Weather in Arica

To ensure your journey is perfect, familiarise yourself with the current weather conditions welcoming guests in Arica. Here you will find the latest data, visual charts, and accurate forecasts to help you plan your day wisely.

Arica is famous for its unique climate, earning it the well-deserved unofficial title of the "City of Eternal Spring". Located in northern Chile, this resort features a desert yet surprisingly mild weather character, beneficially influenced by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. It is almost always comfortable here: there is neither exhausting tropical heat nor sudden cold spells, making the city attractive to visit at any time of the year.

The temperature regime is notably stable. Summer (from January to March) is warm and sunny, with daily highs around +26°C, while winter (from June to August) remains mild and fresh, with an average air temperature of about +16°C. One of the most striking features of the local weather is its exceptional aridity: real rain here is a rarity. Even in the winter months, when the number of "humid" days increases, precipitation often manifests only as dense morning fogs or light drizzle, leaving practically no trace on the ground.

The temperature regime in Arica is exceptionally mild, making the city appealing for visitors year-round. The peak warmth occurs during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months — from January to March. During this period, averages stay around +22…+23°C, and at the height of the day, the air warms up to a comfortable +26°C. Such weather is ideal for a seaside holiday: warm, yet without exhausting heat.

Winter, lasting from June to August, is quite nominal here and resembles a cool spring. July and August are considered the coolest months with an average temperature of about +16°C. At this time, the daytime air warms up to +18…+19°C, allowing you to enjoy walking around the city and viewing sights without the need to bundle up in heavy clothing.

The local climate is characterised by a small difference between day and night temperatures — on average 6–7 degrees. While summer nights remain warm (around +19°C), in winter after sunset, the thermometer drops to +13°C. Travellers are advised to consider this nuance and bring a light jumper or windbreaker for evening strolls.

Arica rightfully holds the title of one of the driest settlements on Earth. In this corner of Chile, classic rainfall is an extraordinary phenomenon. Regardless of the season, the volume of precipitation here is extremely low and usually amounts to 0 to 1 mm per month, creating unique conditions for year-round tourism.

However, the concept of "dryness" here is relative if looking at the number of "humid days". Their number noticeably increases in the autumn-winter period. Already in May (autumn), about 9 days with precipitation are recorded, and the peak falls on the winter month of June, when statistics note up to 13 humid days. It is important to understand that most often these are not downpours, but the drizzle characteristic of the region, which barely wets the ground.

The clearest and driest time of year is spring. In October and especially in November, the probability of precipitation is reduced to an absolute minimum — up to 0 rainy days. Even in summer, in January and February, the number of humid days is slightly higher (3–4 days) than in spring. Therefore, travellers can safely leave umbrellas and raincoats at home: the climate here is distinguished by exceptional stability.

When planning your journey, keep in mind that Arica is known as the "city of eternal spring" with a very arid climate, so you are unlikely to need heavy raincoats and umbrellas here. Your luggage should be based on light and comfortable clothing made from natural breathable fabrics. For the summer months (from January to March), when the air warms up to +26°C, t-shirts, light trousers, airy dresses, and, of course, modest swimwear for a beach holiday are ideal.

Despite the warmth, it is important to remember the principle of layering in Chile, especially if your trip falls during the period from June to September. During these months, temperatures can drop to +13–16°C, and fogs and a cool breeze often come from the ocean. Be sure to pack jeans, a fleece jacket, a hoodie, or a windproof jacket in your suitcase to feel comfortable on cool evenings or during morning walks.

Pay special attention to protection from the active sun: a head covering, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with high SPF are necessary at any time of the year. Since exploring the city and climbing the famous El Morro hill involve walking, bring comfortable, broken-in footwear — trainers or flat sandals will be the best choice.