Best time to travel to Atacama: month-by-month weather

The Atacama Desert can be visited all year thanks to its dry, sunny climate, but the best date depends on what you're after: beaches, the flowering desert or the altiplano lagoons. Here's our season-by-season guide.

Summer (December to March): beaches

It's the best time to enjoy the coast: Bahía Inglesa, Playa La Virgen and Portofino are at their best, with warm sea and hot days. It's also high season, so book ahead and expect more people in January and February.

Spring (September to November): flowering desert

If there was winter rain, spring brings the spectacular Flowering Desert between Copiapó and Vallenar. It's an unpredictable but unforgettable phenomenon. Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than in summer.

Autumn (April to May): the perfect balance

Mild weather, lower prices and few crowds. An excellent time to combine the coast with inland excursions without the summer crowds.

Winter (June to August): altiplano and clear skies

Days are dry and sunny, ideal for visiting San Pedro de Atacama and stargazing. In the altiplano, such as Laguna Santa Rosa, it gets very cold and can snow, so dress warmly and check road conditions.