Best time to visit · Santiago · Chile
The best time to visit Santiago
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Warko, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Santiago are spring (October to November) and autumn (March to April), when days are warm and dry without the intense summer heat and the wine valleys are at their most attractive. Visit from late June to August if you want to ski, accepting cold mornings, some rain and occasional smog.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–April and October–November
- Shoulder season
- September and December–February
- Warmest month
- January (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 15°C (59°F))
- Rainiest month
- June (~6 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- April–June
Seasons
Santiago has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry and sunny summers from December to March, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters from June to August when most of the year's rain falls and smog can build up in the valley.
December–February
Summer
Hot, dry and sunny, with afternoons often above 30°C; locals head to the coast in January and February and some restaurants close.
March–May
Autumn
Grape harvest and autumn colours in the vineyards, comfortable days and the first rains by May.
June–August
Winter
Cool and grey with most of the year's rain, frosty mornings and occasional smog, but snow-capped Andes and ski season from about late June.
September–November
Spring
Blossom, green hills and the September national holidays, with steadily warmer and drier weather.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 13°C | 0 | 14.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 30°C | 13°C | 0 | 13.3 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 27°C | 11°C | 1 | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 23°C | 8°C | 2 | 11.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| May | 18°C | 6°C | 4 | 10.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 15°C | 4°C | 6 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 15°C | 3°C | 6 | 10.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 17°C | 4°C | 5 | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 20°C | 6°C | 3 | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 23°C | 8°C | 2 | 13 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 26°C | 10°C | 1 | 13.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 29°C | 12°C | 0 | 14.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Santiago a Mil — international theatre festival (usually January) |
| March | Lollapalooza Chile — music festival (usually March); Grape harvest festivals in the wine valleys (usually March) |
| May | Día del Patrimonio — free entry to normally closed historic buildings (usually late May) |
| September | Fiestas Patrias — national holidays with fondas in Parque O'Higgins (18–19 September, with festivities around them) |
| December | New Year's Eve fireworks at the Costanera Center tower (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in April–June, and the sights are quietest in February and April–June.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Santiago?
The best times to visit Santiago are spring (October to November) and autumn (March to April), when days are warm and dry without the intense summer heat and the wine valleys are at their most attractive. Visit from late June to August if you want to ski, accepting cold mornings, some rain and occasional smog.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Santiago?
Usually in April–June. Pleasant autumn days and cool nights, with vineyards turning red and gold.
+What is the rainiest month in Santiago?
June, with about 6 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Santiago get?
The warmest month, January, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F).