Chile in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Chile

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring temperatures averaging 22°C (72°F) - ideal for hiking the Andes without extreme heat or winter snow conditions
Jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city and travel to Valparaíso, creating stunning purple canopies that locals call 'purple rain season'
Wine harvest season (vendimia) continues through early November - participate in grape picking and taste new vintages in Maipo and Colchagua valleys
Shoulder season pricing means 30-40% lower accommodation costs compared to December-February peak summer rates

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - can swing from 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82°F) within 24 hours, requiring layered packing
Spring winds (vientos de primavera) reach 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) especially in travel to Patagonia, affecting outdoor activities and ferry schedules
Some high-altitude hiking trails in the Andes remain snow-covered above 3,000m (9,843 ft), limiting access to peaks like Aconcagua base camps

Best Activities in November

Atacama Desert Stargazing and Valley Tours

November offers the clearest skies before summer cloud cover arrives. Daytime temperatures reach comfortable 25°C (77°F) while nights drop to perfect stargazing conditions at 5°C (41°F). Spring brings wildflower blooms to the usually barren desert - a phenomenon that occurs only every few years when rainfall conditions align.

Booking Tip: Book astronomical tours 2-3 weeks ahead as November has the highest clear sky probability. Tours typically cost $80-120 USD per person. Look for operators with certified dark-sky locations and professional telescopes. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Patagonia Wildlife and Penguin Colony Tours

November marks peak penguin breeding season at the city and Isla Magdalena. Over 120,000 Magellanic penguins are actively nesting, making it the best month for wildlife photography. Spring weather means 15-hour daylight for extended viewing time, though expect strong winds averaging 35 km/h (22 mph).

Booking Tip: Penguin tours run weather-dependent - book flexible operators who offer rebooking for wind cancellations. Day trips cost $150-200 USD including boat transfers. Book 10-14 days ahead as tour groups are limited to 100 visitors per day by park regulations.

Central Valley Wine Estate Experiences

Late vendimia season means you can still participate in grape picking while also tasting last year's aged wines. November's mild 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures are perfect for cycling between boutique wineries. Harvest festivals continue through mid-November with traditional cueca dancing and asado barbecues.

Booking Tip: Multi-winery tours cost $90-140 USD including tastings and lunch. Book harvest experience tours early in November - most conclude by November 15th. Look for small-group tours (8-12 people) for personalized tastings. Current wine tour options available in booking section below.

Lake District Volcano Hiking

November provides the perfect window for Osorno and Villarrica volcano hikes - snow has melted from lower trails but hasn't yet given way to summer crowds. Clear spring air offers spectacular views across the guide to Lake District, and temperatures range from 8-18°C (46-64°F) at hiking altitudes.

Booking Tip: Volcano ascent tours require good fitness levels and cost $120-180 USD for guided full-day experiences. Weather changes rapidly - book with operators providing gear rental and weather guarantees. Multi-day hiking packages available for serious trekkers.

Valparaíso Street Art and Cultural Walking Tours

November's mild 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures make climbing travel to Valparaíso's steep hills comfortable. Spring brings outdoor festivals and street performances as locals emerge from winter. The famous funiculars (ascensores) run full schedules, and hillside views are crystal clear before summer haze arrives.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost $25-45 USD and last 3-4 hours with steep climbs totaling 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles). Book morning tours starting at 10am to avoid afternoon heat. Look for guides who include funicular rides and local café stops.

Torres del Paine Day Hikes

November offers the best compromise between weather and crowds in travel to Patagonia's crown jewel. Hiking trails are snow-free but wildflowers bloom across the pampa. Expect 14-15 hours of daylight but pack for wind speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) and temperature swings from 2-15°C (36-59°F).

Booking Tip: Day hike tours cost $180-250 USD including park fees and transport from Puerto Natales. Book with operators offering windproof gear rental. Multi-day W-trek bookings for November fill up 3-4 months ahead due to optimal conditions.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Fiestas Patrias de Primavera

Extended spring celebrations throughout November featuring traditional Chilean folk music, cueca dancing competitions, and empanada festivals. Local communities organize weekend fondas (traditional festivals) with live music, artisan crafts, and regional cuisine.

Mid to Late November

Festival Internacional de Cine de Valdivia

Chile's premier film festival showcasing Latin American cinema and international selections. Screenings occur across multiple venues in the guide to Lake District city, often featuring outdoor cinema under November's clear skies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool base layers - temperature swings of 10-15°C (18-27°F) daily require versatile clothing that works from 5°C to 25°C (41-77°F)

Windproof jacket rated for 60+ km/h (37+ mph) winds - essential for travel to Patagonia and coastal areas where spring winds are strongest

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm - UV index reaches 8-10 due to thin atmosphere and reflection off snow-capped peaks

Waterproof hiking boots for trails that may have muddy sections from spring snowmelt and occasional rain

Polarized sunglasses - crucial for glacier viewing and high-altitude activities where reflected UV is intense

Quick-dry pants and shirts - November humidity averages 70% and afternoon temperatures can cause unexpected perspiration

Warm sleeping clothes rated to 0°C (32°F) if camping or staying in rural accommodations without heating

Portable charger/power bank - long daylight hours (up to 15 hours in travel to Patagonia) mean extended photo opportunities drain batteries quickly

Anti-wind hair products and moisturizer - Patagonian winds are notoriously drying to skin and hair

Layering pieces including fleece or down vest - essential for elevation changes from sea level to 2,000m+ (6,562ft+) hiking trails

Insider Knowledge

November is 'mes de los vientos' (month of winds) - locals in travel to Patagonia plan indoor activities for afternoons when winds peak between 2-6pm, scheduling outdoor adventures for early morning calm periods

Chilean thermal baths (termas) offer spring promotional rates in November before summer peak pricing - soak in natural hot springs for 30-50% less than December costs

November 15th marks the traditional end of vendimia season - visit wineries before this date to participate in actual grape harvest rather than tourist demonstrations

Spring wildflower blooms in the the city occur unpredictably - local guides in the city monitor rainfall patterns and can direct you to areas with active blooms, a sight that may not occur again for several years

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind conditions in travel to Patagonia - tourists book outdoor activities without checking wind forecasts, leading to cancelled tours and wasted days. Always have indoor backup plans for windy afternoons.

Packing only for average temperatures of 22°C (72°F) without preparing for daily temperature swings - November weather can range from morning frost to afternoon heat within 6 hours

Assuming hiking trails are fully accessible - many high-altitude Andes trails above 3,000m (9,843 ft) remain snow-covered through November, requiring proper equipment or guided tours that provide gear