Climate & Weather San Pedro

It is important to remember that San Pedro de Atacama is located in the heart of a dry desert and that it is at an altitude of 2,443m because these factors influence the climate and local weather considerably. It is also just shy of being on the Tropic of Capricorn.

Surrounded by sand (therefore no heat retention), with the Andes Mountains on one side, and located at high altitude means that the days are hot, and the nights are cool to cold.

In some areas no rainfall has ever been recorded, making it the driest desert on Earth, although rain does fall in San Pedro de Atacama when, in the summer months, the thermal air currents above the Bolivian side of the Andes form large rain clouds that then drift down back into Chile and deposit heavy, but short, rain showers over the area, often accompanied by loud thunder and lighting. This phenomenon is called the Bolivian Winter, resulting in snow fall at higher elevations.

There is very little rain fall and most days of the year are filled with “wall-to-wall” sunshine. Days are hot, evenings cool to cold, and nights are cold.
Clear night skies are common – ideal for star gazing.

The Seasons
Summer: January, February and March
Autumn (not really reflected as a season): April and May
Winter: June, July and August
Spring: September, October, November and December

Average Temperatures are:
Winter (Jun, Jul and Aug)
Night: 9ºC (48ºF) / Day: 24ºC (75ºF)

Summer (Jan, Feb and Mar)
Night: 13ºC (55ºF) / Day: 25ºC (77ºF) - 32ºC (90ºF):