San Pedro de Atacama
City in Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a town located in Chile, 1,195 km from the capital, Santiago. With a population of about 5,300 as of 2017, the town serves as a base for visitors exploring nearby natural landscapes.
What to see
The area features distinct natural landmarks. Visitors travel to see the geological formations of Valle de la Luna and the high-altitude site of El Tatio. Laguna Miscanti is also accessible from the town.
When to go
The town experiences a dry climate with very little rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures are consistent, with daily highs ranging from 18 °C in the winter months of June and July to 25 °C in December. Lows drop to 3 °C in July and reach 11 °C in January and February. Travelers who prefer warmer weather may visit from November to March, while those comfortable with cooler nights can visit year-round.
Getting there
The closest airport is in Calama, located 86 km from San Pedro de Atacama. A larger international airport is available in Antofagasta, 237 km away.
Top sights in San Pedro de Atacama
Weather by month
The warmest month is December, with an average high of 25 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| Average low, °C | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Rainfall, mm | 22 | 26 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| Rainy days | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for San Pedro de Atacama (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.