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Escape to a world of sun-kissed beaches, soaring mountain peaks, and delicious cuisine with a summer trip to Chile. With balmy weather all around, Chile in summer transforms into a wonderland of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are looking to hike in the mountains, relax on the beaches, or indulge in delicious local cuisine, Chile has it all to hold the interest and attention of vacationers. The only thing to note is that summer in Chile is the high season, and draws a significant number of visitors from around the world. So, book your tours and accommodations in advance.

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Weather and Temperatures in Chile During Summer

The volcanoes Juriques and Lincancabur at Atacama Desert in Chile.
Discover the hot and dry Atacama Desert in northern Chile with little to no rain during summer.

The Chilean summer typically runs from December through February and is considered the peak tourist season in the country. The weather across the country is warm and sunny with minimum rainfall. If you are heading to cities like Santiago and Valparaiso in central Chile, expect warm conditions with a smattering of rain and thunderstorms, particularly during the months of January and February. Average temperatures in the region hover between 20°C to 32°C.

Meanwhile, the Atacama Desert in northern Chile sees hot and dry weather during the summer months. Here, temperatures average from 25°C to 35°C. For cooler climes, head toward southern Chile, home to the Lake District and Patagonia, where the mercury stays between 8°C and 15°C marks. The region does experience occasional rain and snowfall though.

  December January February
Avg high 31°C (82°F) 32°C (63°F) 31°C (64°F)
Avg low 10°C (52°F) 11°C (46°F) 10°C (46°F)
Rainfall (mm) 10 10 10

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

Other related articles:
Chile in December
Chile in January
Chile in February

Why Visit Chile in Summer

Sunset over vineyards with red wine grapes in late summer.
Experience the perfect blend of Chilean wine and summer vibes as you raise a glass and savor the flavors.

Chile in summer is an ideal destination for those seeking warm weather and a variety of outdoor activities. Here are a few reasons why you should plan a trip to Chile in the summer:

  • Festivals: Summer in Chile is filled with events and festivities. Besides Christmas and New Year’s Eve, other popular festivals to attend in Chile during the summer months are Valparaiso Carnival and Festival de las Artes de Valparaíso.
  • Wine tours: Summer is an ideal season to take a wine tour of the country’s stunning vineyards. The Colchagua Valley, about two hours south of Santiago, is one of Chile’s most famous wine districts and is highly recommended for wine enthusiasts.
  • Beach hopping: Chile boasts an abundance of breathtaking beaches including Vina del Mar, Zapallar, and Renaca. During the summer months, you can indulge in various beach activities, including surfing, sunbathing, swimming, and diving.
  • Longer days: During the summer months, Chile has longer daylight hours, allowing you to make the most out of your days. This is especially true for Patagonia, where visitors can take advantage of the extended daylight hours and go hiking or explore the stunning glaciers.

Top 4 Destinations in Chile during Summer

Chile in summer is a travelers’ paradise, with its gorgeous landscapes, warm weather, and distinct culture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Chile during summer:

1. Atacama Desert

Amazing star trails in Atacama Desert in Chile during summer nights.
Experience the magic of a Chilean summer night while stargazing.

A trip to the Atacama Desert during the summer months offers breathtaking scenery of the desert landscape, towering volcanoes, and geysers. At night, clear skies offer the perfect stargazing condition.

Major attractions: The Valley of the Moon, El Tatio Geysers, Atacama Salt Flats, and the town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Pros: 

  • Warm summer weather is ideal for exploring the natural beauty of the Atacama Desert.
  • Outdoor activities such as hiking and stargazing are best enjoyed during summer.

Cons: 

  • Afternoon heat can be intense, which can be uncomfortable for some travelers.

2. Torres del Paine National Park

Pehoe lake and Guernos mountains during a beautiful day in Torres del Paine
Explore the stunning Torres del Paine National Park during summer and soak up the natural beauty.

This Patagonian gem in southern Chile is renowned for its stunning glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. A tour to Torres del Paine National Park during summer promises mild weather and longer days, allowing travelers more time to explore its natural beauty. Summer is also a great time to hike to the iconic granite towers, see glaciers and turquoise lakes, and witness the park’s wildlife.

Major attractions: Granite towers, glaciers, turquoise lakes, wildlife, and outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Pros:

  • Summer is when the park’s animals are at their most active, providing better chances of spotting wildlife.
  • The park’s rivers and streams are more accessible in summer for kayaking and fly fishing.

Cons:

  • As summer is the high season in Chile, expect more crowds and limited availability of tours and accommodations.

3. Santiago

The white Christ at the top of the hill of San Cristobal.
Visit the iconic White Christ statue atop San Cristobal Hill during your summer trip to Chile.

Summer offers the best conditions to take a tour of Santiago’s numerous attractions, natural landmarks, and cultural and historic landmarks. The city also hosts several cultural events and festivals such as Santiago a Mil theater festival and the National Folklore Festival during this season.

Major attractions: Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristobal, La Moneda Palace, the Central Market, and Andes Mountains.

Pros:

  • Warm weather and longer days are perfect for exploring the city’s attractions.
  • Santiago hosts plenty of events and festivals throughout the summer season.
  • The city’s nightlife scene is livelier during the summer months, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants staying open till late at night.

Cons:

  • Air pollution can be a real problem in Santiago during the summer months, especially on hot days.

4. Valparaiso

The Naval Museum in Valparaiso during dusk.
Dive into Chile’s rich naval history with a visit to the Naval Museum in Valparaiso.

This colorful port city is known for its vibrant street art scene, bohemian culture, and stunning seaside views, and they are best explored during the summer. The season also offers various outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. A trip to Valparaiso during summer also means you will get to explore more attractions in a short amount of time, as the days are longer.

Major attractions: La Sebastiana Museum, Naval Museum, Paseo 21 de Mayo, the Museo de Bellas Artes, Museo de Historia Natural, and Galeria Floencia Loewenthal.

Pros:

  • Summer is the best time to explore the street art scene and bohemian neighborhoods of Valparaiso.
  • The weather is perfect for enjoying the city’s beaches and outdoor activities.

Cons: 

  • There is a possibility of heat waves sweeping across the city during the peak summer period, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.

TOP ACTIVITIES DURING SUMMER IN CHILE

Sea lion in the Humboldt Reserve, Chile.
Spot sea lions in their natural habitat during summer in Chile.
A hiker observing the landscape over the lake in the Torres del National
Experience the beauty of Torres del National Park on a summer hike in Chile.
  • Hiking: With its diverse landscapes, Chile is a hiker's paradise. Some of the most popular hiking trails include Torres del Paine National Park, La Campana National Park, and San Cristobal Hill in Santiago. These trails offer breathtaking views of the country's natural beauty, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests.
  • Wildlife watching: Chile is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, and flamingos. You can spot these animals in their natural habitats. One of the best places to see wildlife in Chile is Patagonia.
  • Adventure sports: Chile is one of the best places for adventure sports. You can go rafting down the rapids of the Maipo River, go bungee jumping in San Alfonso, or try your hand at paragliding over the Andes Mountains.
  • Beach fun: Chile boasts a number of incredible beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From the surfing haven of Pichilemu to the vibrant resort town of Viña del Mar, there are a variety of options to choose from. Chile's summer weather provides the perfect conditions for beach activities.
  • Stargazing: During the summer in Chile, the skies are generally clear and dry, which makes it easier to see the stars without any obstructions or interference. You can visit the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory or the Paranal Observatory, or simply head to remote areas of the country for a memorable stargazing experience.

Travel Tips to Visit Chile during Summer

  • Summer is the peak tourist season in Chile, so book your accommodations and activities in advance.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as the sun can be intense during the summer months.
  • Come prepared for varying weather conditions, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day and between regions.
  • Keep your belongings safe when visiting crowded areas.
  • Stay hydrated if you are engaging in outdoor activities.

Summer in Chile is a wonderful summer destination that offers a wide range of experiences for everyone. With its stunning beaches, charming seaside towns, breathtaking mountains, and majestic national parks, there is something for everyone. Warm and sunny days of summer are also perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and skiing.

Reach out to our local travel experts to plan a customized trip to Chile in the summer.

Published by Astha Joshi, updated on June 7, 2023

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