Weather in Iquique

Stay informed about the current weather conditions in Iquique to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible. In this section, you will find up-to-date weather data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts.

Iquique welcomes travellers with a unique desert climate, significantly softened by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. The weather here is distinguished by incredible stability and comfort: there is neither extreme heat nor piercing cold. Thanks to this, the city is often called the land of "eternal spring," where conditions for relaxation remain favourable almost all year round.

Temperature fluctuations throughout the year are minimal. Summer, which lasts from December to March in the Southern Hemisphere, delights with pleasant warmth with average temperatures around +20...+21°C and highs up to +24°C. Winter (from June to August) is very mild here: the air warms up to an average of +15°C during the day, while nights remain quite comfortable, rarely cooling below +11°C.

The main feature of the local climate is exceptional dryness — real rain in Iquique is a huge rarity. Even in the winter months, the amount of precipitation tends to zero, although cloudiness or characteristic coastal fogs are sometimes possible. This makes Iquique an ideal destination for those who want to guaranteed avoid downpours and enjoy calm, dry weather by the ocean.

The highest thermometer readings in Iquique are recorded in January and February. During these months, the air warms up during the day to an average of 23–24°C, and the night temperature rarely drops below 17–18°C. Such conditions provide comfortable warmth without extreme heat, allowing you to enjoy beach holidays and walks at any time of the day.

The winter season, falling on July and August, brings only relative coolness. During the day, the temperature confidently holds around the 19°C mark, which is ideal for excursions and active tourism. However, nights become noticeably fresher: minimum values can reach 11°C, so it is worth planning for warmer clothing for evening outings.

An important feature of the local temperature regime is the perceptible daily fluctuation, which is about 6–8 degrees. At the same time, the annual picture remains surprisingly stable: the smooth transition between seasons is almost unnoticeable, which makes the weather in Iquique predictable and pleasant for travel in any month of the year.

Iquique is a true paradise for those who prefer an exclusively dry climate. The city is located at the edge of the Atacama Desert, so real rains here are a phenomenally rare occurrence. Throughout the year, precipitation levels remain minimal, often not exceeding 1 mm per month. There are practically no heavy downpours here, which makes planning outdoor recreation very predictable.

Although meteorological data may show the presence of "wet days" (especially in the period from May to August, when their number reaches 6–7 per month), the nature of this precipitation is quite specific. In the winter months in Chile, a thick fog or light sea drizzle, known as "camanchaca," often descends on the coast. This creates a sensation of humidity in the air but actually does not lead to wetting the ground or the formation of puddles.

The driest period of the year is the summer months and early autumn: from January to April, the probability of precipitation tends to absolute zero. At this time, the sky remains clear and the air dry. Travellers heading to Iquique can safely leave their umbrella at home — the likelihood that you will need it is negligibly small.

Packing for Iquique will not be a difficult task, as the local climate is often called "eternal spring." The arid weather of the Atacama Desert prevails here, softened by the influence of the ocean, so you definitely won't need heavy winter clothes. Since rain in this region is an exceptional occurrence (precipitation is practically zero year-round), you can safely leave your umbrella and raincoat at home. The basis of your wardrobe should be light summer clothes made of natural fabrics, as well as swimwear for relaxing on the beaches.

However, keep in mind the temperature changes throughout the day. Even in the warmest months (January-February), evenings can be refreshing due to the ocean breeze, and in the winter period (from June to August), the night temperature drops to +11°C. It is recommended to use the layering principle: be sure to take a windbreaker, a fleece jacket, or a cosy cardigan that is easy to throw on after sunset. For walks along the promenade and excursions to the dunes, comfortable shoes, such as light trainers, are indispensable.

Pay special attention to sun protection, which is very active here regardless of the season. Sunscreen with a high SPF factor, quality sunglasses, and a head covering (a cap or a wide-brimmed hat) are mandatory accessories for any tourist in Chile. Also, do not forget moisturising products for skin and lips, as the air in this region is quite dry.