Chile, South America

Atacama Desert in December

Warm and mostly clear early in the month; the summer holiday crowds and the first storms arrive toward the end.

GoodWarm days near 81F (27C), nights near 45F (7C)

Valle de la Luna Atacama, Atacama Desert — Atacama DesertPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Atacama Desert. Warm and mostly clear early in the month; the summer holiday crowds and the first storms arrive toward the end.

Weather: Warm days near 81F (27C), nights near 45F (7C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Atacama Desert

December is warm, with days near 81F (27C) and nights near 45F (7C). Early in the month, skies are mostly clear and crowds are moderate. By the end of the month, Chile's summer holidays begin, San Pedro fills up, and the first altiplanic storms can arrive in the high country.

It is a good month if you go early. Families on winter break from the northern hemisphere will enjoy warm days and plenty to do. Travelers set on the high lagoons and El Tatio should aim for the first half of the month, or pick November for more certainty.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Atacama Desert this month.

Warm nights for stargazing

Night tours are far more comfortable than in winter. Plan around the new moon.

Summer days at the Salar

Long, warm days are ideal for combining the salt flats with a float at Laguna Cejar.

Holidays in the desert

Spending the end of the year in San Pedro is a memorable trade for snow at home.

What to pack for December

Sun protection: hat, SPF 50 and sunglasses
A light rain shell for late-month storms
A warm layer for geyser mornings
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Book rooms and Valle de la Luna entry early for late December, when Chile's summer holidays begin and slots fill.

Book Atacama Desert for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Atacama Desert
Opens a hotel search for Atacama Desert in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Atacama Desert
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Atacama Desert
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Atacama Desert for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Atacama Desert

Full guide

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

Stargazing tour

Local operators set up telescopes outside town. Book on nights close to the new moon for the darkest skies.

Tickets and tours →

Laguna Cejar

A salt lagoon so dense you float, a short drive from San Pedro. Rinse off afterward; the salt dries fast.

Tickets and tours →

Altiplanic lagoons (Miscanti and Miniques)

Deep blue lakes below volcanoes at over 13,000 feet. Go after a few days acclimatizing in San Pedro.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Atacama Desert?

December is a good month to visit Atacama Desert. Warm and mostly clear early in the month; the summer holiday crowds and the first storms arrive toward the end.

What is the weather like in Atacama Desert in December?

Warm days near 81F (27C), nights near 45F (7C).

Is Atacama Desert crowded in December?

Atacama Desert is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.