Weather in Santiago

Planning a walk around Santiago or an important meeting? Find the freshest weather information right here! We have prepared current data, forecasts, and convenient charts for you.

The climate in Santiago can be characterized as Mediterranean with semi-arid features. The city enjoys clearly defined seasons: summer (from December to February) is warm and very dry here, with average temperatures around 20-21°C and minimal precipitation. Winter (from June to August), conversely, is cooler, with average temperatures around 8-9°C, and this is when the main, though small, share of annual precipitation falls.

Spring (from September to November) and autumn (from March to May) are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures. In spring, temperatures gradually rise, while in autumn, they fall. A characteristic feature of the Santiago climate is low total precipitation throughout the year. The summer months are particularly arid, when rain is a great rarity. Even in the "wettest" winter months, the amount of precipitation remains insignificant, making the city attractive to visit practically all year round if you prefer dry weather.

Thus, when planning a trip to Santiago, you should expect predominantly sunny weather, especially during the summer period. In winter, warmer clothing may be required, especially for evening walks when the temperature can drop to 3-4°C. However, even in winter, daytime temperatures often remain comfortable for sightseeing.

Santiago observes a notable annual temperature progression, typical of a Mediterranean climate. The hottest months are traditionally January and February, when the average daytime temperature confidently stays above 21°C, and maximum values can reach 27-28°C. February stands out as the warmest month with an average temperature of 21.4°C and highs up to 27.5°C. Conversely, the coolest months are considered June and July, with an average temperature of around 8-9°C. In July, the average temperature is 8.3°C, and the minimum can drop to 2.8°C.

The summer period in Santiago (from December to February) is characterized by warm and very dry weather. Daytime highs in these months consistently exceed 26°C, peaking in January (27.3°C) and February (27.5°C). Nights bring pleasant coolness: average minimum temperatures range from 13.9°C in December to 15.2°C in January and February. Thus, daily temperature fluctuations in summer are quite significant, averaging 12-13°C, which ensures comfortable conditions for resting after a hot day.

Winter in Santiago (from June to August) is quite mild but requires warmer clothing, especially for the evening and night hours. July is the coldest month, when the average minimum temperature drops to 2.8°C, and the average maximum daytime temperature is around 13.8°C. In June and August, the figures are similar: average lows around 3.7-3.9°C, and highs of 13.8-14.9°C. Winter also maintains a noticeable difference between day and night temperatures, usually within the range of 10-11°C, so even after a sunny day, the evening can be quite cool.

Santiago sees a very clear division of the year into dry and, relatively speaking, wet seasons, although the total amount of precipitation in the city is extremely low. Most of the year is characterized by minimal rainfall, making it one of the driest capital cities.

The absolutely dry season falls on the summer months: from December to March inclusive. In January, February, and March, the average precipitation is 0 mm, with only 1-2 rainy days recorded per month. December is also practically without precipitation (0 mm, 1 rainy day). April and November are transitional, with minimal precipitation (1 mm) and 3-4 rainy days.

The period from May to September can be called relatively wetter, but even at this time, rains are rare and not abundant. The "wettest" month is June, when an average of 4 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of days with precipitation reaches 9. In May, July, August, September, and October, 2-3 mm of precipitation falls, while the number of rainy days ranges from 6 to 9. The nature of the precipitation, given its small amount, is likely light or short-term rains rather than heavy downpours. Snowfalls in the city of Santiago itself are extremely rare, given the monthly average temperatures.

Thus, when heading to Santiago, especially from December to March, you can safely count on sunny weather without rain. In the winter months (June-August), the probability of catching rain is slightly higher, but it is unlikely to be prolonged or heavy, and will not spoil the overall impression of the trip.

When planning a trip to Santiago, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the predominantly dry climate and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, as well as between seasons, the principle of layering will become your best friend. In summer (from December to February), it is hot and sunny in Santiago, so pack light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics, sunglasses, a hat, and definitely cream with high SPF – the Chilean sun can be very active. Don't forget comfortable shoes for long walks around the city.

In winter (from June to August), the weather in Santiago becomes significantly cooler, especially in the evenings and mornings, when the temperature can drop to +3-4°C. You will need warm sweaters, trousers, an autumn jacket, and possibly a scarf and gloves. Although precipitation in Santiago is rare even in winter, a light waterproof jacket or umbrella may come in handy, especially in the period from May to September, when the number of days with precipitation increases slightly. During the day, the temperature usually rises to a comfortable +13-15°C, so the ability to remove the top layer of clothing will be very useful.

For the shoulder seasons – spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) – layering is particularly relevant. The morning can be fresh, the day warm, and by evening cool again. Take t-shirts, light jumpers, a cardigan or fleece jacket, as well as a windbreaker or light jacket with you. This way, you can easily adapt to changing conditions throughout the day and enjoy your stay in Santiago to the fullest, regardless of the whims of the weather.