Climate Overview
The climate in San Pedro de Atacama is temperate. The average annual temperature is 11°C and approximately 159mm of precipitation falls per year. February is the wettest month, receiving around 55mm of rainfall. San Pedro de Atacama is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed — summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: December, January, November. The coldest months are June, July, August, when temperatures can drop to 0°C. Light snow can occur between January and August.
Temperature
Temperatures in San Pedro de Atacama vary considerably across the year, with a 22°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. December is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 22°C with a mean of 15°C. The coldest month is June, when overnight lows fall to 0°C and the daily average is 6°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 14°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
San Pedro de Atacama is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 159mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 13mm per month. The wettest month is February, averaging 55mm of rainfall. January and March also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is November, with just 1mm. That's 55mm less than February, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic. Light snowfall can occur between January and August, totalling around 18cm annually. June is the snowiest month with approximately 3cm.
Wind
San Pedro de Atacama is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 16km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is November, averaging 18km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 14km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 4km/h between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
89 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in San Pedro de Atacama, which began on March 20, 2026. San Pedro de Atacama is in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed — spring starts in September, summer in December, autumn in March, and winter in June. The warmest period peaks in December at around 22°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in June near 0°C. Winter is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 3 to 21°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 4mm for the entire season. Winds are moderate at around 18km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 8 to 22°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 113mm over the season and a monthly average of 38mm. Winds are moderate at around 17km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 2 to 20°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 26mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 14km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from 0 to 15°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 15mm for the entire season. Expect around 7cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 15km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for San Pedro de Atacama based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
