The best time to visit Chile is usually between October to March, during the spring and summer months, however it does depend on what you'd like to do and see there. The sheer length of Chile produces some incredible areas and climates. Northern Chile is home to the Atacama Desert which can be accessed all year round. During the winter months of June, July and August the nightly temperatures regularly drop below freezing and is something to be aware of when making plans. Atacama is the driest desert on earth, but it does occasionally rain from November to February. In general it means it can easily be incorporated into your itinerary whenever you plan to travel. Similarly, Easter Islands are pretty pleasant all year round, although the winds and pacific ocean currents have a significant bearing on the climate. The peak season is January to March due to the higher temperatures. The winter months can bring more rain and be cooler, meaning that it is more peaceful to explore.
If pumas are your thing, then the best time to track pumas in the wild can be found in the pages below and in more detail on our puma tracking pages. Tracking these big cats in their natural environment is an awesome wildlife safari experience and these days, we have a 100% success rate. Contact one of the team in order to find out the tips and tricks and to avoid the buys season.
This is the peak summer season in Chile. Patagonia is particularly busy at this time of year as it is great for trekking. Whales arrive in the coastal waters of Patagonia Chile in this month before migrating to the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula in March.
In February, the south is most popular as the heat in the north rises particularly high. The Lake Districts , Santiago and beaches are very popular with tourists and locals alike. This is also the last month to the penguin chicks that are born along Southern Patagonia before the penguins migrate back.
March is a great time to travel to Chile. The summer is slowly starting to come to an end, meaning it is slightly quieter than the previous couple of months and is cooler too. Southern Patagonia still has great hiking weather as it is still dry.
Santiago and the Central Valley is the best area to visit in April as the weather is still pleasant and the wine harvesting is in full swing.
It is still a good time to visit Santiago and the Central Valley for wine but the rest of the country is on the cusp of winter, with rains across the north.
This is the start of the low season in Chile. It is a good time to head to the mountains for skiing or visit the north as visitors are fewer at this time.
Although cold, those who are brave enough to explore Patagonia will find breathtaking winter landscapes at this time. It may not be the most pleasant, but puma tracking in Torres del National Park at this time may be beneficial as they are easier to spot in the winter.
In the south, the rain starts to ease and may be a good time to visit for a quieter visit. AsChile is a birding paradise, and with birds being seen all year round, it is a good time for avid twitchers. From flamingos in the Atacama Desert, the Andean Condor throughout the country, and exotic woodpeckers and hummingbirds in Chilean Patagonia, Chile is a minefield.
September is the ideal for combining Santiago with the Atacama Desert, as the days are beginning to warm up during this time, without being too hot and the two climates compliment each other.
October is a good time to travel to most areas of Chile. As it is the spring, a lot of flora is blooming in both northern and central Chile, leading to gorgeous landscapes.
This is the start of the summer for Chile, and areas begin to get busier. Patagonia is particularly popular at this time.
December is a popular time to visit the beaches and make a trip to Torres del Paine National Park as the weather is very pleasant. We recommend booking early for this period.
This is the most popular time to visit Chile, trekking in Patagonia and the Lake District is much more pleasant and there are much better wildlife sightings at this time. Whales and Dolphins can be seen between January to March as whales frequent the coastal waters of Patagonian Chile before and after migrating to the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula. Penguins begin to arrive in Southern Patagonia in late September to mate, with chicks being seen in December, January and February. January and February are the hottest months meaning that the parks are full, and the beaches are crowded. With the weather clear and sunny, it is often cooler on the coast and close to the mountains; it is a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Head out into the wild in search of Patagonia’s elusive apex predator, with your own private puma tracking guide, in this Classic Chile Safari. Take part in an array of activities in and San Pedro de Atacama and spend time in the Atacama Desert, visiting the likes of The Valley of the Moon.
Experience the arid wasteland of the Atacama Desert and the rugged landscape of Torres del Paine National Park - as well as the cities in between – on this journey across Chile. There are a host of highlights that draw travellers to Chile, and this adventurous safari takes in some of the best. From the Atacama Desert – one of the driest places on earth – to the mountains and glaciers of Patagonia, this long strip of a country contains within it a wide variety of landscapes and ecological regions for the intrepid explorer to experience. In addition to Chile’s natural wonders, you’ll be able to visit some of the country’s cultural highlights, including the capital city of Santiago and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaiso.
An exclusive tailor-made puma tracking safari in Torres del Paine National Park. Track the big cats in Chile in winter; the best time to see them in the wilderness of Chilean Patagonia, stay in luxurious accommodation too. Based in the exclusive Explora Patagonia lodge, and with breath-taking scenery on your doorstep, even if the puma eludes us, there is still plenty to see in this impressive part of Patagonia.
Track the elusive South American puma with expert guides & photographers as you venture through the wild landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.
Capture Chile's stunning wildlife and landscapes through wildlife photography. You are likely to observe culpeo foxes, the mighty Andean condor, guanacos, and we hope to view the puma and the endangered huemul (South Andean deer). In the afternoons, after the peak sun hours and little wildlife activity, you may head to the western parts of the park where you can capture some of the more iconic landmarks such as Grey’s Glacier and The Horns.
Head to the Chilean coast to observe the migration of humpback whales, blue whales, and dolphins. The best whale-watching spots include Chiloé Island and the fjords of Patagonia.
Chile is home to over 500 bird species. Explore various ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coastal areas, to spot unique bird species like the Andean condor, Magellanic penguin, and flamingos.
Wildlife Specialists
While many operators focus on trekking, we specialise in ethical puma tracking with native Chilean trackers who use non-intrusive methods and blend respect with skill. From the highest-density puma areas in Torres del Paine to bird-rich Andean altiplano or coastal penguin colonies, our safaris are built around wildlife, not just scenery
Wealth of Experience
Our team knows Chile from top to bottom, whether navigating the northern salt pans, charting its long coastline, or deep in the wildlife-rich steppes of Patagonia. We partner only with trusted local guides and conservation-minded operators to ensure seamless itineraries that deliver authentic wildlife encounters and ethical handling every step of the way
Tailor‑Made Travel
Every Chile journey is bespoke, whether that means tracking pumas at dawn, exploring remote fjords, or visiting newly rewilded landscapes like Patagonia National Park. We design each itinerary to match your interests with local expertise, combining wildlife, wilderness, and culture in a seamless and meaningful way
