Chile in December - Everything to See & Do
December is the perfect time to discover Chile. This month offers a sweet spot, with the country’s glorious landscapes at their most accessible, with clear mountain passes, blooming wildflowers in the central valleys, and optimal conditions for outdoor adventures, while sitting just before the busiest summer season.
If you’re looking to explore this South American gem at this time of year, this article covers everything you need to know about what to expect from Chile in December.
What is the weather like in Chile in December?
Let’s start by looking at what to expect from Chile’s weather in December and what season it is in Chile in December.
While the western hemisphere is well and truly in its season in December, this month marks the beginning of the long summer season in Chile. The country transitions from spring’s gentle warmth into its sunniest and longest days.
As a whole, the weather in Chile in December is great. The temperatures are at their highest and daylight hours extend, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s breathtaking natural beauty.
The temperature in Chile in December varies throughout the country due to its long, narrow shape. The hottest December weather can be found in the north of Chile, where temperatures sit between 79°F and 86°F.
Further south, in areas like Patagonia, temperatures are cooler and more refreshing, sitting comfortably between the mid-50s and 60s Fahrenheit. Overall, December in Chile offers a delightful range of mild to warm temperatures that provide the perfect conditions for discovering many of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
Where to go in Chile in December
Patagonia
The sunny weather in Patagonia, Chile, in December makes it a wonderful time of year to visit this breathtaking region of the country. Here you will be greeted with extraordinary landscapes, ranging from enchanting forests to glacial fjords, and temperate rainforests to snowcapped peaks.
While the dry and mild temperatures in Chile in December make this a great time to visit, it’s worth remembering that this is also when Patagonia's infamous winds are at their most powerful.
These powerful gusts can be quite formidable, often reaching speeds of 9-13 mph and beyond. However, with proper preparation, you can still explore this magnificent region safely and comfortably. If you're wondering what to wear in Chile in December for a Patagonia adventure, think in layers, dress like an onion.
We recommend multiple layers of high-quality, breathable outdoor clothing, including a windproof jacket. This way, you can stay protected during those fierce gusts while also having the flexibility to shed a few layers and stay comfortable when the winds calm, and you can enjoy the sun.
When it comes to where to go in Patagonia in December, in particular, we recommend Torres del Paine National Park.
Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the best places to go in Patagonia in December because the clear skies and mild temperatures are perfect for hiking, and this is a great time to spot pumas at the edge of the park.
The UNESCO-protected park is situated in the south of Chilean Patagonia, close to the southernmost tip of the country, and is world-renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes which encompass ancient glaciers, electric-blue lakes and huge granite peaks.
With around 18 hours of daylight in this part of Chile in December, you can take your time exploring the park’s wonderful trails and listen and look out for the exciting wildlife into the evening.
While this is a popular time of year to visit the region, it falls just before the busiest peak summer months of January and February. So, you can enjoy the mild weather with slightly less foot traffic!
The Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is a fantastic place to explore when visiting Chile in December. Offering a very different landscape to discover compared to the verdant scenery, glittering lakes and icy glaciers of Patagonia, this fascinating plateau is the driest nonpolar desert in the world.
The lunar landscape is magnificent to see, especially while on a December vacation to Chile, as the comfortable temperatures, clear skies and long days offer the perfect conditions for exploring this otherworldly setting.
In fact, one of the best things to do in Chile in December is to visit Chaxa Lagoon at sunrise. Here you will be treated to the magnificent sight of hundreds of flamingos creating a pink fringe against the transparent waters of Salar de Atacama, as the morning light casts a soft pink glow across the salt flats.
The Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, is another wonderful place to explore in the Atacama Desert. The extraordinary landscape comprises unique rock formations and salt-blanketed soil that makes you feel like you've stepped onto another planet entirely.
With such unique natural scenery on offer, the Atacama Desert is absolutely one of the best places to go in Chile in December.
Santiago
Head to Santiago in December to discover this fascinating South American city in the sun. Here you’ll find stunning architecture, delicious food and a distinct, vibrant energy.
The average weather in Santiago in December hovers around a perfect 79°F during the day, and 54°F in the evenings. These comfortable temperatures make it a perfect time to wander through the city's highlights.
If you’re wondering what to do in Santiago in December, start by making the most of the long days and clear skies by taking the cable car up San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views over the snow-capped peaks of Cordillera de los Andes.
You can also wander through the city’s different neighborhoods to uncover their unique architecture and ambience. Bellavista is known for its bohemian feel. Here you will find colorful street art and a bustling cafe culture, while Las Condes and Vitacura are upscale districts known for their elegance and upscale dining experiences.
As for what to wear in Santiago, Chile, in December, think smart-casual summer attire with layers for the cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for staying comfortable while exploring the different corners of the city.
What to Do in Chile in December
Discover the Grey Glacier
The weather in Chile in December makes this an excellent time of year to go and discover the Grey Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in Torres del Paine National Park.
The immense ice formation stands at an incredible 30 meters high and a width of six kilometers, and is thought to date back over 18,000 years, and is a dramatic sight as it tumbles into the waters of Lago Grey.
One of the best ways to get to the Grey Glacier is by hiking either the Full Circuit or the W Trek. Both of these routes are incredibly scenic, with views of snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, and lush valleys along the way. You can also trek up and around the glacier on a day hike.
Another great way to reach this mighty ice sheet is by kayaking along it and gazing up at it from the water.
Visit Easter Island
Visiting Easter Island is one of the best things to do in Chile in December. The high temperatures, reduced rainfall and longer daylight hours make this an excellent time to discover this fascinating part of the country.
Easter Island is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia, renowned for its massive moai statues that dot the landscape. These mysterious megalithic figures stand on ceremonial platforms and were built to honor the dead.
In fact, they are thought to represent the deified ancestors of the Rapa Nui people. Beyond these fascinating statues, Easter Island is also a great place to go scuba diving through lava tubes and to snorkel around the clear waters of the island’s coastline, where you can discover colorful marine life and underwater volcanic formations.
Go Hiking in the Atacama Desert
Another of the top things to do in Chile in December is go hiking in the Atacama Desert, thanks to the country’s sunny skies and mild temperatures. You can explore the salt flats of Salar de Atacama, a shimmering white expanse that stretches out as far as the eye can see.
Another great place to go hiking in the Atacama Desert is the Valley of the Moon. Here you can trek across an otherworldly landscape of towering sand dunes,
For an early-morning adventure, hike up to the Tatio Geysers, the highest geyser field in the world, and watch the sun rise as steam vents burst into the chilly air. Wherever your hiking boots take you, the Atacama Desert is a land of contrasts and a brilliant place to visit on Chile holidays in December.
Visit the Chilean Wine Region
December is an exceptional time to explore Chile's renowned wine regions, as the summer months are the hottest and driest time of year. Explore the wine regions of Chile in the valleys near Santiago with perfect conditions for vineyard tours and outdoor tastings.
The famous valleys of Maipo, Colchagua, and Casablanca offer stunning landscapes of endless vine rows stretching across rolling hills, while the warm December weather creates ideal conditions for leisurely wine tours and al fresco dining experiences.
During the summer season, you can tour historic wineries and sample world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Chardonnay, all the while learning about Chile's unique terroir from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Coast.
Events in Chile in December
Fiesta Grande, Andacollo
One of the most anticipated events in Chile in December is the Fiesta Grande in Andacollo. The festival is an important date on the calendar as it is the country’s oldest religious holiday and is held in honor of the Virgin of Andacollo.
Taking place across five days, typically from the 23rd to 27th of December, in the town of Andacollo, it features lots of exciting celebrations, including dance groups, colorful processions, and veneration of the Virgin's statue.
Christmas
Traveling to Chile in December is very special, as you get a chance to experience an authentic Chilean Christmas. While it’s warm and sunny, the country is lively and festive.
So, how does Chile celebrate Christmas? In Santiago and other cities, you’ll find streets and plazas lit up with decorations, local markets selling delicious treats, and families gathering to share holiday meals. It’s the perfect chance to experience a Chilean-style Christmas full of warmth and community.
New Year’s
New Year’s is a huge celebration in Chile in December. You’ll find spectacular fireworks shows and street parties. Coastal cities like Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are famous for their massive celebrations, drawing both locals and visitors who want to ring in the new year in true Chilean style.
Along with these lively festivities, there are lots of other interesting traditions to enjoy at this time of year, including eating twelve grapes for good luck and going for a walk with an empty suitcase.
Plan Your Trip To Chile Today
With fantastic conditions for exploring the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, exciting local festivals, and lively markets and city streets, December is a sensational time to visit Chile.
Dreaming of taking a trip to Chile in December? Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert, stand in awe of the iconic Moai statues on Easter Island, and savor the flavors of Chile’s renowned wine region on a tailor-made Best of Chile adventure. Get in touch to start planning your dream trip to Chile today.
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