Atacama Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Atacama, Chile in May.

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Copiapó Chañaral Caldera Bahia Inglesa

Considering a trip to Atacama, Chile this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Atacama in May

Atacama, Chile is a region in Chile. May in Atacama generally has temperatures that range from pleasant to warm, with precipitation levels ranging from almost none to low.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is pleasant in Bahia Inglesa at 19°C (66°F) to warm in Copiapó at 23°C (73°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 10°C (50°F) in Copiapó and 13°C (55°F) in Bahia Inglesa.

For specific regional insights in Atacama, Chile, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From almost no rainfall in Bahia Inglesa with an average of 4.9 mm (0.2 in) to low rainfall in Chañaral with 9.6 mm (0.4 in). Based on climate data from the last 30 years, Copiapó receives the most rainfall during this month of the year.

Average sunshine

Several destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine this month. Copiapó sees close to 199 hours of sunlight, making it great for sun lovers.

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)

January28°C (82°F) February28°C (82°F) March26°C (79°F) April25°C (77°F) May23°C (73°F) June21°C (70°F) This monthJuly21°C (70°F) August22°C (72°F) September23°C (73°F) October24°C (75°F) November25°C (77°F) December27°C (81°F)
Best Time to Visit Atacama →

Best Places to Visit in Atacama in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Atacama.

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
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).

Popular Destinations in Atacama

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in Atacama, Chile?

Temperature range in Atacama (May)

Precipitation variation in Atacama (May)

Copiapó

In May Copiapó generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
25°C (77°F)
23°C (73°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
13°C (55°F)
10°C (50°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
202 hours
199 hours
192 hours
Monthly rainfall
1.9 mm (0.1 in)
7.6 mm (0.3 in)
6.9 mm (0.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
a single day
0 days
a single day
Weather conditions
excellent
excellent
excellent
Climate in Copiapó →

Chañaral

In May Chañaral generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
21°C (70°F)
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
12°C (54°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly rainfall
6.6 mm (0.3 in)
9.6 mm (0.4 in)
9.9 mm (0.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
0 days
0 days
Weather conditions
excellent
excellent
excellent
Climate in Chañaral →

Caldera

In May Caldera generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
202 hours
199 hours
192 hours
Monthly rainfall
2.2 mm (0.1 in)
5 mm (0.2 in)
6.2 mm (0.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
0 days
0 days
Weather conditions
excellent
excellent
excellent
Climate in Caldera →

Bahia Inglesa

In May Bahia Inglesa generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and almost no monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
13°C (55°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
202 hours
199 hours
192 hours
Monthly rainfall
2.1 mm (0.1 in)
4.9 mm (0.2 in)
6.1 mm (0.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
0 days
0 days
Weather conditions
excellent
excellent
excellent
Climate in Bahia Inglesa →

Vallenar

In May Vallenar generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
22°C (72°F)
20°C (68°F)
Min temperature
12°C (54°F)
9°C (48°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly rainfall
2.3 mm (0.1 in)
9.4 mm (0.4 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
0 days
a single day
Weather conditions
excellent
excellent
excellent
Climate in Vallenar →

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Atacama, in Chile.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Atacama in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Copiapó 23°C (73°F) 10°C (50°F) 7.6 mm (0.3 in)
Chañaral 20°C (68°F) 12°C (54°F) 9.6 mm (0.4 in)
Caldera 19°C (66°F) 13°C (55°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Bahia Inglesa 19°C (66°F) 13°C (55°F) 4.9 mm (0.2 in)
Vallenar 22°C (72°F) 9°C (48°F) 9.4 mm (0.4 in)
Piedra Colgada 22°C (72°F) 10°C (50°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)

Atacama weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Atacama, Chile in May?

In May, Atacama, Chile generally has excellent weather conditions. Copiapó sees daytime temperatures near 23°C (73°F), with nights cooling to roughly 10°C (50°F).

What is the average temperature in Atacama, Chile in May?

Daytime temperatures in Copiapó peak at roughly 23°C (73°F) in May, dropping to about 10°C (50°F) overnight.

Does Atacama, Chile get a lot of rain in May?

Rain is generally moderate to light in Atacama, Chile during May, with Copiapó averaging close to 7.6 mm (0.3 in).

Is May a Good Time to Visit Atacama, Chile?

Given the typically excellent weather conditions in Copiapó, May might be a good time to visit Atacama, Chile.

Generally speaking, provide excellent weather in Copiapó.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Atacama.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Chile? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Chile.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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