Chile in September: Spring Travel Tips
September rings in the spring season in Chile. Stunning wildflowers adorn the central and northern parts of the country. This is a great time to explore Chile’s volcanic landscape, its shimmering glaciers, and its sandy beaches. The shoulder season also affords visitors peace and quiet when touring the country’s urban attractions. Whether it is exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene in the capital city, Santiago, or the magnificent scenery and wilderness of Chilean Patagonia, a trip to Chile in September will surely be unforgettable.
- Gwendolyn Thorne
Chile Weather in September
Chile transitions from winter to spring beginning in September. The average daytime temperature in the country ranges between 14°C and 18 °C, while the nights are still colder at around 4 °C. In the capital Santiago, the weather is mild and mostly sunny with only a few rainy days.
For a more seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit Chile.
Weather in Chile in September - 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 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 16 | 18 | 22 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 61 | 65 | 72 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 40 | 41 | 45 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 20 | 10 |
Why Visit Chile in September
The beginning of springtime is one of the best times to visit Chile. Spring blooms start adorning the landscapes and the whole country is coming back to life around this time. Here are some reasons why visiting Chile in September is a great idea:
- Affordable rates: One of the best perks of visiting Chile in September is the off-season pricing. Hotels, airlines, and tour companies offer special discounted prices during this time.
- Fewer crowds: If you want some peace and quiet when visiting Chile’s prominent tourist destinations like Torres del Paine and San Pedro de Atacama, it is a good idea to plan your trip during the spring season.
- Independence day: On the 18th of September, Chileans commemorate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain, with nationwide celebrations that include parties, dancing, barbecues, and wine. There is also the Army Day procession hosted in Santiago on the following day.
- Wildlife encounters: September also marks the beginning of the breeding season for many native species in Chile. So, this is an excellent time to visit Chile's protected areas such as Torres del Paine National Park.
- Outdoor fun: With little rain and ample hours of sunshine, September is an ideal month to hike in the central regions of Chile. There is also a great chance that some of the country's ski resorts may still be open for skiing and snowboarding.
Where to Go and What to Do
As the winter snows melt, Chile springs to life anew. If you are fortunate, you might be traveling during one of the Atacama Desert's stunning blooms, when huge parts of this extraordinarily dry desert, the driest on Earth, burst into beautiful flowers that stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Santiago, the Lake District, Castro, Santa Cruz, and Vina del Mar are some of the best places to visit in Chile in September. Start your journey in Santiago de Chile, and visit Hidalgo Castle, and La Moneda Palace, which is where the government is currently located. Head to the Chilean Lake District, enjoy the views of Osorno Volcano from Puerto Varas and continue to Puerto Montt to see the inspiring artwork at Casa del Arte Diego Rivera. Take a ferry to Chiloe Island, to mingle with penguins in Castro.
Travel to Santa Cruz, explore the famous Colchagua Museum or take a wine brewing class at Vina MontGras. Explore the house of the celebrated Chilean poet Pablo Neruda at Isla Negra and the artistic port city of Valparaiso. Enjoy diving or snorkeling sessions at Vina del Mar before you check out some of Chile's most well-known wineries in the Casablanca valley. Alternatively, you can also join a desert safari in San Pedro de Atacama, or a hiking tour in Patagonia. Wherever you choose to travel, there are ample things to do in Chile in September.
You can also drive to the Elqui Valley, which is gaining popularity as a wellness hotspot, thanks to its tiny inns that provide ayurvedic massages, yoga sessions, and other natural therapies. The region also has one of the clearest night skies for stargazing.
What to Bring
No matter where you go, do not forget to pack enough warm clothes for the chilly evening weather. For the best comfort, you are advised to dress in layers. Also, take windproof jackets, thermal underwear, sweaters, socks, and gloves to keep yourself warm.
With its variety of beautiful landscapes and topography, rich cultural heritage, and mouth-watering food, Chile is a must-visit destination. A tour to Chile in September could be advantageous because of the conducive weather, best rates, and uncongested locations.
Making a great vacation itinerary can be challenging, so why not ask our travel specialists for assistance? With our customizable trip to Chile, we take your requirements, work our magic, and create the perfect trip for you. For ideas on what you can do on a trip to Chile in September, see our guide on things to do in Chile. Our article on how many days to spend in Chile will also come in handy.
