If you’re asking yourself which is the best time to travel to Chile, you should know that it depends on the region you are visiting. Chile is a country with many climatic differences, which makes it a place you can travel to all year round. It all depends on the area you want to visit and on adjusting your dates to the most ideal weather for that area.
When to travel to Chile
As we were already starting to tell you, you can travel to Chile at any time of year. Given that it is a country that takes up a large part of South America, the variety of weather is notable. However, in summary, we can tell you that visiting Santiago de Chile is better in spring and autumn. To see the Lakes Region, summer is best, likewise for visiting Chilean Patagonia or Easter Island.
Below, you will see region by region, which is the best time to travel to Chile and be able to enjoy it to the full.
When to visit Easter Island
Because of its location, Easter Island has quite low temperatures, so it is best to visit during the summer months. This way you will be able to enjoy all of its landscapes, crystal clear waters and go walking or bike riding. Not all islands have a tropical climate, Chilean Polynesia can become very cold if you go in the wrong months.
Atacama desert
To travel to this northern area of Chile, avoid the months from January to March, which is when it is the Andean winter. The rest of the year you will enjoy warm and rather dry weather, but perfect for travelling around the region. In addition, these months coincide with the low season for tourism, so you will find more reasonable prices.
Central area of Chile
Exploring Chilean towns also has its charm, as well as good hiking routes, you will have culture and a lively nightlife. From February to April you can enjoy a leisurely visit of the Chilean towns, as well as in September to November. Avoid going in the months from May to August, given that it is the rainy season.
The Chilean wine route
Doing the wine route in Chile is becoming more and more popular. Although you don’t know it, this country is a large wine producer, so there are lots of vineyards throughout the country. To do the route, the best thing is to have time to go from September to November, or February to April. Once again, avoid the summer months for this area. In fact, March is the best month to do this route since it coincides with the celebration of various grape harvesting festivals.
Valparaíso
Travelling to Chile and not visiting Valparaíso is unforgivable, so leave some days of your trip to get to know this coastal city. Between February and April, or also September to November are the best months to visit. The good weather will keep you company to explore the lively streets and enjoy the tasty and varied Chilean gastronomy.
South of Chile
The best time to visit the south of Chile is from December to March. This region is known for its volcanoes and enormous lakes, also because it is the region of the Mapuches. The Mapuches people have settled in these lands for centuries. The Chiloé archipelago is another charming area you can visit during these months.
When to visit Chilean Patagonia
No matter what, Patagonia has a cold climate, so it is best to visit during the summer. Don’t expect radiant sun and sunbathing, even in summer, maximum temperatures won’t go above eleven degrees. However, it is worth getting a bit cold to be able to see the immense forests and waterfalls of this area of the country.
On the other hand, in terms of the tourist season, it is worth knowing that the high season in Chile goes from November to February. If you want to visit Patagonia, prices will be higher at this time of year, especially in December and February.
You can choose to travel in mid-season, which includes the months of September to November and March to May, if you combine it well with the region you want to visit. In the wine region, for example, you can take advantage of the month of March to go to a grape harvest festival.
In the low season, the months of June, July and August, our summer, the prices are much lower and there are less tourists. It’s the perfect time to visit the north of Chile and explore the Carretera Austral (Chile’s Route 7 highway).
As you can see, each season is good for a specific area of this long and multi continental country. Bear these recommendations in mind when you are planning your trip, that way you can make the most of each moment you spend in Chile.
