2026 Climate Averages

Weather: San Pedro de Atacama — August

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

August is a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama. Warm weather with highs of 21°C—great for outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, so you can leave the umbrella at home. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

8.5
GoTripzi Score Excellent

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

21°C

Avg Low

5°C

Rainy days

1day

Daylight

11.3h

Feels like 17°C / 0°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

5mm

Sunshine

10.5h/day

Humidity

12%

Very Dry
Sun Strength

8.8

Very High
Wind

15 km/h (gusts 35)

Is August a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Moderate
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:59

Sunset

18:17

11.3h daylight

Visiting San Pedro de Atacama in August: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
  • Low humidity makes the warmth pleasant

Cons

  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in August

Events & Festivals

🎭
Pachamama Festival
August 1 Cultural
🌸
Atacama Stargazing Season (Peak Milky Way)
March–October (best dark-sky viewing) Nature

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

San Pedro de Atacama Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 28°C 14°C 3d (11mm) 12.2h
30% Comfortable
12 Extreme
Good
Feb 27°C 14°C 3d (17mm) 11.6h
34% Comfortable
11.6 Extreme
Good
Mar 27°C 13°C 2d (8mm) 11.3h
32% Comfortable
10.7 Extreme
Excellent
Apr 25°C 10°C 0d (1mm) 10.7h
18% Very Dry
9.4 Very High
Excellent
May 22°C 7°C 0d (1mm) 10.1h
14% Very Dry
7.8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 20°C 4°C 1d (3mm) 9.8h
16% Very Dry
7 High
Good
Jul 21°C 5°C 0d (0mm) 10h
10% Very Dry
7.4 Very High
Good
Aug Current 21°C 5°C 1d (5mm) 10.5h
12% Very Dry
8.8 Very High
Good
Sep 24°C 7°C 0d (0mm) 11.1h
10% Very Dry
10.7 Extreme
Excellent
Oct 26°C 9°C 0d (0mm) 11.8h
11% Very Dry
12 Extreme
Excellent
Nov 27°C 11°C 0d (0mm) 12.4h
13% Very Dry
12 Extreme
Excellent
Dec 28°C 13°C 1d (4mm) 12.4h
20% Very Dry
12 Extreme
Good

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthJanScore: 8.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around San Pedro de Atacama – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

San Pedro de Atacama

Driest desert on Earth with Valle de la Luna, geysers, salt flats, flamingos, and world's clearest stargazing.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for August

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Temperatures drop significantly at night, so pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Moderate

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to San Pedro de Atacama?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is August a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
August is typically good for visiting San Pedro de Atacama, with average highs of 21°C and around 1 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in San Pedro de Atacama in August?
Nights in San Pedro de Atacama during August are cool at around 5°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for San Pedro de Atacama in August?
With highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C in August, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in San Pedro de Atacama in August?
San Pedro de Atacama typically sees around 1 rainy days in August. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in San Pedro de Atacama in August?
In August, San Pedro de Atacama gets approximately 11.3 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is August peak season in San Pedro de Atacama?
No, August is not peak season in San Pedro de Atacama. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Santiago)

Last Updated: February 2026