Chile in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Chile

25°C (77°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer temperatures 20-25°C (68-77°F) make February Chile's warmest month - perfect for Patagonian hiking and the city swimming
Harvest season in wine valleys offers exclusive tastings, grape stomping experiences, and 30% lower accommodation rates in Colchagua and the city
Patagonian wildlife viewing peaks - penguin colonies at the city reach maximum numbers, and Torres del Paine has 18-hour daylight for extended hiking
Festival season brings Fiesta de la Candelaria in northern Chile and outdoor concerts in guide to Santiago's Parque Bicentenario every weekend

Considerations

Peak domestic tourism month means accommodations in things to do in Valparaíso and the city cost 40-60% more than March, requiring bookings 8-10 weeks ahead
Afternoon temperatures in guide to Santiago regularly hit 28-30°C (82-86°F) with smog, making city exploration uncomfortable between 12-4pm
Summer crowds mean popular trails in Torres del Paine require permits booked 4 months prior, and the city ferry services sell out weekends

Best Activities in February

Torres del Paine Trekking

February offers 18-hour daylight and warmest temperatures 8-18°C (46-64°F) for multi-day W Trek or day hikes. Wildflowers bloom and wildlife activity peaks. Morning starts at 6am avoid afternoon winds that regularly hit 60+ km/h (37+ mph). Clear mountain views occur 70% of days versus 40% in winter months.

Booking Tip: Book refugio beds 4-6 months ahead for W Trek. Day hikes don't require advance permits. Expect costs of $150-250 USD per day including guides, gear, and accommodation. Look for operators offering flexible weather contingency plans.

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tours

February's dry conditions and minimal rainfall create perfect visibility for astronomical tours. Temperatures drop to comfortable 5-10°C (41-50°F) at night after blazing 25°C+ (77°F+) days. New moon phases mid-February offer darkest skies. ALMA Observatory tours operate at full capacity with clear weather 85% of nights.

Booking Tip: Evening tours typically cost $80-120 USD. Book 2-3 weeks ahead through operators with professional-grade telescopes. Tours run 8pm-midnight, dress in layers for 20°C (36°F) temperature drops. Look for groups limited to 12 people maximum.

Wine Valley Harvest Experiences

February harvest season offers hands-on grape picking, crushing experiences, and exclusive barrel tastings unavailable other months. Colchagua Valley temperatures 15-26°C (59-79°F) perfect for outdoor tastings. Maipo and the city valleys offer harvest festivals with traditional cueca dancing and asado barbecues.

Booking Tip: Harvest tours cost $60-150 USD including transportation from guide to Santiago. Book harvest participation 3-4 weeks ahead as spots fill quickly. Multi-vineyard day tours typically visit 3-4 wineries. Look for experiences including traditional harvest lunch.

Patagonian Wildlife Watching

Penguin colonies at Isla Magdalena reach peak numbers with 150,000+ Magellanic penguins. the city boat tours operate daily in calm summer conditions. Whale watching from Puerto Madryn sees humpback and orca migrations. February offers warmest temperatures 8-15°C (46-59°F) for comfortable wildlife photography.

Booking Tip: Penguin island tours cost $80-120 USD including boat transport. Weather delays are rare in February versus 40% cancellation rates in winter. Book whale watching 1-2 weeks ahead. Tours run 6-8 hours, include lunch and professional guides.

Lake District Water Sports

Lago Villarrica and Lago Llanquihue reach warmest temperatures 18-20°C (64-68°F) - only swimmable months are January-February. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing conditions ideal with minimal wind mornings before 11am. Volcano hiking on Villarrica operates with clear summit views 60% of days.

Booking Tip: Lake activities cost $40-80 USD for half-day experiences. Morning departures 8-11am avoid afternoon thermal winds. Volcano climbs require crampons and guides, typically $180-220 USD. Book accommodation in the city 6+ weeks ahead for February.

Valparaíso Street Art Walking Tours

Summer festivals and perfect weather 16-22°C (61-72°F) make February ideal for exploring hillside neighborhoods. New murals appear for summer season, and outdoor art markets operate daily in Plaza Sotomayor. Evening temperatures stay comfortable for sunset funicular rides and harbor views.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost $25-40 USD for 3-4 hours covering 3-4 hills. Comfortable shoes essential for steep cobblestone streets gaining 200m (656ft) elevation. Afternoon tours 2-6pm offer best lighting for photography. Book local guides for neighborhood access.

February Events & Festivals

February 2nd

Fiesta de la Candelaria

Northern Chile's largest religious celebration featuring Andean music, traditional dances, and colorful processions through the city and Iquique. Local communities prepare elaborate costumes and perform diablada dances passed down through generations.

Mid to Late February

Festival de Viña del Mar

South America's most prestigious music festival brings international artists to coastal amphitheater. Five nights of concerts featuring Latin pop, rock, and folk performers. Tickets sell out months ahead but free outdoor screenings happen throughout the city.

Throughout February

Vendimia Wine Harvest Festivals

Multiple wine regions celebrate harvest season with grape stomping competitions, traditional folk music, and exclusive vineyard dinners. Colchagua Valley hosts the largest celebration with horseback parades and cueca dancing exhibitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - temperatures vary 15-20°C (27-36°F) between day/night and regions require different clothing

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index reaches 8-9 and Patagonian sun reflects off glaciers and lakes

Waterproof hiking boots for the city - even dry weather brings river crossings and muddy mountain trails

Light rain jacket for sporadic afternoon showers - occur 10 days monthly, typically lasting 30-45 minutes

Warm fleece or down jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 5-13°C (41-55°F) in mountains and desert regions

Breathable cotton shirts avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity, especially around lakes and coastal areas

Wide-brimmed hat crucial for desert and mountain sun exposure during 18-hour Patagonian daylight

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - guide to Santiago and things to do in Valparaíso involve significant hill walking

Insect repellent for the city mosquitoes - peak breeding season in warm summer temperatures

Portable phone charger essential for long hiking days and limited mountain charging opportunities

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights 6+ weeks ahead - February is peak domestic travel and guide to Santiago-explore Calama routes sell out quickly, with prices doubling last-minute

Shop at local markets early morning 7-9am for best produce selection and lower prices before tourist crowds arrive, especially in the city

guide to Santiago's metro extends free WiFi to all stations as of 2025, and new Line 7 connects directly to wine valley bus terminals, saving 45 minutes travel time

Restaurant reservations essential in things to do in Valparaíso and wine valleys during February - locals vacation domestically and popular spots book solid for dinners

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Patagonian weather changes - even sunny days can turn to 60+ km/h (37+ mph) winds and rain within hours, always carry emergency layers

Booking accommodation too late - February prices peak 40-60% above shoulder season, and quality options sell out 8-10 weeks ahead in popular destinations

Planning too much for peak heat hours 12-4pm - guide to Santiago reaches 28-30°C (82-86°F) with poor air quality, schedule indoor activities or siesta time during peak heat