Last updated: August 21, 2025
December in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile offers a unique blend of warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal destination for travelers. With maximum temperatures reaching a comfortable 32°C (90°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), the days are perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes. Nights bring cooler air, dipping to a refreshing 6°C (43°F), inviting cozy evenings under starry skies. Precipitation is scarce, with just 6 mm (0.2 in) recorded over a single day, while the relative humidity hovers around 53%, contributing to the region's dry charm. This combination of factors ensures an unforgettable experience in one of the driest places on Earth.
In December, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a delightful shift towards warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a balmy maximum of 32°C (90°F). This month marks a peak in warmth as the average temperature settles around 19°C (66°F), welcoming visitors with pleasant daytime conditions perfect for exploring the region's stunning landscapes. Compared to the cooler months, December's temperatures offer a notable increase, indicating the onset of summer in this arid desert environment. As the year draws to a close, the combination of warmth and still-cool nights makes for an enjoyable experience, inviting travelers to relish both the sun-soaked days and tranquil evenings under the starry sky.
In December, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a modest precipitation of 6 mm (0.2 in), marking a slight increase from the preceding months, which recorded zero rainfall in both October and November. This modest rainfall typically occurs over just one day, signaling the onset of a brief wet season in a region renowned for its arid desert climate. Looking at the broader trend, December’s precipitation is a reminder of the stark contrast in San Pedro's weather patterns, where early summer shifts from the dry, parched conditions of mid-year to a season where sporadic rainfalls can refresh the landscape, albeit for a fleeting moment.
In December, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a noticeable shift in humidity, with levels averaging at 53%. This marks a slight increase from the drier months of July and August, which saw humidity drop to around 51% and 43%, respectively. As the year nears its end, humidity begins to recover from its low ebb, suggesting a transition towards a more humid season. However, it still remains lower than the peak levels enjoyed earlier in the year, such as March at 84%. This trend indicates a pattern of seasonal fluctuation, where the dry desert climate experiences its most humid phase in the early months and gradually tapers off before picking up slightly in December.
In December, San Pedro de Atacama continues to bask under an extreme UV Index of 18, mirroring the intensity of earlier months like January and November. Throughout the year, this desert oasis experiences consistently high UV levels, particularly from August through November, where the Index remains in the extreme range for several months. In winter months like May through July, the UV Index dips but still holds a very high rating, indicating that sun protection is crucial year-round. The standout feature remains the rapid burn time of just 10 minutes during the peak months, emphasizing the need for vigilance against sun exposure. For more details on UV levels and sun safety, check out San Pedro de Atacama UV Index.
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December in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, ushers in a remarkable wave of sunshine, with 391 hours of glorious sunlight illuminating the desert landscape. As the year draws to a close, the region experiences a sunny crescendo, outshining even the previously bright November. This peak reflects an overall trend of increasing daylight, particularly notable from spring to summer, with December marking one of the sunniest months. The consistent rise in sunlight hours from April's 335 hours to December's 391 hours not only invigorates the atmosphere but also enhances the allure of this stunning destination, inviting travelers to bask in its vibrant, sun-kissed charm.
In December, the likelihood of encountering sunny weather in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, drops to a modest 47%, marking a distinct shift from the typically bright conditions seen in the preceding months. This decline comes on the heels of several months where sun probabilities soared above 70%, peaking dramatically at 93% in October. As the year winds down, December's sunshine patterns reflect a significant contrast to earlier months, suggesting a subtle transition into a season that may bring more variability in weather. Despite this dip, visitors can still find plenty of opportunities for sun-soaked adventures, albeit with slightly more unpredictability on the horizon.
In San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, December brings a delightful return to 13 hours of daylight, mirroring the brightness of January and November. This pattern showcases a fascinating trend, as the year transitions from longer days in the first two months to a gradual decline through the middle of the year, until the days begin to lengthen again as summer approaches. With daylight peaking in December, visitors can fully embrace the vibrant landscape and stunning scenery that the Atacama Desert offers, making it an ideal time for exploration and adventure. The gradual increase before December emphasizes the region’s unique climate, where the sun's powerful rays illuminate the striking contrasts of the desert.
In December, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph), mirroring the calm conditions of the earlier months. This steady wind is characteristic of the area, providing a refreshing relief from the daytime heat. As the year progresses, a subtle trend emerges; while most months maintain a relatively mild breeze, the wind picks up notably in June and July, reaching speeds of 3.2 m/s (7 mph) and 2.9 m/s (7 mph) respectively. Following this peak, the winds gradually return to their tranquil state in the latter part of the year, culminating in the serene December air which invites visitors to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
Weather in San Pedro de Atacama varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in San Pedro de Atacama, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), while the average temperature hovers around 19°C (66°F). The month sees minimal precipitation, with only 6 mm (0.2 in) falling over just one day, and humidity levels are relatively moderate at 53%.
In contrast, January brings slightly warmer minimum temperatures of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), while still maintaining an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). However, January is marked by increased precipitation of 26 mm (1.0 in) over five days, leading to a noticeable rise in humidity to 75%. For a more detailed look at the weather in January, you can visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in January.
In December, the weather is generally quite warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation is minimal, with only 6 mm (0.2 in) falling over just one day, and the humidity is around 53%. Conversely, February sees slightly higher minimum temperatures at 8°C (47°F) and maintains a similar maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). February experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 54 mm (2.1 in) across seven days, and the humidity increases to 81%. The differences in precipitation and humidity highlight the wetter and more humid conditions in February compared to the drier December climate. For more details, you can visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in February.
In December, the weather in San Pedro de Atacama displays a pleasant range, with nighttime temperatures dipping to a comfortable 6°C (43°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F). The humidity is relatively low at 53%, contributing to a generally dry atmosphere, with only about 6 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over a single day. In contrast, March experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums of 7°C (45°F) and maximums of 29°C (84°F). However, the humidity levels rise significantly to 84%, leading to a more humid feel. Additionally, March sees an increase in precipitation, totaling 11 mm (0.4 in) across two days. For a closer look at the weather patterns for this month, visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in March.
In December, the weather features a comfortable range with minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F), while the average temperature sits at 19°C (66°F). Although there is very little precipitation at just 6 mm (0.2 in) over the course of one day, the humidity level remains moderate at 53%. In contrast, April experiences cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to 2°C (36°F) and maximums peaking at 28°C (83°F), resulting in an average of 16°C (60°F). Notably, April enjoys even less precipitation, at only 4 mm (0.2 in) without any rain days, though it has higher humidity levels at 71%. For more specific details on April's climate, you can refer to San Pedro de Atacama weather in April.
In December, the weather is notably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). The month experiences limited precipitation, receiving just 6 mm (0.2 in) over a single rainy day, while humidity sits at 53%. In contrast, May brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging around 12°C (54°F). Although May also has minimal rainfall of 3 mm (0.1 in), it has slightly higher humidity at 60%. For more detailed information on May's weather, visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in May.
In December, temperatures in San Pedro de Atacama are significantly warmer, ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month experiences low precipitation, with only 6 mm (0.2 in) over just one day, contributing to a humidity level of 53%. In stark contrast, June sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging around 10°C (51°F). Interestingly, June has a similar total precipitation of 6 mm (0.2 in) but enjoys dry conditions, as there are no rainy days recorded, and humidity remains relatively stable at 52%. For more detailed information, check out San Pedro de Atacama weather in June.
When comparing the weather in December and July, one can observe a notable contrast. December typically enjoys much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), reaching highs of 32°C (90°F). In contrast, July experiences cooler conditions, with minimum temperatures dropping to -4°C (25°F) and an average of just 11°C (51°F), peaking at 24°C (75°F). Both months have low precipitation levels, with December averaging 6 mm over a single day and July averaging only 1 mm without any rainy days. The humidity remains relatively similar, with December at 53% and July at 51%. For more detailed insights into the weather during this time, you can refer to San Pedro de Atacama weather in July.
December and August in San Pedro de Atacama present strikingly different weather characteristics. December boasts a warmer climate with average temperatures ranging from a low of 6°C (43°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F), while August experiences cooler conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Despite both months receiving minimal precipitation of 6 mm (0.2 in), December sees light rainfall on one day while August remains dry with no recorded precipitation. Additionally, December has higher humidity at 53% compared to August's lower humidity of 43%. For further details, you can check San Pedro de Atacama weather in August.
In December, the weather is noticeably warmer than in September, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). In contrast, September experiences cooler temperatures, with lows around 0°C (32°F) and highs peaking at 28°C (82°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). December also sees slightly higher humidity at 53%, while September remains drier with only 49% humidity. Despite the differences in temperature, both months experience minimal precipitation, with December receiving just 6 mm (0.2 in) over one day compared to September's 1 mm (0.0 in) with no rainy days at all. For a detailed look at September's weather, you can refer to San Pedro de Atacama weather in September.
December weather in San Pedro de Atacama is noticeably warmer compared to October, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F). In contrast, October experiences cooler temperatures, with averages between 0°C (33°F) and 29°C (84°F). Additionally, December sees a slight increase in humidity at 53% compared to October’s 49%, although both months experience minimal precipitation, with December recording only 6 mm (0.2 in) over one day. For a detailed look at October's weather, visit San Pedro de Atacama weather in October.
In comparing the weather conditions of December and November, December tends to be slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F) compared to November's 18°C (65°F). The maximum temperatures also rise, reaching 32°C (90°F) in December versus November's peak of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation levels increase in December, with 6 mm recorded over one day, while November enjoys completely dry conditions with no precipitation. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level of 53%, compared to November's 47%. For a more detailed look at November's weather, you can check San Pedro de Atacama weather in November.
In December, San Pedro de Atacama experiences a delightful transformation, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall that truly set it apart from other months. The sunny days, marked by an average of 19°C and maximum highs reaching 32°C, invite outdoor exploration and adventure, while cooler nights provide a refreshing contrast. With only a single day of rain, this month boasts exceptionally low humidity levels, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy the stunning landscapes and clear skies. For a deeper dive into what to expect throughout the year, check out the complete details on San Pedro de Atacama Climate.