island in the Pacific Ocean has a lot of ancient sites and is home to more than 800 Moai Statues that were created between the 11 th and 14 th by the early Rapa Nui people. It’s the perfect place for hiking and biking. The best time to visit this place is February when local people celebrate the annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival and compete in different traditional challenges. The place attracts more than 20,000 tourists, so it’s best to book a hotel in advance, at least 5 months.
The island has its own humid subtropical temperatures. It can be visited all year round, and the high season is from December to March. But if you prefer hiking, the ideal time is from April to May and September to October.
Looking for More Chile Vacation Ideas?
Often described as the Switzerland of the south, Chile is a perfect travel destination. It is a real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, as it offers a wide variety of landscapes including volcanoes, fertile valleys and vineyards, deserts, beautiful lakes, sandy beaches, ancient forests, and massive glaciers and fjords. There are so many things to do in Chile in any season of the year, and that makes it an excellent place for your next vacation, adventure student travel, or an epic graduation trip. But if you have only a week or two to spare, why not look for Graduation Trip Ideas in the US?