Santiago in December

In December, Santiago averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.

December is a great month to visit Santiago: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

30°C
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
1
Rain days
5 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Santiago

2nd
warmest month of the 12
12th
wettest month of the 12
1%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
14 h 21 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the warmest months in Santiago (2nd of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C above the annual average (23°C). December runs 3°C warmer than November (27°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Santiago

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:27 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:48 PM
Day length
14 h 21 min

Times shown for Santiago 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 Santiago — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Santiago's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:27 AM – 6:07 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:07 AM – 7:07 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:08 PM – 9:08 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:08 PM – 9:48 PM

📅 When to book — Santiago 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 (High season) and Santiago's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Santiago

High season

This is a busy month in Santiago — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Santiago

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.7
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

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.

Santiago in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 30°C / 86°F 14°C / 57°F 1 mm 1 0
February 29°C / 84°F 13°C / 55°F 5 mm 1 0
March 27°C / 81°F 12°C / 54°F 5 mm 2 0
April 23°C / 73°F 9°C / 48°F 15 mm 3 0
May 19°C / 66°F 7°C / 45°F 50 mm 5 0
June 15°C / 59°F 5°C / 41°F 80 mm 7 0
July 15°C / 59°F 4°C / 39°F 75 mm 8 0
August 17°C / 63°F 5°C / 41°F 60 mm 6 0
September 20°C / 68°F 7°C / 45°F 35 mm 4 0
October 23°C / 73°F 9°C / 48°F 15 mm 3 0
November 27°C / 81°F 11°C / 52°F 10 mm 2 0
December 30°C / 86°F 13°C / 55°F 5 mm 1 0

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santiago in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Santiago in December?

In December, Santiago averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Santiago in December?

December is generally dry in Santiago, with about 1 rainy day on average.

Is December a good time to visit Santiago?

December is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Santiago in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Santiago for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Santiago on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.