Summer Vs. Winter in Santiago

For many visitors to Santiago, this city may not appear to have grand distinctions between the seasons. There is no snow on the streets in the winter, and the dry summers make it comfortable for locals to continue going about their business. However, there are notable differences in the activities available in the summer months of January and February when compared with the winter months of June and July.

Although Santiago enjoys a temperate “Mediterranean Climate,” frequently compared to that of California (with reversed seasons), the weather can still feel harsher than one might expect. Central heating and cooling systems are generally uncommon, but most newer hotels enjoy these amenities. Summer days are 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more, while the colder winter days tend to stick around 35 degrees. In Chile, it is extremely easy to burn after just a few minutes of sun exposure. Additionally, this mountain-ringed city’s fog is at its worst in winter. Rain is fairly common in winter and spring.

It is no surprise that available activities differ depending on the time of year. Summertime in the city is tranquil. It is a great time to celebrate the New Year and Christmas, which in Chile, is observed at midnight on Christmas eve while everyone simply relaxes and enjoys their vacation on Christmas day. It is a great time to hike outside of the city, or to just take a walk to a local landmark. Festivals and special events can be found in Santiago’s parks and plazas almost daily. The sun does not set until after 9 PM. Some may even find Santiago too tranquil in February, which is when many locals take vacations and businesses hold limited hours.

Winter, on the other hand, can be harsher. If you are without heating in your accommodation, many will recommend getting an electric space heater. They run quite cheap. Stylish thermal clothes are also inexpensive and accessible, and unique knit products are sold in the streets. Alpaca wool is a pleasure. Although the rain can be annoying in the city (three inches of rainfall can easily turn the streets into rivers several times deeper), it leads to incredible skiing just a short drive up the mountains. The views of the snowy Andes are enchanting, and the rain is a welcome cleanse for the smoggy air.

While summer and winter may have their own distinct activities, and fall during times of the year tourists are mostly likely to find the time to travel, one more time of year merits attention: spring. The temperate weather and sunny days are very comfortable, and fiestas patrias, the most intensely celebrated time of the year, is during the week of September 18^th. For those who want to enjoy an empanada with a glass of wine whenever they want, and maybe catch the tail end of ski season and a couple sunny days as well, this is the time to visit Santiago.