Good Time to Visit

Weather

The weather in Chile is highly varied, ranging from extreme aridity in the North Atacama Desert to cold, wet and windy in the far south at Tierra del Fuego. Central areas have a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, wet winters (May to August) and dry summers.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight, natural fabrics and rainwear for the wet season. However, travellers to the south should bring substantial waterproofs.

For a more detailed look at the weather in each of Chile's regions, see Climate in Chile.

Festivals

The Easter and Christmas holidays are the most important celebrations. There are also many secular holidays, including Independence Day in September, a day of partying and rodeos.

At the Fiesta de la Virgin del Rosario held each December in Andacollo, pilgrims follow a colourful procession of the Virgin's image to a huge shrine, while vast crowds camped on surrounding hills watch horse races and cockfights.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Chile: