San Pedro de Atacama in December
In December, San Pedro de Atacama averages 24°C (75°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.
December is a great month to visit San Pedro de Atacama: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How December compares to the rest of the year in San Pedro de Atacama
December is one of the warmest months in San Pedro de Atacama (2nd of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (22°C). December runs roughly the same as November (24°C) and cools 1°C in January (23°C).
December sunrise & sunset in San Pedro de Atacama
Times shown for San Pedro de Atacama local time (America/Santiago), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in San Pedro de Atacama — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in San Pedro de Atacama's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — San Pedro de Atacama in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and San Pedro de Atacama's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — December in San Pedro de Atacama
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
San Pedro de Atacama in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C / 73°F | 8°C / 46°F | 15 mm | 3 | 0 |
| February | 23°C / 73°F | 8°C / 46°F | 15 mm | 3 | 0 |
| March | 22°C / 72°F | 7°C / 45°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| April | 22°C / 72°F | 3°C / 37°F | 1 mm | 0 | 0 |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 0°C / 32°F | 0 mm | 0 | 0 |
| June | 21°C / 70°F | -2°C / 28°F | 0 mm | 0 | 0 |
| July | 20°C / 68°F | -3°C / 27°F | 0 mm | 0 | 0 |
| August | 21°C / 70°F | -2°C / 28°F | 1 mm | 0 | 0 |
| September | 22°C / 72°F | 1°C / 34°F | 1 mm | 0 | 0 |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 4°C / 39°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 6°C / 43°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| December | 24°C / 75°F | 7°C / 45°F | 15 mm | 3 | 0 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for San Pedro de Atacama in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is San Pedro de Atacama in December?
In December, San Pedro de Atacama averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in San Pedro de Atacama in December?
December is generally dry in San Pedro de Atacama, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit San Pedro de Atacama?
December is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for San Pedro de Atacama in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for San Pedro de Atacama for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.