Chile in July: Scenic Vistas at Better Rates
July is a cold winter month in Chile — remember, this is the Southern Hemisphere. Since winter vacations are in a full swing, you will find many locals holidaying during this time of the year. Skiing in Chile is quite popular during winter and ski resorts are often packed in areas like Patagonia. However, since this is a long, narrow country, the weather in Chile this month is not uniformly cold. There are many fascinating things to see and discover in Chile in July — from the beautiful desert landscapes of Atacama and the incredible mountain ranges of Andes to the superb art galleries and cuisine of Santiago and the pretty vineyards of Colchagua Valley. Safe to say, there is a great trip waiting for you if you decide to take a trip to Chile.
- Gwendolyn Thorne
Chile weather in July
Chile’s climate during July is cold. While temperatures in Santiago hover at around 2°C, with the highs of up to 15°C, Patagonia sees sub-zero temperatures. The maximum temperature in the Chilean Patagonia rarely crosses 6°C. Similarly, nights are freezing cold in vast swathes of Atacama, although days can be surprisingly pleasant at around 20°C. July is also a good time to visit the mysterious Easter Island, where the temperature averages at around 18°C. You can take advantage of Chile’s weather in July to ski in the rugged Patagonia, stargaze in the Atacama and catch some sun on Easter Island.
For more information, check out our guide on the best time to visit Chile.
Weather in Chile in July - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 30 | 29 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 28 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 86 | 85 | 81 | 74 | 65 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 65 | 72 | 77 | 83 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 52 | 52 | 49 | 45 | 41 | 38 | 38 | 40 | 41 | 45 | 49 | 52 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 50 | 40 | 80 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Jun | Jul | Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 59 | 59 | 61 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 38 | 38 | 40 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 80 | 40 |
Why visit Chile in July
July is considered to be a low season for tourists in Chile, since temperatures in the country during this month are the lowest you will experience throughout the year. But if you do decide to travel to Chile during this month, the trip can be rewarding for a variety of reasons.
- No tourist rush: Since this is not the peak tourist season, you will not come across too many visitors. However, keep in mind that this is a vacation time for locals and ski resorts are likely to be packed!
- Good prices: You are likely to get some great deals on travel and hotels in destinations throughout Chile in July, be it the capital city of Santiago or the coastal regions. However, don’t expect the same in ski resorts.
- Skiing: A fantastic world of snowed-in mountains and ski resorts beckon travelers to Chile in July. There are some excellent skiing destinations in the Chilean Lake District, Andes and Aysén.
- Hiking: This is a great time for hikes and treks. Explore the base of Volcan Osorno as well as the ancient landslides in the lake district. Hike along the confluence of the Chacabuco and the Baker rivers in Aysén.
- Magical landscapes: Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia as well as the Andes offer breathtaking vistas in winter. A word of caution for those heading to the national park in July: most trails are closed during winter and travelers are not allowed to explore the reserve without a seasoned tour guide.
For more ideas, check out our article on places to visit in Chile. You will also find our piece on how many days to spend in Chile very helpful.
Where to go and what to do
July is an ideal time to explore Chile’s mountains and enjoy an off-piste experience in its ski resorts. Go on a kayaking trip to the eerie Marble Caves located along the shores of Lago General Carrera and get awed by gigantic icebergs in the San Rafael Lagoon in Aysén. But keep in mind that temperatures reach as low as 6°C, so kayaking only would suit you if you are looking for an adventure in the cold waters. Head to Portillo, a ski resort where winter sports teams from around the world come to train. Hike in the idyllic Maipo Valley, the longest continental mountain chain in the world that is located in the Andes. Then head out to see the Tatio Geysers, the world’s highest geyser field, and enjoy an unforgettable stargazing experience on an icy-cold night in the Atacama Desert. Get a guide to accompany you through a hike past icy rivers and frozen forests as you head towards the glaciers of the French Valley and feel the end-of-the-world vibes in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park. Surrender to the mystical pull of the remote Easter Island and its enigmatic statues. Indulge your senses with wine tastings, stroll through vineyards and sample exquisite cuisine in the Colchagua Valley, Chile’s best-known wine region.
What to bring
If you are planning to go on a hiking trip through Torres del Paine in winter, make sure that you carry mid-weight base layers such as long-sleeved t-shirts along with leggings or thermal underwear. You will also need a hooded winter jacket, light windbreaker and fleece for layering when it gets really cold. Add other standard hiking outfits to this, like hiking pants, merino wool socks, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, sunglasses and a warm winter hat.
July is a great time to explore Chile’s stunning mountains and landscapes. Contact our travel experts in Chile to help you with a tailor-made trip to Chile in July. For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Chile.
You can also browse through our list of available Chile tours in July.
