Chile in January

Patagonia peak with long days and strong wind; Chilean holidays; Atacama summer storms possible.

• Atacama and the north · San Pedro de Atacama, Calama, Aricarainy

  Among the driest places on earth; summer 'Altiplanic winter' storms (Jan–Feb) can close high roads; cold nights, freezing at the geysers Jun–Aug.

• Central Chile · Santiago, Valparaíso, wine valleyshot

  Mediterranean: hot dry summers (30 °C+), cool wet winters with smog in Santiago; harvest festivals in March.

• Lake District · Pucón, Puerto Varas, Chiloébest weather

  Green because it rains; summer is the dry-ish window; ski on volcanoes in winter.

• Patagonia · Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, Carretera Australbest weather

  Nov–Mar long days and full services; very strong winds in summer; many services shut Jun–Aug.

• Easter Island · Rapa Nuibest weather

  Subtropical; warm Dec–Mar, wetter and windier in winter.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• New Year

  1 Jan

  Valparaíso fireworks draw huge crowds.

Crowds · Chile

High

Prices · Chile

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Lake District

  Best weather of the year (Pucón, Puerto Varas, Chiloé)

• Patagonia

  Best weather of the year (Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, Carretera Austral)

• Easter Island

  Best weather of the year (Rapa Nui)