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Atacama Desert Weather in May
With daytime temperatures of 22°C (72°F) and nighttime lows of 4°C (39°F), May in Atacama Desert brings pleasant temperatures during the day. The excellent weather makes it an appealing time to visit.
Rainfall in Atacama Desert in May
You can typically expect 0 days of rain this month, averaging around 4.8 mm (0.2 in). If rain does fall, it tends to arrive as a fairly heavy shower rather than light drizzle.
Temperature in Atacama Desert in May
Atacama Desert in May is worth a visit. The temperature is excellent, with 22°C (72°F) during the day and 4°C (39°F) at night. Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. Nights fall to 4°C (39°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.If you're interested in exploring other destinations, our weather planner can help you discover additional travel options worldwide.
Atacama Desert Temperature in May
Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
22°C (72°F)
Chance of Rain
0%
Precipitation
4.8 mm (0.2 in)
Rainy days
0 days
Atacama Desert Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Atacama Desert - and find the best time to visit.
Historical weather records for Atacama Desert in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Atacama Desert spanning 21 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Atacama Desert historical weather extremes in May
Based on weather observations in Atacama Desert between 2006 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- On May 2, 2026, temperatures climbed to 28°C (82°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- Atacama Desert experienced its chilliest May day on May 24, 2014, reaching only 8°C (46°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was -3°C (27°F) (May 26, 2014).
Best Places in Chile in May
Find out more about the weather in Chile and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Chile in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Atacama Desert in May
For Atacama Desert in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Almost no rain is expected, so no need to bring rain gear.
What To Do in Atacama Desert in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling10/10 -
Walking10/10 -
Camping5/10 -
Outdoor sports10/10
Atacama Desert 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Atacama Desert
See the full Atacama Desert climate overview or explore weather in Chile.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Hanga Roa
23°C (73°F) La Serena19°C (66°F) San Pedro de Atacama
19°C (66°F) Santiago18°C (64°F) Concón17°C (63°F) Valparaíso16°C (61°F) Viña del Mar17°C (63°F) Pucón
13°C (55°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
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