Santiago Holiday Weather Overview
The capital of Chile in South America, Santiago is the largest city in the country settled between the Andes mountain range and the Cordillera de la Costa.
Due to this positioning, Santiago is frequently visited for skiing holidays in the winter months, but throughout the year also offers a beautiful landscape to any holidaymakers on any number of diverse leisurely activities.
Things to do and see in Santiago
Santiago’s night scene is vibrant and buzzing, with most residents partying on into the very early hours of the morning. The best place to get involved with the festivities is Barrio Bellavista which is the city’s more bohemian quarter, containing countless cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs.
A thriving hub of culture, Santiago’s winding streets are full to the brim of art and museums, including the Museo Histórico Nacional, Museo Chileno De Arte Precolombino, the cultural centre itself, Centro Gabriela Minstral, and even The Houses of Pablo Neruda, which celebrates the famous artist’s life’s work.
Arguably the most worthwhile artwork is actually the city’s street art, which is scattered throughout it on the sides of buildings, billboards and even benches.
Best food and places to eat in Santiago
Santiaguinos eat a lot of fresh seafood, generally with meals containing rice and clams or mussels.
The most popular dish of the city is called Pastel de Choclo, a beef and chicken pie topped with sweetcorn baked in its own individual clay pot. They also enjoy a dish called poroto which is a favourite containing semi-ripe beans and Chilean stew, among others.
What languages are spoken in Santiago?
The official language in Chile is Spanish. English is relatively commonplace throughout the Santiago itself, but a phrasebook wouldn’t go amiss.
What currency is used in Santiago?
The currency used in Santiago is the Chilean peso.
Top places to stay in Santiago
There is a significant variety of accommodation available in the city.
From the grand to the boutique, Santiago has something to cater for all tastes:
Grand Hyatt Santiago is regarded as one of Santiago’s finest hotels. It is located in an exclusive residential neighbourhood and is only 20 minutes away from the city centre.
If looking for a more affordable and highly friendly atmosphere, Providencia Bed and Breakfast is a family business and as well as being exceedingly welcoming, they also share their knowledge of the city with all their guests.
There are also a wide range of boutique hotels with varying costs, such as The Aubrey, a stylish and chic mansion in Bellavista, or the Hotel Orly, a former family home turned elegant manor in Providencia.
Best month to visit Santiago
December, January and February are the best months to visit Santiago for the sun, but definitely remember to take sun lotion and protection throughout these hot periods, as the summer winds can be deceptive.
A great time to visit is also in the winter, for any skiing enthusiasts or first-time skiers who want to spend some serious time on the slops against Santiago’s stunning backdrop.
Climate in Santiago
Santiago has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hotter summers. The climate is largely affected by pollution, which means that during winter smog will arise.
The average temperature of the city is 13.6 °C, and monthly temperatures can vary by 12.9 °C. The hottest month is January at an average of 20 °C and the coldest month falls on July, which averages at around 7°C.
Spring in Santiago
Spring is a comfortable time in Santiago, often warm during the days but never too hot or humid. They can also generally be quite cloudy at times, but not to a considerable degree. Temperatures range from a minimum of 6 °C to 23 °C.
Summer in Santiago
Summer is frequently warm and dry, and last from November to February when temperatures can hit highs of 34°C. There is a strong wind from the southwest in the summer months, so it is important that sun protection is still being used, regardless of any drop in temperature. Temperatures range from 12 °C to a high of 34 °C during the day (with noticeable cooling down at night).
Autumn in Santiago
Autumn covers the months of March to May, during which time temperatures can decrease over time, ranging from 7 °C up to a maximum of 22 °C.
Winter in Santiago
Winter happens from May to August and temperatures average around 11°C. Temperatures during the night can fall to around 0°C on the coldest days. It usually only snows up in the Andes, so snow in the city itself is exceedingly rare, but rainfall does increase during winter and this makes it a more humid season. Temperatures rarely exceed 15 °C, and it may be especially cold in the mornings.
What to pack and wear in Santiago?
During the summer months, shorts and t-shirts should be worn to keep cool. The weather around this time can be quite unpredictable so always pack extra layers to cover up, especially during the evenings.
At winter, it is essential that warm clothes are brought, particularly if you are planning on going skiing.
As the city requires a lot of walking, comfortable walking shoes such as trainers are also advised.
Best months to visit Santiago?
January and February are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Santiago. The weather averages gathered from Santiago weather forecast and Santiago weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 25°c and average of 332.3333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Santiago?
July and June are the coldest months with temperature at around 3°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Santiago?
June and August receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 108.96mm.
Travelling to Santiago? Check out our Weather averages of Santiago to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Santiago section.