Chile, South America

Atacama Desert in February

Peak altiplanic storms. Flooded roads and canceled tours to El Tatio and the high lagoons are common, and stargazing suffers.

Think twiceWarm, highs near 81F (27C), the stormiest month

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

The straight answer

February is a month to think twice about visiting Atacama Desert. Peak altiplanic storms. Flooded roads and canceled tours to El Tatio and the high lagoons are common, and stargazing suffers.

Weather: Warm, highs near 81F (27C), the stormiest month
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Atacama Desert

February is the stormiest month in the Atacama. Days stay warm, near 81F (27C), but the altiplanic storms peak, and flooded roads and canceled trips to El Tatio and the high lagoons are common. Clouds often hide the stars, which is the main reason many people come. Chile's summer holidays are still on, so San Pedro is busy and prices stay high.

This is the month to avoid if stargazing or the high country is your goal. If you are already in Chile and want only the low valleys, it can still work with a flexible plan. Otherwise, wait for March, when storms fade, or aim for April and May for the best mix of clear skies and quiet.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Atacama Desert this month.

Green touches in the high country

Summer rain can bring a rare tint of green to the altiplano. You may see it from the lower roads when tours run.

Low-altitude day trips

Valle de la Luna, the Salar de Atacama and Laguna Chaxa are the safest bets when the high roads close.

Sandboarding on the dunes

The dunes near Valle de la Luna make a fun afternoon for kids and teens, whatever the weather is doing up high.

What to pack for February

A waterproof jacket that packs small
Quick-dry pants for sudden downpours
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
A headlamp for dark streets in town

Our timing tip

Do not prepay a full week of high-altitude tours; book them day by day once you see the forecast.

Book Atacama Desert for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Atacama Desert
Opens a hotel search for Atacama Desert in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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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 February. 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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Atacama Desert?

February is a month to think twice about visiting Atacama Desert. Peak altiplanic storms. Flooded roads and canceled tours to El Tatio and the high lagoons are common, and stargazing suffers.

What is the weather like in Atacama Desert in February?

Warm, highs near 81F (27C), the stormiest month.

Is Atacama Desert crowded in February?

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