Step into the world of Torres del Paine National Park, and discover the wonders of Chile’s Patagonia region for yourself. With itineraries ranging from five to nine days, your Patagonia vacation will be catered specifically to your needs, wants and adventurous desires. Hike to the jagged peaks for which the park is named. Spend a day on a working ranch, helping to wrangle sheep, cattle and horses. Sail across the face of Glacier Grey. Tuck-in to a dinner of local cuisine, accompanied by famous Chilean wine. With a Chile luxury travel adventure in Torres del Paine National Park, the world’s your oyster!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO CHILE?
Chile is known as the Land of Fire and Ice its 2,670 miles from north to south and 217 miles (at its widest spot) from east to west. Narrowing down the best time to visit Chile will depend on your final destination. In one visit you can experience the Chilean coast, the Lakes District, Chilean Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and Easter Island. The land scape is varied and because of the vast distance from north to south, changing from the world’s driest desert in Atacama to the glaciers and fjords of Chilean Patagonia.
Chile by the Seasons
There are four definite seasons in most of Chile. Because Chile consists of a wide range of weather conditions across 38 degrees in latitude, it’s difficult to give general advice per season in each region. There are at least seven different climates starting with the desert in the north, the alpine tundra and glaciers in the east and southeast, subtropical in Easter Island, and Mediterranean in the central valley of Chile.
While the seasons in Chile don’t fit neatly into the normal buckets of spring, summer, fall and winter the easiest way to describe the seasons is by dividing the country into three regions; north, central and southern Chile.
Northern Chile
Very dry. The average rainfall is .04 inches per year. As it is typical in the desert there are huge temperature swings between daytime and night time, the summer months’ average 39-75 and winter months average 30-70.
Central Chile
Weather conditions are more liken to a Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and winters are cooler and wetter. June and July are the wettest months in central Chile
Southern Chile
Climates vary from oceanic to sub-polar in the southernmost part of the country. The cooling winds from the Andes mean it’s never more than 62 in the summer. Because it is so far south the weather is cool all year long. The rains come in April-May and snows from May-September.
WONDERING HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHILE ADVENTURE VACATION?
If you’re stuck and not sure what to bring with you to Chile, it will ultimately depend on where you are going. Don’t forget your swimming suit, if you’re not going to the beach you will definitely want it to soak in the hot tub after a long day of hiking or biking. Wine tastings and vineyard visits are a popular activity during summer in Chile so some light linen or cotton daywear is also a smart choice. If your itinerary includes the south and north of Chile you will want to pack warm clothes regardless of the time of year.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are no vaccinations required to enter Chile. We do recommend making sure you’re up to date on all routine immunizations before you go. Or visit the WHO website for current updates.
- Passports should be valid for 6 months days after entry into the country.
- A 90 day tourist card is issued to all incoming visitors.
- If you’re planning on using a credit card for purchase you may be charged more for your purchases.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR YOUR CHILE VACATION
- Before you leave home notify your bank and Credit Card Company when and where you will be traveling. This will prevent their fraud detection departments from freezing your accounts.
- Museums in Chile are closed on Mondays.
- On domestic flights each traveler is permitted up to 45 pounds for checked bags and 11 pounds of carryon bags.
Chilean Seasons
In general, the spring and summer seasons in the Southern Hemisphere (October-March) are characterized by long days when weather is warmer and drier. The peak tourist season when accommodations and air travel arrangements are most limited is during the holiday (Christmas and New Year) and summer vacation for locals in January and February. October-November and March-April are recommended “shoulder season” travel periods.
Climate in Patagonia is similar to the Pacific Northwest and southern Alaska; in the summer you can expect some warm sunny weather, as well as cold, rainy, windy days. Geographical diversity throughout the rest of Chile and Argentina gives rise to several distinct climatic regions with wide extremes of temperature, sunlight and rainfall. Although the season for adventure travel in Patagonia is limited, you can travel in many areas of northern Chile and Argentina throughout the year.
The prime season in Patagonia is October-March when average daytime highs range from 65° F in the sun to the low 40°s. Night temperatures are typically in the mid to upper 30°s, but occasionally in the 20°s. The weather is extremely erratic in Patagonia. It varies from warm sunshine to drizzle, to rain and/or sleet in a matter of minutes, and returning to sunshine just as quickly. Wind is a constant factor, ranging from strong breezes of 15-20 mph to gale forces up to 60 mph. Clothing must be appropriate, adaptable outdoor gear.
Climate in Santiago is temperate and moderated by maritime air. Expect warm, sunny days during summer (70-80°F in Dec-Mar) and cool, cloudy weather in winter (50°F, June-August). The Andean region, including the Lakes District from Puerto Montt to Bariloche, has a cool mountain climate from October-April (50-55°F). The tropical environment of Iguazu Falls is great to visit year round. Expect high humidity and temperatures from mid to high 70°s in Jan-Feb. The high Andean region of northern Chile and Argentina (Salta-Juyjuy Provinces) is typically dry and clear, especially in May-September. The Atacama desert of northern Chile is always dry and suitable year round.
