What is the best time to visit Chile?

Best Time to Visit Chile

The best time to travel to Chile is during the spring season (September to November) and the summer season (December to February).

Spring in Chile

Spring in Chile is a great time to visit as the weather is generally mild and sunny. The days are warm and the nights are cool, making it the perfect season for outdoor activities. During this season, travelers can witness the blooming of wildflowers in the countryside and the blooming of the Chilean national flower, the copihue, in the forests. Additionally, travelers can take part in a variety of festivals and activities, such as the Festival of the Sun in the Atacama Desert and the Festival of the Sea in Valparaiso.

Summer in Chile

Summer in Chile is an ideal time to visit as the days are long and sunny. This season is characterized by warm temperatures and low humidity, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities. During this season, travelers can enjoy the beaches of the Chilean coast, as well as the numerous festivals and activities taking place throughout the country. Additionally, travelers can witness the blooming of the Chilean national flower, the copihue, in the forests.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Chile

Chile in January

Weather

January is the summer season in Chile, and the weather is usually warm and sunny. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the days are usually long and sunny.

Events

• The New Year’s Day Parade is held in Santiago on January 1st. This is a traditional event that celebrates the start of the year with music, dancing, and fireworks.
• The Festival de la Canción Chilena is held in Santiago in January. This is a music festival that celebrates Chilean music and culture.
• The International Film Festival of Santiago is held in January. This is a popular event that showcases the best of Chilean and international cinema.
• The Festival de la Noche de los Museos is held in Santiago in January. This is a cultural event that celebrates the city’s museums with music, art, and performances.
• The Fiesta de la Tirana is held in the northern Chilean town of La Tirana in January. This is a traditional festival that celebrates the Virgin of Carmen with music, dancing, and fireworks.

Chile in January

Weather

January in Chile is the summer season, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 80s. The days are usually sunny, with some occasional rain in the south.

Events

• The New Year’s celebration is a big event in Chile, with fireworks, parades, and other festivities taking place throughout the country.
• The Fiesta de La Tirana is a religious celebration that takes place in the northern city of Iquique. It is a week-long celebration of music, dance, and religious rituals.
• The Fiestas Patrias is a national holiday that celebrates Chile’s independence from Spain. It is celebrated on the 18th and 19th of January with parades, festivals, and other events.
• The Santiago International Marathon is held in the capital city of Santiago. The race is open to both professional and amateur runners.
• The Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar is an annual music festival that takes place in the coastal city of Viña del Mar. It features performances from some of the biggest names in Latin American music.

Chile in March

Weather

March is the beginning of autumn in Chile and temperatures start to cool off. The average temperature in the capital city of Santiago is around 14°C (57°F), with lows of 9°C (48°F) and highs of 19°C (66°F). The northern part of the country is slightly warmer than the south, with average temperatures of 16°C (61°F).

Events

• March 21st marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Events are held throughout the country to promote racial equality and celebrate the diversity of Chilean culture.
• The Festival Internacional de la Cancion de Viña del Mar is a popular music festival that takes place in Viña del Mar from February 29th to March 6th.
• March 19th is the Chilean National Holiday, which celebrates the country’s independence from Spain. Celebrations include parades, parties, and fireworks.
• The Chilean Wine Festival is held in the city of Santa Cruz from March 12th to 15th. The festival celebrates the country’s wine industry with tastings, workshops, and live music.
• The Festival Internacional de Teatro de Valparaiso takes place from March 18th to 28th. The festival features performances from local and international theater companies.

Chile in April

Weather

April is the beginning of autumn in Chile and temperatures begin to cool down. The average temperature is between 10-20°C (50-68°F). Rainfall is common in April, especially in the southern parts of the country.

Events

• The Chilean National Holidays on April 18th and 19th celebrate the country’s independence from Spain in 1818. Celebrations include parades, music, and fireworks.
• The Easter holiday is celebrated in April. Many churches hold special services and there are processions in some cities.
• The Santiago International Book Fair is held in April. It is the largest book fair in Latin America and features books from more than 30 countries.
• The Valparaiso Carnival is a week-long celebration in April with parades, music, and dance. It is one of the largest carnivals in South America.
• The Feria Internacional de Artesanos (International Craft Fair) is held in April in Santiago. It is a celebration of art and culture with over 500 artisans displaying their work.

Chile in May

Weather

May is the start of winter in Chile, and temperatures can range from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Rainfall is common, especially in the south, and the Andes Mountains will receive snowfall.

Events

• May 1st is Labor Day in Chile, and is celebrated with parades and festivals.
• May 21st is the celebration of the Battle of Iquique, which was a major naval battle between Chile and Peru during the War of the Pacific.
• May 25th is the celebration of the Battle of Chacabuco, which was a major land battle between Chile and Spain during the Chilean War of Independence.
• The Chilean Wine Festival takes place in May in the city of Santa Cruz. This festival celebrates the country’s wine production and features tastings, seminars, and live music.
• The city of Valparaiso hosts the annual International Jazz Festival in May. This festival features jazz musicians from all over the world.

Chile in June

Weather

June in Chile is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). The northern part of the country is mostly dry and sunny, while the south is prone to rain and snow.

Events

• The Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays) take place on June 18th and 19th, and are celebrated with parades, traditional Chilean food, and dancing.
• The San Juan Festival is celebrated in the northern city of Arica on June 24th. This festival celebrates the summer solstice and includes traditional music, dancing, and bonfires.
• The Festival Internacional de Cine de Valdivia is an international film festival held in the city of Valdivia from June 16th-20th.
• The Festival de la Canción de Viña del Mar is an annual music festival held in the coastal city of Viña del Mar from June 22nd-27th.
• The Festival de la Cerveza de Pucón is an annual beer festival held in the city of Pucón from June 25th-27th.

Chile in July

Weather

July in Chile is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is low, with an average of around 2 inches per month.

Events

• July 16th marks the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Catholic holiday celebrated in many parts of Chile.
• The city of Valparaiso celebrates its annual Festival de la Poesia, a week-long celebration of poetry, on July 18-25.
• July 20th marks the anniversary of the Chilean Navy, a national holiday.
• The city of La Serena celebrates its annual Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, a religious festival, on July 22-25.
• The city of Santiago celebrates its annual Festival de la Musica, a week-long celebration of music, on July 24-31.

Chile in August

Weather

August is the winter season in Chile, with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F). In the south of the country, temperatures can drop to 0°C (32°F). The country experiences mild to moderate rainfall during this time of year.

Events

• The August Holiday is celebrated on the 15th of August. This is a national holiday in Chile and is celebrated with parades, parties, and fireworks.
• The Festival de la Caña de Azúcar is held in the city of La Serena in the Coquimbo Region. This festival celebrates the region’s sugar cane industry and includes music, dance, and traditional food.
• The Feria de la Araucaria is held in the Araucanía Region. This festival celebrates the region’s native Araucaria tree and includes traditional music, dance, and food.
• The Festival de la Pesca is held in the city of Puerto Montt in the Los Lagos Region. This festival celebrates the region’s fishing industry and includes music, dance, and traditional food.
• The Festival de la Flor is held in the city of Valparaíso in the Valparaíso Region. This festival celebrates the region’s flower industry and includes music, dance, and traditional food.

Chile in September

Weather

September is the beginning of spring in Chile, and the weather is usually mild and sunny. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (11-25 Celsius).

Events

• The Fiestas Patrias, or National Holidays, take place on September 18th and 19th. This is a national holiday in Chile and is celebrated with parades, traditional Chilean food, and folk dancing.
• The Santiago International Film Festival is held in September. This is one of the largest film festivals in Latin America, and it showcases the best of Chilean and international cinema.
• The Valparaiso Music Festival is held in September. This is a major music festival that showcases the best of Chilean and international music.
• The Chilean Wine Festival is held in September. This is a major event that celebrates Chilean wine and showcases the best of Chilean winemakers.
• The Santiago Marathon is held in September. This is a major running event that attracts runners from all over the world.

Chile in October

Weather

October in Chile is the beginning of the warm summer season. The average temperature in the northern region is around 20°C (68°F), while in the southern region it is around 10°C (50°F). The days are long and sunny, and rainfall is quite low.

Events

• The Chilean National Day is celebrated on October 18th. This is a day of national pride and celebration, with parades, festivals, and other events taking place throughout the country.
• The Festival Internacional de la Cancion de Viña del Mar is a popular music festival that takes place in Viña del Mar in October. It is one of the most important music festivals in Latin America, and features performances from some of the biggest names in Latin music.
• The Santiago Marathon is an annual running event that takes place in October. The race is open to both professional and amateur runners, and it attracts thousands of participants from all over the world.
• The Festival de la Luz is an annual light festival that takes place in Santiago in October. The festival features light installations, interactive art, and performances from local and international artists.
• The Festival Internacional de Teatro de Santiago is an annual theatre festival that takes place in October. It features performances from some of the best theatre companies in Chile, as well as international guests.

Chile in November

Weather

November in Chile is a warm month, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. The days are mostly sunny, with occasional rain showers.

Events

• All Souls’ Day (November 2nd): This is a day of remembrance for the dead, and Chileans visit cemeteries to pay their respects to their ancestors.
• National Day of the Mapuche People (November 9th): This day celebrates the Mapuche people and their culture, and is marked with traditional ceremonies and festivities.
• National Day (November 18th): This is Chile’s national holiday, and marks the day when Chile declared its independence from Spain in 1810.
• Santiago Marathon (November 21st): This annual marathon is held in the city of Santiago and attracts runners from all over the world.
• Festival of Lights (November 29th): This festival celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with a spectacular display of lights and fireworks.

Chile in December

Weather

December in Chile is the beginning of the summer season and the start of the warmest months of the year. Temperatures range from the mid-50s F (10-15 C) in the far south to the mid-70s F (20-25 C) in the north. The sun is out for most of the day and the humidity is high.

Events

• The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th. This is a religious holiday that honors the Virgin Mary.
• The Santiago International Film Festival takes place in December. This is one of the largest film festivals in South America and features films from around the world.
• The Festival de la Canción Chilena is held in December. This is a music festival that celebrates Chilean music and culture.
• The Festival de la Palabra is held in December. This is a literature festival that celebrates Chilean writers and authors.
• The Fiesta de la Tirana is held in December. This is a colorful and vibrant festival that celebrates the culture and traditions of the Aymara people.