THE SEASON AHEAD
Right now, we are still in winter in Chile, which brings its own particular beauty. The transition to spring will soon be upon us though, and this is a very special time. Beneath the impossibly clear skies of the Atacama Desert, the landscape’s already vivid colours seem even more intense. I love being surrounded by those colours – the reds, greens ,and dazzling whites of shimmering lagoons beneath sapphire skies. It’s a feast for the eyes! The stargazing is especially memorable at this time of year too.
By September, one of my other favourite places, Patagonia, is beginning to emerge from its winter stillness. The lodges and trails start to reopen, but with few people than you’ll find later in the season. For me, this is exactly how Patagonia should feel – empty, wild, and invigorating. Waterfalls thunder with increasing snowmelt and, as October approaches, the hills begin to green and wildflowers start to appear. In the Chilean Lake District, you can hike with snow-dusted volcanoes as your backdrop and kayak across turquoise lakes, again with fewer visitors than in peak season.
From November onwards, Chile moves full speed into summer. This is the time for long days outdoors, drinking fine Chilean wines in the warm sunshine, and embracing everything the country has to offer. Further south, the best lodges in Patagonia can be booked up to a year in advance, so early planning is essential if you want to experience Chile in the summertime.
Dineke – August 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Chile?
Chile’s north-to-south expanse delivers a variety of weather conditions and seasonal variations. The only time we suggest you avoid travelling – unless you would like to go skiing – is the peak of the Chilean winter, between June and August.
The Atacama Desert enjoys warm days and cool nights year-round. There can be occasional rainfall between January and March, but this is not enough to prevent you enjoying activities.
The most popular time to visit Patagonia is in the height of summer, between December and February. If you have some flexibility on when you can travel, we recommend you avoid the peak season and consider visiting Patagonia in spring (October and November) or autumn (March and April) instead. You will experience a much quieter side of Patagonia with fewer visitors, better lodge availability, and there is often less wind than during the summer months.
Easter Island and Chile’s winelands can be enjoyed year-round.
Where are the best places to visit in Chile?
To experience the very best of Chile, we recommend first visiting the Atacama Desert. The Atacama is the driest desert in the world but offers incredibly diverse landscapes from the flamingo-filled Altiplanic lagoons to the smouldering geysers of El Tatio and the cactus-littered Rainbow Valley. You can also enjoy a wide array of activities from hiking or mountain biking through the otherworldly landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, stargazing in some of South America’s clearest night skies, and discovering ancient petroglyphs.
