What to pack for San Pedro de Atacama in May
Heading to San Pedro de Atacama in May? Here's a packing list built directly from local climate averages — not generic blog advice.
May is mid-pack for warmth in San Pedro de Atacama (ranked 8 of 12) and moderate for rainfall (ranked 8 of 12). Day temperatures are flat compared to April and cooling toward June — so this month's packing list won't be identical to April's or June's.
Essentials
- ★ Passport + a photocopy stored separately Travel documents
- ★ Phone + charging cables (USB-C, Lightning as needed) Daily essentials
- • Refillable water bottle (1L) Reduces single-use plastic + saves money
- • Compact daypack (15–20L) For day trips, hands-free walking
- • Travel-size first-aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, antihistamines) Pharmacy access varies
Tops
- ★ T-shirts (5–6) — cotton or merino Avg high 22°C — warm
- • 1–2 long-sleeve linen or chambray shirts Cooler evenings + sun protection
Bottoms
- ★ Light chinos or trousers (1–2) Cooler evenings + cultural sites
- • Shorts (2) — knee-length Daytime warmth
Outerwear & layers
- ★ Warm winter coat (wool overcoat or insulated parka) Overnight lows 0°C
- ★ Wool scarf + warm beanie Heat retention
- ★ Insulated gloves (touchscreen-compatible) Cold mornings
Footwear
- ★ Comfortable walking shoes (broken in) Mild weather, lots of walking
- • Lightweight sneakers (1 backup pair) Rotation prevents blisters
Accessories
- ★ High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum, 50+ for fair skin) Strong sun expected
- ★ Sunglasses with UV400 protection Sunny conditions
- ★ Wide-brim sun hat or peaked cap Sun protection
- • Lip balm with SPF + thick hand cream Cold dry air cracks skin fast
Power, voltage & adapters
- ★ 220V at 50Hz Mains electricity standard for Chile
- ★ Plug types: L, C (Type L — round 3-pin in line (Italy)) Most common: L. Older buildings may also use C.
- ★ From the US/Canada: bring an A→L travel adapter US Type A/B plugs don't fit Chile's outlets
- ★ Check device voltage labels: 'INPUT: 100–240V' is dual-voltage (most modern phones, laptops, chargers — safe). Single-voltage 110V devices (older hairdryers, curling irons) need a step-down converter, not just an adapter. Chile runs 220V — too high for US-only 110V devices
- • From the UK/Ireland: bring a G→L travel adapter UK Type G plugs don't fit Chile's outlets
- · Easiest option: a universal travel adapter (e.g. Anker, Epicka) that handles A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one — covers ~95% of countries. If you travel to multiple regions
⚖️ Can you carry-on?
Maybe — possible with a packable down jacket, careful shoe choices (one warm + one walking), and wearing your bulkiest layer on the plane. Expect to use most of the carry-on volume.
24 suggested items total — 5 essentials, 7 clothing items, 2 pairs of shoes.
What you can leave at home
Based on San Pedro de Atacama's May climate, here's what won't earn its bag space:
- beach towel (unless you're brave)
- rain shell and waterproof bag covers (sky stays mostly dry)
- snow boots and ice grips
How this list was built
Every recommendation above maps to specific climate data for San Pedro de Atacama in May: average high (22°C), average low (0°C), expected rain days (0), and any peak hazard seasons. Heavier items appear at colder temperatures; rain gear scales with how often it rains; sun protection appears when it's warm and dry.
The ★ items are essential — pack these first. The • items are recommended for comfort. The · items are nice-to-have if you have space.
Other months in San Pedro de Atacama
Daily forecasts, climate averages, and the best activities for the season.