San Pedro de Atacama has one of the most reliable climates on Earth: more than 300 clear days a year, almost no rain and very strong sun. But "desert" does not mean “always hot”. The town sits at 2,400 m (7,900 ft), and most excursions climb to 4,000 m or more, where temperatures can be 15 ºC colder than in town at the same moment.
We have been guiding in the Atacama since the 1980s. This guide explains not only the averages, but what the weather actually feels like on each excursion, and how to dress for it.
Atacama weather at a glance
Climate: high-altitude cold desert. Dry, sunny and windy in the afternoons.
Altitude of San Pedro: 2,400 m (7,900 ft).
Rain: about 83 mm (3.3 in) a year, almost all of it between January and March.
Average temperature: 14,5 ºC (58 ºF).
Daily temperature range: 12 to 20 ºC between the warmest and coldest hour of the day. Sunny afternoons in a T-shirt can be followed by frost at night.
Sun: the UV index is extreme all year. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are essential, even in winter.
Temperature in San Pedro de Atacama by month
| Month | Average high | Average low | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21 °C / 69 °F | 9 °C / 48 °F | Warm days; afternoon storms on the high plateau |
| February | 20 °C / 68 °F | 10 °C / 50 °F | Wettest month on the high plateau; some roads may close |
| March | 20 °C / 68 °F | 8 °C / 47 °F | Rain ends; very clear skies |
| April | 18 °C / 64 °F | 6 °C / 42 °F | Pleasant days, cold nights begin |
| May | 15 °C / 58 °F | 3 °C / 37 °F | Crisp, very clear, few visitors |
| June | 13 °C / 55 °F | 2 °C / 35 °F | Cold mornings; occasional snow on the high plateau |
| July | 12 °C / 54 °F | 0 °C / 33 °F | Coldest month; frost at night |
| August | 14 °C / 57 °F | 1 °C / 35 °F | Cold and windy; stunning visibility |
| September | 16 °C / 61 °F | 3 °C / 37 °F | Warming up; windy afternoons |
| October | 18 °C / 64 °F | 5 °C / 41 °F | One of the best months to visit |
| November | 20 °C / 68 °F | 6 °C / 43 °F | Warm, dry, stable: ideal for hiking and climbing |
| December | 21 °C / 69 °F | 7 °C / 45 °F | Warm; first summer storms possible at the end of the month |
Averages for the town of San Pedro (2,400 m). At higher altitude, subtract about 6 °C for every 1,000 m.
The Atacama is not one climate: temperature by altitude
Most visitors are surprised by how cold some excursions are. The key is altitude:
| Place | Altitude | Typical temperature at the time you visit |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific coast (Antofagasta) | 0 m | 14 to 24 °C, mild all year, often cloudy in the morning |
| San Pedro, Moon Valley, Salar de Atacama | 2,300 to 2,500 m | 12 to 21 °C in the afternoon, near 0 °C at night in winter |
| Altiplanic lagoons (Miscanti and Miñiques) | about 4,100 m | 0 to 10 °C, often strong wind |
| El Tatio geysers at sunrise | about 4,300 m | -5 °C in summer, down to -15 °C in winter |
| Volcano summits (Láscar, Licancabur) | 5,500 to 5,900 m | Well below zero, with strong wind |
So the “weather in the Atacama Desert” depends less on the month than on where you are and at what hour.
What the weather means for each excursion
El Tatio geysers: tours leave around 4:30—5:00 am to see the steam at sunrise, the coldest moment of the day. Dress as for a ski day: thermal layers, a down jacket, a hat and gloves. It warms up quickly after 9:00 am.
Altiplanic lagoons and salt flats: the sun is strong, but the wind is cold. Bring a windproof jacket even in summer.
Moon Valley and Death Valley: visited in the afternoon and at sunset. It is warm and dry, so carry water and sun protection. It cools down fast once the sun sets.
Stargazing: done at night, when it can be close to freezing from April to October. Bring your warmest layer.
Volcano climbs: the best season is October to April, when the summits are warmest and least windy. In winter the summits are very cold and the wind is stronger. See our Atacama Trek & Láscar Climb.
Uyuni Salt Flat (Bolivia): January to March brings the famous mirror effect, but some routes may close because of rain. From June to August nights are extremely cold, and snow sometimes closes the border crossing. See our Atacama & Uyuni Salt Flat overland trip
The "Altiplanic winter": summer rains
Between late December and March, humid air from the Amazon reaches the high plateau and brings afternoon storms, known locally as the invierno altiplánico or "Bolivian winter". In San Pedro it means some cloudy afternoons and the occasional shower. On the high plateau it can mean hail, snow and roads closed for a day or two, especially to the El Tatio geysers, the altiplanic lagoons and the border with Bolivia.
It is still a good time to travel, as long as you keep a flexible day in your plan. We adjust the order of excursions to the forecast.
What to wear in San Pedro de Atacama
All year, the secret is layers:
A thermal base layer (merino or synthetic).
A fleece or light insulating jacket.
A warm down jacket for early mornings and nights, from April to October all day at altitude.
A windproof and waterproof outer jacket. Hat, gloves and a warm beanie, plus a sun hat and category 3-4 sunglasses.
Comfortable walking shoes with good soles; trekking boots for hikes.
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm. The air is very dry.
Best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama
For good weather and comfortable temperatures: October, November, March and April. Warm days, nights that are cool but not freezing, and stable skies.
For fewer visitors and the clearest air: May to September. Expect cold nights and early mornings. Read our tips for traveling in Atacama in winter.
For the Uyuni mirror effect: January to March, with a flexible plan.
For climbing volcanoes: October to April.
For stargazing: all year. April to October has the most stable skies, but the coldest nights.
Tips for families and travelers over 50
Altitude, not heat, is the main challenge. Spend at least one or two days at San Pedro's altitude before going above 4,000 m. Our acclimatization tips explain how.
Choose excursions with fewer very early starts if cold mornings are hard for you. Many of them can be done later in the day.
Teenagers usually adapt quickly, but they feel the cold at the geysers as much as adults do. Make sure they pack proper gloves and a hat.
On a private trip we adapt the schedule to the weather and your pace. See our Chile Atacama and Easter Island tour for families or plan a tailor-made trip.
Weather in San Pedro de Atacama: Frequently asked questions
Does it rain in San Pedro de Atacama?
Very little: about 83 mm a year, mostly in January and February in short afternoon storms. Many years go by with almost no rain at all.
What is the average temperature in the Atacama Desert?
In San Pedro it is about 14.5 ºC (58 ºF). Days range from 12 ºC in July to 21 ºC in December and January, and nights drop to around 0 ºC in winter.
How cold does it get at the Tatio geysers?
At sunrise, -5 ºC in summer and down to -15 ºC in winter. Dress as you would for a ski day.
Does it snow in San Pedro de Atacama?
In town, snow is very rare. On the high plateau, above 4,000 m, it snows some winters and during summer storms, and can temporarily close roads.
What is the best month to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
October and November are our favorites: warm, dry, stable and good for every excursion. March and April are also excellent.
Is the Atacama hot in summer?
Afternoons reach around 20–21 °C on average in San Pedro, and occasionally more. It feels hotter in the sun, but it is never extremely hot like other deserts, because of the altitude.
Want to see the Atacama with local guides who adapt each day to the weather? Discover our Atacama tours or schedule a consultation call to plan a private trip for your group.
Read next: Top Tours and Attractions in San Pedro de Atacama