Question 1

What are the average autumn temperatures in Santiago?

Accepted Answer

Santiago experiences average autumn temperatures of 15.4°C (59.7°F) during the March to May period, making it a pleasant transitional season with mild but progressively cooler weather.

In 2024, autumn in Santiago showed a significant temperature progression across the three months. March remained warm with an average of 21.0°C (69.8°F), while April cooled to 15.8°C (60.4°F). By May, temperatures dropped considerably to 9.4°C (48.9°F), representing an overall decline of 11.6°C (20.9°F) throughout the season.

Daily temperature variations are notable during autumn in Santiago. Average daytime highs reach 27.4°C (81.4°F), while nighttime lows average 5.3°C (41.5°F). The warmest autumn day in 2024 reached 32.1°C (89.8°F) in early March, while the coldest morning dipped to -0.5°C (31.1°F) in late May, hinting at approaching winter conditions.

Autumn also marks the beginning of Santiago's rainy season. The season brought 161.0mm (6.3 inches) of precipitation, with May alone contributing 139.2mm as weather patterns shifted. Average humidity climbed from 48.1% in March to 60.4% by May.

For visitors, early autumn (March) offers the best conditions with warm days ideal for exploring the city and nearby vineyards. Late autumn requires warmer clothing, especially for evenings, but rewards travelers with fewer crowds and dramatic mountain views as the Andes begin receiving early snowfall.

Question 2

What were the hottest days in Santiago during summer 2023/24?

Accepted Answer

Santiago experienced its hottest day of summer 2023/24 on January 31, 2024, when temperatures soared to 36.6°C (97.9°F). This was the peak of an intense heat wave that gripped the Chilean capital during late January and early February.

The top five hottest days during summer 2023/24 (December 2023 to February 2024) all occurred within a concentrated period:

- January 31, 2024: 36.6°C (97.9°F)
- February 3, 2024: 35.6°C (96.1°F)
- February 2, 2024: 35.1°C (95.2°F)
- January 24, 2024: 34.9°C (94.8°F)
- January 30, 2024: 34.6°C (94.3°F)

Throughout the summer season, Santiago recorded 47 days with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), representing more than half of the 91-day season. Of these, 17 days surpassed 33°C (91°F), and 3 days exceeded 35°C (95°F). The average daily high for the entire summer was 30.1°C (86.2°F).

February proved to be the hottest month on average, with daily highs averaging 31.2°C. These extreme temperatures made outdoor activities in Santiago particularly challenging during midday hours, with residents seeking air conditioning and shaded areas. The heat wave pattern suggests visitors should plan indoor activities during peak afternoon hours in late January and early February.

Question 3

How much rainfall did Santiago receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Santiago received a total of 523.2mm (20.6 inches) of rainfall during 2024, with precipitation heavily concentrated in the winter months.

The wettest month was June 2024, which recorded 210.2mm (8.3 inches) of rainfall alone. May followed as the second wettest month with 139.2mm (5.5 inches). Together, the winter season from June through August accounted for 310.7mm (12.2 inches), representing nearly 60% of the year's total precipitation.

In stark contrast, Santiago's summer months were exceptionally dry. January and December 2024 recorded no measurable rainfall at all, while February saw only 10.6mm (0.4 inches). The entire summer period contributed just 2% of the annual precipitation total.

This rainfall pattern reflects Santiago's Mediterranean climate, where winters bring most of the moisture while summers remain consistently dry. For visitors planning outdoor activities, the data shows that December through March offers the most reliable dry weather conditions. Those traveling during the winter months from May through August should prepare for significant rainfall, particularly in June when precipitation is most intense.

Question 4

What are the sunniest months in Santiago?

Accepted Answer

Santiago enjoys its sunniest weather during the summer months, with January being the brightest month of the year. In 2024, January recorded an impressive 434.3 hours of sunshine, averaging about 14 hours of sunlight per day.

December follows closely with 430.7 sunshine hours, while November rounds out the top three with 371.8 hours. These three months alone account for over 1,200 hours of sunshine, making the late spring and summer period ideal for outdoor activities in Santiago.

The city receives approximately 3,610 total sunshine hours annually, with summer months (December through February) offering more than twice the sunshine of winter. During summer 2024, Santiago experienced average temperatures of 21.7°C (71.1°F), with sunshine creating perfect conditions for exploring the city's parks and nearby Andes foothills.

In contrast, June is the least sunny month with only 126.5 hours of sunshine in 2024. This stark seasonal difference means visitors seeking sun-drenched days should plan their trip to Santiago between November and February, when the combination of long daylight hours and warm temperatures creates optimal weather conditions.

Question 5

How cold did Santiago get in winter 2024?

Accepted Answer

Santiago experienced its coldest temperature of -0.6°C (30.9°F) during winter 2024 (June to August), recorded on August 24, 2024. This marked one of only two days throughout the entire winter season when temperatures dropped below freezing.

The average minimum temperature across the three winter months in Santiago was 6.1°C (43.0°F), with daily lows typically ranging between 3°C and 10°C (37°F to 50°F). August proved to be the coldest month, averaging minimum temperatures of 5.0°C (41.0°F), while June was slightly milder with an average low of 7.2°C (44.9°F).

Despite these cold spells, Santiago's winter 2024 temperatures remained relatively moderate overall, averaging 10.1°C (50.2°F). The city recorded 11 days with near-frost conditions where temperatures fell between 0°C and 3°C (32°F to 37°F), mostly concentrated in late July and August.

For visitors planning a winter trip to Santiago, light layers and a warm jacket are essential for early morning outings, though daytime temperatures often climbed to 15°C (59°F) on average. The clear, crisp winter days provided excellent views of the snow-capped Andes surrounding the city.

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FAQ

What are the average autumn temperatures in Santiago?

What were the hottest days in Santiago during summer 2023/24?

How much rainfall did Santiago receive in 2024?

What are the sunniest months in Santiago?

How cold did Santiago get in winter 2024?