San Pedro de Atacama Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore temperature statistics for San Pedro de Atacama in Antofagasta Region, Chile, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Chile.
Monthly Temperature Averages
San Pedro de Atacama sees moderate fluctuations in temperatures, making each season distinct yet not extreme. Average maximum daytime temperatures reach a warm 25°C in December. In July, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a mild 17°C. At night, expect even cooler temperatures, with lows averaging around 1°C.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in San Pedro de Atacama by month:
The lowest temperatures typically occur between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the peak temperatures are generally observed around 3 PM, when the sun's heating is most intense.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
July, the city’s coldest month, sees about 3.4 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 0 days.
Annual Temperatures in Chile Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Chile. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
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San Pedro de Atacama Temperatures Compared World Wide
San Pedro de Atacama’s average annual maximum temperature is 21°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual temperature is around 21°C, resulting in warm summers and mild winters throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Queenstown, New Zealand, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 10°C, with mild summers and cold winters.
Osaka, Japan, offers a similar climate to Tokyo, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.
Melbourne, Australia, has a slightly cooler climate, with an average annual temperature of 20°C.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
In San Pedro de Atacama, during the coolest month, July, you will experience 18% humidity, which is considered low. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 17°C. In the warmest month, December, the humidity is 22% combined with an average maximum temperature of 25°C, which creates a low-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Sea vs. Land Temperatures
The influence of nearby oceans or large water bodies significantly affects local temperatures:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions tend to have more stable temperatures, as large bodies of water absorb and release heat slowly. This often results in milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas.
- Continental Climates: Landmasses well away from large bodies of water tend to show greater extremes in temperature, having hotter summers and colder winters because of the absence of water as a moderating influence.
For more detailed information about San Pedro de Atacama’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our San Pedro de Atacama climate page.
Current temperature in San Pedro de Atacama
