Seasonal Weather in Santiago: What to Expect Throughout the Year (and Where to Hide)

okay, so santiago. it’s… a thing. like, you go there expecting sunshine and actually get… well, whatever the sky feels like that day. i’m a digital nomad currently based here, so i've seen it all, and i’m still not entirely sure what’s normal.

let's break it down, because honestly, the weather here is less 'four seasons' and more 'four phases of mild existential dread.'

*Spring (September - November): The “Almost There” Phase

this is the time everyone raves about. supposedly. it’s supposed to be blooming flowers and mild temperatures. yeah, okay. it’s more like sporadic bursts of sunshine interspersed with gray skies and a persistent feeling that it could rain. the air smells vaguely of pollen and disappointment. the mountains surrounding the city - those Andes? they look perpetually hazy. think of it like that friend who says they’re ready for a new chapter, but still leaves all their old stuff around. you can find some decent deals on Airbnbs during this time, though. check out TripAdvisor for apartments.

pro-tip: pack layers. seriously. a light jacket, a sweater, and a waterproof shell are your best friends.

Summer (December - February): The “Sweaty and Slightly Annoyed” Season

summer in Santiago is... humid. it’s not the intense, oppressive humidity of, say, Buenos Aires, but it's definitely noticeable. the days are long and the sun is strong. expect temperatures in the low 20s Celsius (that's around 70s Fahrenheit) - which sounds nice, but the humidity makes it feel… different. and don’t even think about going to the beach without sunscreen. local rumors whisper that the sunsets are spectacular this time of year, especially from Cerro San Cristóbal. some people swear you can see the glow of Valparaiso in the distance, but i haven't personally seen anything. a local warned me about the crowds at Parque Metropolitano, especially on weekends. apparently, it gets packed like sardines.

gear list: sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a portable fan. just saying.

Autumn (March - May): The “Finally, Some Relief?” Illusion

this is the most unpredictable season. you might get a few days of gorgeous, crisp sunshine, followed by a week of drizzly, overcast weather. it’s like autumn is testing your patience. the leaves on the trees around Parque Forestal turn a muted yellow, but it’s not exactly a fiery spectacle. it’s more like a polite sigh. the air gets cooler, which is a welcome change after the summer humidity. I heard a rumor from a barista at a cafe near Plaza de Armas that the best empanadas are made during autumn - apparently, it’s the perfect weather for perfecting the dough.

Winter (June - August): The “Gray is the New Black” Period

winter in Santiago is… gray. really, really gray. it’s not freezing, but it’s definitely chilly. expect temperatures in the single digits Celsius (around 40s Fahrenheit) at night, and barely above 10 Celsius (around 50s Fahrenheit) during the day. rain is common. like, common. it's the kind of gray that makes you question all your life choices. the mountains are often shrouded in mist, which is kinda pretty, i guess. the city feels quieter, which is a plus if you’re into that whole introspective vibe. if you're looking for a cozy place to chill, check out this Reddit thread for recommendations.

Cost of Living (a quick, slightly panicked overview - as of late 2023/early 2024):

Neighborhood Notes:

*Providencia: Expensive, modern, lots of offices. If you're a consultant like i used to be, you'll probably see a lot of suits here.
*Lastarria: Cool, bohemian, lots of restaurants and bars. Good for meeting people.
*Bellavista:* Touristy, lots of nightlife. You’ll find murals everywhere here -

so yeah. that’s santiago weather in a nutshell. it's not always glamorous, but it’s… a vibe. and hey, at least the wine is good. you can find recommendations on Yelp.

basically, come prepared for anything. and maybe pack a good book.

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