The climate of Santiago
Positioned in the temperate belt,
Santiago boasts a Mediterranean climate, with a warm summer - classified by Köppen as Csb. Weather conditions vary significantly over the year, with each season bringing its own unique set of characteristics.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Santiago fluctuate notably, with average highs ranging from 11.4°C (52.5°F) in
July to 25.5°C (77.9°F) in
January. Similarly, average low temperatures span between 2.4°C (36.3°F) in July and 12.4°C (54.3°F) in January, indicating a broad temperature spectrum. This wide-ranging weather allows citizens and tourists to enjoy a diverse climate across the twelve months.
Profound variations occur in the city's other weather parameters as well. A clear shift in rainfall patterns is evident, transitioning from scanty rainfall in January and
February, around 1mm (0.04"), to a peak of 67mm (2.64") in
June. The annual relative humidity reads between 36% from
March to
April and maxes out at 55% in July.
Unique weather patterns present themselves in terms of daylight hours and sunshine. Daylight hours fluctuate from a minimum of 10 hours in June and July, to a maximum of 14.3 hours in
December. Similarly, sunshine hours exhibit a range from 8.3 hours in June and July to 10 hours in February.
The best time to visit Santiago
Considering the various weather parameters, the optimal time to visit the Chilean capital would be during the summer months from
November to
March. During this period, the city experiences average high temperatures ranging from 20.8°C (69.4°F) in November to 25.5°C (77.9°F) in
January, offering pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities. Sunshine is abundant, with nine to ten hours of sunlight each day, and rainfall is at its minimal level, with monthly averages less than 5mm (0.2"). Visiting during this time allows tourists to enjoy sightseeing under clear skies while experiencing
Santiago's warmth.
The worst time to visit Santiago
The least favourable time to visit
Santiago would be during the winter months from
June to
August. These months see the lowest temperatures of the year, with average highs falling to 11.4°C (52.5°F) in
July and average lows dropping to 2.4°C (36.3°F). Furthermore, the city tackles its highest rainfall during this period with a substantial average rainfall of 43mm (1.69") from June till August, coupled with a heightened average relative humidity of 52%.
Spring weather in Santiago
Santiago's spring, extending from
September to
November, brings an increase in temperature with average highs jumping from 15.5°C (59.9°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F), and lows from 4.4°C (39.9°F) to 8.8°C (47.8°F). Simultaneously, daylight hours and sunshine hours start to increase, benefiting outdoor recreational activities. Rainfall decreases significantly from 15mm (0.59") in September to 4mm (0.16") by November, painting a picture of the ideal spring scenery.
Summer weather in Santiago
The Chilean capital's summer, from
December to
February, is characterized by a consistently warm climate. High temperatures hover around the mid-20s°C, while the lows constantly remain above 10°C (50°F). These months stand out for their consistent sunshine, retrieving around ten hours per day, combined with an advantageous UV index of 5. This stands alongside one of the least monthly average rainfall of under 2mm (0.08") in
January and February, crafting the ideal conditions for holidaying.
Autumn weather in Santiago
During the autumn months, from
March to
May,
Santiago experiences a decline in temperatures. Average highs decrease from 24.2°C (75.6°F) in March to 16.6°C (61.9°F) in May, and lows from 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 6.9°C (44.4°F). The season witnesses blooming sunshine with approximately nine hours daily, although rainfall shows an upward trend from onemm in March to 21mm (0.83") by May. Despite this, the cooler weather coupled with viable humidity levels still make it an enjoyable time to explore the city.
Winter weather in Santiago
Santiago's winter, lasting from
June to
August, is the coldest season, recording the lowest temperatures of the year with highs bottoming out at 11.4°C (52.5°F) in
July, and lows invariably below 5°C (41°F). The winter months also mark the most substantial rainfall, escalating from 25mm (0.98") in June to 67mm (2.64") by July. Despite these conditions, this winter wonder also offers up close to eight hours of daylight and a moderate level of sunshine.
Weather in January
January kicks off with sunny days in
Santiago,
Chile. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing under clear, blue skies. Compared to
December, the peak temperature of the day reaches a slightly higher average, notably an alluring 25.5°C (77.9°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Chile’s capital city,
Santiago, finds
February sharing much with the previous month. Warmth envelops throughout the day, only to be softened by cool evening zephyrs. Indeed, a slight dip in the mercury from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F) may be observed.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Santiago experiences a subtle shift into autumn weather in
March. The month sees a gentle departure from the previous two, with a slightly cooler ambient temperature. Rays of sunshine remain abundant, albeit slightly muted, allowing for comfortable walks in the city’s parks.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The gradual onset of autumn in
Santiago becomes more noticeable in
April. The afternoon sun still warms the city with its rays, yet is less intense compared to previous months. April witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, going up from one millimeter to four millimeters.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As autumn advances,
May arrives in
Santiago bringing substantial changes in its wake. A heightened cloud presence casts an entirely different mood across the city, painting an overall cooler picture. Rainy days become more common, offering relief to public gardens and giving a fresh outlook to local streets.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the start of the winter season in
Santiago. Despite the drop in temperatures, especially during the evenings, the sun continues to shine panoramic views of the snow-bordered city. Snowfall of 6mm (0.24") graces Santiago in June, a phenomenon exclusive to winter months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Nestled deep in winter,
July presents
Santiago under a different light. Cold temperatures and frequent clouds, however, do not deter the sun from peeking through shedding its warmth. A distinct drop in temperatures can be experienced, down to an average low of 2.4°C (36.3°F) during nighttime.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Slowly transitioning towards spring,
August in
Santiago can be a mixed bag of weather experiences. On one hand, there is an increase in daily maximum temperatures, while on the other, nights continue to be quite chilly. Interestingly, the city waves goodbye to snowfall from August onwards.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signifies the arrival of spring in
Santiago,
Chile. As temperatures begin to rise and clouds disperse, the ambiance unmistakably carries the scent of a fresh new season. Rainfall decreases to 15mm (0.59"), with the weather proving more predictable than the previous month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October experiences an upward trend in temperatures in
Santiago. The city brims with sun rays and clear skies, setting a typical spring mood. A further fall in rainfall establishes October as a dry period, similar to what was witnessed between
January and
March.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The anticipation of the warm summer months rapidly builds in
November. The weather in
Santiago favors outdoor activities, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures sitting comfortably between warm and cool. While rainfall is scarce, the air’s humidity keeps the city’s verdant charm intact.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings summer to
Santiago, drenching the city in blue skies and sunlight. The transformation can be noticed in the significant rise in maximum day temperatures when compared to
November. However, despite being the commencement of summer, rainfall increases from 2mm (0.08") to 5mm (0.2").
Weather in December »