2026 Climate Averages

Weather: San Pedro de Atacama — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers. Recommended month to visit.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama. Warm weather with highs of 28°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. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

9.2
GoTripzi Score Excellent

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

Avg High

28°C

Avg Low

13°C

Rainy days

1day

Daylight

13.5h

Feels like 25°C / 10°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

4mm

Sunshine

12.4h/day

Humidity

20%

Very Dry
Sun Strength

12

Extreme
Wind

17 km/h (gusts 37)

Is December 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 Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:43

Sunset

20:14

13.5h daylight

Visiting San Pedro de Atacama in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

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

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in December

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 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 Current 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 December

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. 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?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
December is typically good for visiting San Pedro de Atacama, with average highs of 28°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 December?
Evenings in San Pedro de Atacama during December are mild at 13°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for San Pedro de Atacama in December?
With highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C in December, we recommend: Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sun hat, Sunglasses. 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 December?
San Pedro de Atacama typically sees around 1 rainy days in December. 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 December?
In December, San Pedro de Atacama gets approximately 13.5 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 December peak season in San Pedro de Atacama?
Yes, December is peak season in San Pedro de Atacama. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

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

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Santiago)

Last Updated: February 2026