Chile experiences mostly dry southern hemisphere summers between November and January and wet winters between May and August. Chile’s climate can range from tropical in the North, Mediterranean in the center, and Antarctic (antiboreal oceanic) in the South with unique regional climates like the arid Atacama Desert or the high peaks of the Andean mountains. Climate in Chile is mostly influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO). Years with ENSO have higher probability of precipitation. Together with PDO, ENSO considerably affect snow accumulation and mountain flow regimes.

Temperature

• Chile experiences mild southern hemispheric summers between November and January, with temperatures of 10-12°C, and wet winters between May and August.
• Average temperatures for the country have risen moderately in recent decades.
• Chile’s northern and central regions experience higher temperatures compared to the south.

Precipitation

• Precipitation in Chile varies significantly by latitude and elevation. The country is home to the most arid desserts of the world as well as areas with high precipitation.
• Historical changes have altered the flow of low elevation rivers, a trend toward a decrease in glacial cover.
• Annual precipitation in coastal regions has decreased by 15-30% in the last century. The country has experienced several instances of drought in recent decades.

This section provides the options to visualize historical climate data for different timeframes via map and annual cycle chart.