Atacama Weather & Climate: Chile

Climate by month across Atacama, Chile, average temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

Climate overview of Atacama

Atacama is one of several regions in Chile, with temperatures that range from 20°C (68°F) in July to 28°C (82°F) during the peak of January. We've based our full climate overview on data from Copiapó, the region's most prominent city. For more detailed climate information about other cities in the area, please see the section beneath the map further down the page.

In Atacama, the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December bring pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging between 21°C (70°F) and 27°C (81°F).

When it comes to rainfall, Atacama maintains fairly consistent rainfall patterns throughout the year, with May seeing 7 mm (0.3 in) and January receiving 0 mm (0 in). The region maintains dry conditions year-round Overall, the climate remains dry throughout the year.

January is the sunniest period, with ideal conditions for exploring the region and all it has to offer.

Explore Atacama by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Atacama — and find the best time to visit. (based on Copiapó)

Popular cities by month

Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.

Copiapó Chañaral Caldera Bahia Inglesa Vallenar Piedra Colgada
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)

Climate map of Atacama

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)
32°

Compare popular cities

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.

Copiapó 21°C (70°F) 28°C (82°F) 6°C (43°F) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 2,925 hours
Chañaral 18°C (64°F) 23°C (73°F) 10°C (50°F) 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Caldera 17°C (63°F) 23°C (73°F) 11°C (52°F) 16°C (61°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2,925 hours
Bahia Inglesa 17°C (63°F) 23°C (73°F) 11°C (52°F) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2,925 hours
Vallenar 20°C (68°F) 28°C (82°F) 5°C (41°F) 16°C (61°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Piedra Colgada 20°C (68°F) 27°C (81°F) 7°C (45°F) 15°C (59°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 2,925 hours

Places in Atacama, Chile

Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.

Popular cities

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Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.