Chile, South America
Atacama Desert in November
Warm and dry before the summer rush. Great for combining the desert with the Bolivian salt flats.
The straight answer
November is one of the best months of the year to visit Atacama Desert. Warm and dry before the summer rush. Great for combining the desert with the Bolivian salt flats.
- Weather
- Warm days near 79F (26C), cool nights
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What November is like in Atacama Desert
November is warm and dry, with days near 79F (26C) and cool nights. The summer rush has not started, and the roads through the high country are in good shape. This is a strong month to combine San Pedro with the overland trip across the altiplano to Bolivia's Uyuni salt flats.
It suits travelers who want warmth without summer crowds, and adventurers planning the Uyuni crossing. Families will find easy weather and open tours. Stargazing is still very good, though the Milky Way core has moved out of the evening sky. If you want that, go in April or May.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Atacama Desert this month.
The overland trip to Uyuni
The three-day crossing to Bolivia's salt flats runs well before summer storms arrive.
Warm floats at Laguna Cejar
Warm afternoons make floating in the salt lagoon a highlight for kids.
Sunsets without the crowds
Valle de la Luna viewpoints are calmer than in December and January.
What to pack for November
- Light, breathable clothing
- A fleece for cold nights
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A sleeping bag liner if you are crossing to Uyuni
Our timing tip
Book the Uyuni crossing for early or mid November to stay well ahead of the first summer storms.
Book Atacama Desert for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Atacama DesertOpens a hotel search for Atacama Desert in November, 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Atacama Desert?
November is one of the best months of the year to visit Atacama Desert. Warm and dry before the summer rush. Great for combining the desert with the Bolivian salt flats.
What is the weather like in Atacama Desert in November?
Warm days near 79F (26C), cool nights.
Is Atacama Desert crowded in November?
Crowds in Atacama Desert are moderate in November; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Atacama Desert.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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