Chile in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Chile
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn weather in the city with clear, sunny days averaging 18°C (65°F) and minimal rain - ideal for walking the historic center and outdoor dining
- Snow season begins in the Andes, making May the start of excellent skiing at Valle Nevado and La Parva resorts just 90 minutes from the city
- Wine harvest (vendimia) season reaches its peak, with vineyards in the city and Maipo valleys offering harvest experiences and fresh grape tastings
- Significantly fewer crowds at experience Patagonia destinations like Torres del Paine, with stable weather before winter closures and accommodation prices 30-40% lower than peak season
Considerations
- experience Patagonia weather becomes increasingly unpredictable with strong winds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) and temperatures dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night
- Daylight hours decrease rapidly - sunset by 6:30 PM in the city and 5:45 PM in experience Patagonia, limiting outdoor activity time
- Northern desert regions like Atacama experience cold nights dropping to -5°C (23°F) despite warm 22°C (72°F) days, requiring significant gear changes
Best Activities in May
Andean Ski Resort Day Trips
May marks the official start of Chile's ski season. Valle Nevado, El Colorado, and La Parva receive their first consistent snowfall, offering pristine powder conditions without the July-August crowds. Morning temperatures at 3,000m (9,840 ft) hover around -2°C (28°F), perfect for skiing. Equipment rental costs 35,000-45,000 CLP per day.
Wine Harvest Experiences
May is vendimia (harvest) season when wineries crush their final grapes. Participate in grape stomping, harvest picking, and taste this year's first fermented juices. the city Valley offers cool-climate harvests, while Maipo Valley provides traditional Cabernet experiences. Tours include harvest participation plus 4-5 wine tastings.
Patagonia Trekking Before Winter
May offers experience Patagonia's last stable weather window before winter trail closures. Torres del Paine experiences fewer 100+ km/h wind days, and autumn colors peak in mid-May. Temperatures range 12°C (54°F) during day to 2°C (36°F) at night. Most refugios remain open through May 31st.
Central Valley Thermal Hot Springs
As temperatures cool, Chile's numerous termas (hot springs) become incredibly appealing. Natural pools at 38-42°C (100-108°F) feel perfect when air temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F). Termas de Chillán and Termas del Plomo offer mountain settings with snow-capped backdrops starting in late May.
Atacama Desert Stargazing Tours
May offers some of the year's clearest skies in the guide to Atacama Desert. Cool 5°C (41°F) night temperatures provide comfortable stargazing conditions, while humidity remains near zero. The Milky Way is prominently visible, and astronomical tours operate nightly with professional telescopes.
Santiago Food Market Walking Tours
May brings harvest season produce to the city's markets. the city features fresh seafood in cool weather perfect for walking tours, while La Vega showcases autumn fruits and vegetables. Cool 18°C (65°F) afternoon temperatures make 3-4 hour walking and tasting tours comfortable.
May Events & Festivals
Fiesta de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival)
Multiple wine regions celebrate harvest season with grape stomping competitions, traditional folk dancing, and new wine tastings. Each valley hosts its own celebration - Curicó, Colchagua, and the city valleys each have distinct festival dates and traditions throughout May.
Festival Internacional de Cine de Valparaíso
things to do in Valparaíso's international film festival typically runs in late May, showcasing Latin American cinema across the port city's historic venues. Films screen in atmospheric locations including restored theaters and cultural centers throughout the UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter.