Chile, South America
Atacama Desert in April
Clear, stable weather and the Milky Way core rising in the evening sky. One of the best months overall.
The straight answer
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Atacama Desert. Clear, stable weather and the Milky Way core rising in the evening sky. One of the best months overall.
- Weather
- Mild days near 75F (24C), cold nights near 36F (2C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Atacama Desert
April is one of the best months in the Atacama. Days are mild, near 75F (24C), and nights are cold, near 36F (2C). Skies are clear and stable, the high roads are open, and crowds are light. In the evening, the bright core of the Milky Way rises over the desert, which makes this a great month for night tours.
It suits almost everyone: stargazers, photographers, hikers, and families with kids who can handle early starts and altitude. Couples will like the calm. There is little reason to pick another month, but if April does not fit your calendar, May and October offer a very similar trip.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Atacama Desert this month.
Milky Way core in the evening
From April the brightest part of the Milky Way is overhead after dark. Book a telescope tour close to the new moon.
El Tatio at dawn
Steam columns rise into the cold air before sunrise. Roads are reliably open this month.
High lagoons with clear views
Miscanti and Miniques sit below volcanoes at over 13,000 feet. Stable weather makes the long drive worth it.
Free ALMA weekend visits
Public visits to the ALMA operations support facility run on weekends. Book well in advance.
What to pack for April
- A warm down jacket for night tours
- Gloves and a warm hat for El Tatio
- Layers you can peel off by midday
- A lip balm and moisturizer for dry air
Our timing tip
Check the lunar calendar before you book and plan your stargazing nights for the week around the new moon.
Book Atacama Desert for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Atacama DesertOpens a hotel search for Atacama Desert in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Atacama DesertWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Atacama DesertTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Atacama Desert for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Milky Way core season
Roughly April through September
The brightest part of the Milky Way is overhead in the evening. Plan around the new moon for the best views.
Things to do in Atacama Desert
Valle de la Luna
A valley of salt formations, dunes, and ridges. Sunset from the viewpoints is the classic experience; entry is limited, so book ahead in high season.
El Tatio geysers
Leave San Pedro before dawn to see the geysers at their most active. It is freezing at that hour in any season, so dress in layers.
Stargazing tour
Local operators set up telescopes outside town. Book on nights close to the new moon for the darkest skies.
Laguna Cejar
A salt lagoon so dense you float, a short drive from San Pedro. Rinse off afterward; the salt dries fast.
Altiplanic lagoons (Miscanti and Miniques)
Deep blue lakes below volcanoes at over 13,000 feet. Go after a few days acclimatizing in San Pedro.
ALMA Observatory
One of the world's largest radio telescope arrays. Free public visits to the operations support facility run on weekends and must be booked in advance.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid Chile's summer holidays (January and February) and the July winter break, when San Pedro fills with domestic travelers.
- Book stargazing tours for nights near the new moon; tours still run on full moon nights, but the stars are washed out.
- Spend the first two days on lower-altitude trips like Valle de la Luna before tackling El Tatio and the high lagoons.
- April, May, October, and November combine clear weather with lower prices and fewer visitors.
Know before you go
- Summer storms in January and February can close roads and cancel tours to El Tatio, the high lagoons, and the Bolivian border.
- Winter snow in June through August can close the high passes and routes to Uyuni.
- Valle de la Luna and some other sites are managed by local Indigenous communities or public agencies and may close on certain days or have capped entry.
- ALMA public visits run only on weekends and require advance booking.
Atacama Desert in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Atacama Desert?
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Atacama Desert. Clear, stable weather and the Milky Way core rising in the evening sky. One of the best months overall.
What is the weather like in Atacama Desert in April?
Mild days near 75F (24C), cold nights near 36F (2C).
Is Atacama Desert crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in Atacama Desert; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Atacama Desert in April?
Milky Way core season (roughly april through september).
Keep planning Atacama Desert.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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