Chile in April: All You Need to Know

Chile’s weather in April varies according to the region. However, across the board, it is one of the coldest times of the year. Temperatures in the north of the country hover between 14 and 24°C, while the mercury can plummet down to 3°C in the south where the maximum temperature is 12°C. The north is dry, but the south is wet, with up to 239 mm of rainfall in wettest areas like Puerto Montt, Aisén, Valdivia, and Easter Island. Since this weather puts off quite a few travelers, April is one of the quietest times of the year and it marks the beginning of the low season. However, you might be surprised to know that an increasing number of hikers like to travel to Chile at this time of year since it is less windy than summer and crowds across the country’s trails have thinned out.

For a seasonal overview of the country, check out our guide on the best time to visit Chile.

If you do not want to endure high temperatures and prefer fewer crowds, April might as well be the best time to visit Chile. Below are a few reasons why you should consider a trip to Chile in April. If you do not want to endure high temperatures and prefer fewer crowds, April might as well be the best time to visit Chile. Below are a few reasons why you should consider a trip to Chile in April. 

• Better rates: A trip to Chile in April means that your accommodation rates along with other travel-related activities will cost lower than usual since this is the beginning of the low season. However, keep an eye on the Easter week when prices can go up a little.
• Smaller crowds: Traveler numbers thin out across Patagonia and other popular tourist destinations in Chile from April. This is a great time for those who do not want to be surrounded by crowds.
• Milder weather: While it can get a bit cold and wet in southern parts of the country, the weather in Chile’s north is pleasant during the start of the autumn season. If you do not like roasting days and soaring temperatures, April is a good time to visit this country.
• Wine festivals: If you appreciate fine wine, make sure to check out the wine-making festivals that take place during this time of year. Stomp grapes and sample local beverages while watching musical performances in the Maipo Valley.

There are plenty of things to do in Chile in April, from exploring the great outdoors to enjoying sightseeing tours in cities. An Atacama Desert tour, one of the driest places in the world, is great for driving, star-gazing, and wandering about in April, while a visit to Torres Del Paine National Park is relatively quiet as visitor numbers thin out. Make sure that you look out for elusive creatures that are hard to be spotted during busier times. Pumas, in particular, are much easier to spot in the national park in April.

The weather in the capital city turns mild during autumn, making it perfect for walking tours in Santiago. Top highlights in the capital include Cementerio General (a graveyard where you can spot fantastic sculptures), Museo de la Memoria y Los Derechos Humanos (a museum dedicated to human rights), and Cerro San Cristóbal, which offers the best views of the city. There are plenty of other places to visit in Chile during this time of year, such as Easter Island, Queulat National Park, and the Chilean Lake District.

Your travel wardrobe will depend on which region you will be visiting. In the north, daytime temperatures can be quite warm, and you will likely be spending some time on the beach, which means t-shirts and beachwear should do the job. However, since it can get chilly in the evening, we suggest that you bring some layers, too. Many people visiting Chile at this time of year are also looking forward to winter sports. Check out what equipment you will need to bring with you or what can be hired locally. In the south, temperatures get quite cold and there’s often a fair bit of rain too, so pack accordingly!

If you want to visit Chile at a quieter time of year when there are smaller crowds and better bargains, April could be the best time for you. Winter is still a month or two away, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds. Hiking trails are mostly empty, national parks look beautiful at this time of year and there are chances that you will spot a few elusive creatures, too.

Make sure to check out our travel guides if you are feeling unsure about how many days to spend in Chile. Since the country has plenty of sights to offer, it is recommended that you plan at least a 10-day trip to see all the major highlights. However, a week-long trip through the country could also give a taste of those highlights if you are a bit short for time. Feel free to reach out to our local travel experts for a customized itinerary to Chile. 

So look no further to plan your trip to Chile in April right away!