Santiago in summer: vineyards, the coast and Cajón del Maipo

Santiago in summer is the season when the city opens outwards: vineyards in full harvest, the coast at Valparaíso and Viña del Mar an hour and a half away, and the Cajón del Maipo with not a single road closed. Between December and March highs sit near 30 °C, it barely rains, and every outing that depends on the weather in winter simply works.

What is the weather like in Santiago in summer?

December averages highs near 27 °C, and January is the hottest month of the year, around 30 °C, with comfortable lows at night. It is a dry heat, far easier to take than Brazil's at the same time of year, and it hardly rains at all.

The detail that changes the trip: in January, many locals leave on holiday. The city is emptier and calmer than at any other time of year, the opposite of what happens in Bariloche.

What to do in Santiago in summer

• Vineyards, at the best time of year. The grape harvest, the vendimia, runs from February to April. Maipo Valley wineries such as Concha y Toro run tastings and tours, and in that window you see production actually running, not just the buildings.
• Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. The classic day trip and the one that gains most in summer: the coloured hills of Valparaíso, the funiculars, the street art, and the beaches at Viña. An hour and a half from the capital.
• Cajón del Maipo. In winter access depends on snow and ice; in summer it is always open. Hot springs, the Embalse El Yeso with its unreal blue, and mountain trails.
• The city's hills. Santa Lucía and San Cristóbal, with the Andes still snow-capped behind. Sunset at Sky Costanera, the highest viewpoint in South America.
• Eating and drinking outdoors. Neighbourhoods like Lastarria, Bellavista and Italia live on their pavement tables in summer, with the night starting late.
• Pools and parks. Parque Bicentenario, Parque O'Higgins and the pool on Cerro San Cristóbal, which is where the city cools off.

Which is the best month?

• December is the best month of the year to see Santiago: excellent weather without January's extreme heat, no crowds, and the best prices before Christmas.
• January is the hottest and the emptiest of residents. Good for the city, heavier for outdoor trips in the middle of the day.
• February brings the start of the harvest and slightly milder temperatures. Mid-February is an excellent window.
• March is the turn: harvest in full swing, gentler heat and low prices. For anyone coming for the wine, it is the best month.

Santiago in summer or winter?

In winter, Santiago is the base for the snow: the ski resorts are an hour and a half away and the city is where you sleep. The mountain is the focus.

In summer, the city is the destination. Without snow, what remains is what the region does best all year: wine, coast, mountains without ice, and a capital with real street life. If your trip is not about skiing, summer gives you far more.

How many days?

Three days cover the city and one day trip. Four or five let you add Valparaíso at a relaxed pace, a winery and the Cajón del Maipo without rushing. It is a city that pairs well with a longer trip through Chile: flights to Atacama and Patagonia leave from here.

Before you go

• Sunscreen and sunglasses: the January sun in Santiago is strong and dry.
• Book wineries in advance. During the harvest, tours fill up.
• Bring long sleeves for the evening: even in January the temperature swing is wide.
• Brazilians enter Chile with just a physical ID card, in good condition and with a photo that allows clear identification.