Chile basks in an embarrassment of natural riches, from golden beaches to massive glaciers. Therefore, whether you’re here to visit volcanoes, wander through ancient forests, or simply take in the country’s magical vineyards and fjords, it pays to get your timings right.
High Season: November to February
Best time for visiting Chile
Patagonia is at its best from December to February, and the beaches throng with crowds from late December through January. This is the most expensive time to travel; however, the rewards are worth it.
Shoulder Season: September to November & March to May
Best time for budget travelers
Temperature-wise, these are the best times to visit Santiago. The Lakes District is pleasant from September to November, and April brings blazing colors of fall foliage in the south. Wine country boasts grape harvests and wine festivals in March.
Low Season: June to August
Best time for skiing
The best time for hitting the ski resorts is June to August when the snow is abundant. This is also a good time to visit the north when the number of tourists diminishes. However, be aware that there are few services on the Carretera Austral, particularly as mountain passes can be blocked by snow.
Note that transportation and accommodations are busy in July.
Monthly Travel Insights for Chile
Here’s a monthly guide to what you can expect throughout the year in Chile. All events are subject to change:
January
It’s summer peak season, and Chileans start flocking to beaches. Annual celebrations spring up in every Chilean town and city with live music, special feasts, and fireworks. It is also high season in Patagonia.
Key events: Santiago a Mil; Semanas Musicales; Brotes de Chile; Muestra Cultural Mapuche; Ruta del Huemul.
February
February is favored by Chileans for vacationing. With unrelenting heat from the north to Santiago, people head south, particularly to Pucón and the Lakes District. Beaches fill, and Santiago’s nightlife moves to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso.
Key events: Fiesta de la Candelaria; Festival Internacional de la Canción; Carnaval; Tapati Rapa Nui; Festival Costumbrista; Carnaval Ginga.
March
A great month for travel in Chile. As fall moves in, summer crowds disperse. Although temperatures cool down, Southern Patagonia remains dry and less windy, perfect for hiking, and the Central Valley’s grape harvest begins.
Key events: Lollapalooza Chile; Fiesta de la Vendimia.
April
Bright reds and yellows highlight the forests of Northern Patagonia, though rain may arrive at any time. The south is clearing out, but you might enjoy decent hiking weather. Santiago and the central valley still experience pleasant temperatures.
Key events: Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo.
May
The cusp of winter brings some rain across the north and slightly lowered temperatures.
June
Winter begins. With the shortest days of the year, nightlife and cultural events pick up. The world-class ski resorts around Santiago start gearing up, and it’s also a good time to explore the desert.
Key events: Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo; Festival de la Lluvia.
July
Chilean winter vacation sees families traveling in full swing. Ski resorts are operational, and those who brave Patagonia will discover lovely winter landscapes absent of summer’s notorious wind.
Key events: Festival de la Virgen del Carmen; Carnaval de Invierno.
August
A fine time to visit, August marks the tail end of the ski season with more affordable accommodation options in holiday destinations as school vacation concludes. In the south, winter rains begin to taper off.
Key events: Fiesta de Santa Rosa de Lima; Festival de Jazz de Ñuñoa.
September
Spring arrives in Santiago, marked by mild, sunny days. While it is low season throughout Chile, it’s still a respectable time to travel. Everything may close down during the week of the national holiday.
Key events: Fiestas Patrias.
October
October is splendid for traveling, showcasing blooming spring flowers in both northern and central Chile.
Key events: Oktoberfest.
November
Chile’s south flourishes, with crisp weather still prevalent. A good time to visit beach resorts and Patagonia as crowds and high prices are still a month away.
Key events: Puerto de Ideas; Feria Internacional de Artesania.
December
Summer begins, and services return to the Carretera Austral. It’s still tranquil—ideal for outdoor activities in the Lakes District and Patagonia.
Key events: New Year’s Eve.
