November is a gorgeous month to visit Chile. Patagonia finally blooms into spring, while the north moves into warmer, drier weather. It's an excellent time to visit the coastal towns and desert in the north, as well as Torres del Paine, while the crowds and high prices are still a month away.

Weather

Patagonia has finally caught up with the rest of the country in terms of spring. Daily highs fall in the mid-50s (Fahrenheit) in Punta Arenas, though you should still expect some rain and fog this time of year. That being said, when the sun does come out, it's a great time to catch the wildflowers in this part of the country, and days are longer—upward of 15 hours—for enjoying more of the outdoors.

As for the central and northern areas of Chile, it will get warmer and drier the farther north you travel. For instance, Santiago, the starting point for most international visitors, will see highs in the low 80s with very little (if any) moisture. Still, it's necessary to bring warm layers for the evening chill (after the sun goes down) and potential Chilean winds. 

Crowds & Costs

November is the last month of Chile's shoulder season, which means you'll find lower prices and not-overwhelming crowds in most popular areas. This is a great time to travel to places like Torres del Paine, Isla Magdalena, and Tierra del Fuego, where you'll beat the flood of international tourists (and pricey accommodation costs) of the coming peak summer months. Just to be safe, it's a good idea to make your reservations at least three months in advance.

Where to Go

The entire country is open for business this time of year. This is a great month to head to Patagonia before the crowds. In addition to Torres del Paine, you could take a road trip along the Carretera Austral. This is a route in northern Patagonia that is relatively unknown to anyone outside of the continent. Attracting both drivers and road cyclists, this quintessential Patagonia route is a whopping 769 miles long (1,240 km) from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins on a partially-paved, yet otherwise dirt-and-gravel road through lakes, jungles, glaciers, hot springs, snowcapped peaks, and wide-open valleys. You can visit Queulat National Park and the Hanging Glacier for a chance to see a stunning part of Patagonia that is rarely visited by foreigners. 

Farther north in the central valley, this is a pretty time to visit the wine valleys of Chile for Mediterranean-like weather and beautiful scenery. Santiago's attractions will be less crowded, as will the desert, Elqui Valley, and the beach towns sprinkled along the northern coastline.

Plan your trip to Chile
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

Outdoor sports are available in droves this time of year, in late spring. In Patagonia, especially Torres del Paine, there are day hikes, multiday treks, wildlife spotting, and glacier boat tours, to name a few options. For a much lesser-known alternative like Queulat National Park, you can stay at a hotel called Puyuhuapi Lodge and visit the Hanging Glacier by boat for truly undiscovered surroundings. 

The Lake District offers several adrenaline-inducing activities, such as white-water rafting, zip-lining, and skydiving. It also offers volcano tours and great trails that cover a large portion of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. This is an excellent choice for photographers and hikers who want to visit the park without feeling rushed.

Events in November

All Saints' Day, Nationwide (November 1). A day to remember and honor passed loved ones, you can expect closures. 

Puerto Montt International Jazz Festival. Recognized as one of the most important musical events in Chilean Patagonia, this festival is distinguished as the only festival of the genre in Chile that offers instrumental clinics and concerts with free entrance for the community. 

Puerto de Ideas, Valparaíso. This so-called "conference on everything" attracts intellectuals and big thinkers from across Latin America to share ideas. 

Feria Internacional de Artesania, Providencia. Come check out Chile's best traditional artisans and their crafts at this massive fair in Providencia's Parque Bustamante.

Traveling to Chile in November? Check out these great itineraries

Exploring Santiago & Chile's Lake District - 14 Days. On this active 14-day itinerary, you'll discover Chile's Lake District, where central Chile meets Patagonia. First, you'll take a food tour of the capital of Santiago. Then it's wine tasting and a jaunt to the coastal seaport of Valparaíso, one of the most colorful cities in Latin America. Next, you're off to the southern city of Puerto Montt, where you'll visit the mythical island of Chiloé. The remainder of your trip has it all: penguin colonies, kayaking fjords, trekking through native Alajuela forests, hiking up to glaciers, and much, much more.

Patagonia's W Trek & Marble Caves - 15 Days. This itinerary packs a lot of punch for those keen on experiencing as much Chilean nature as possible. Start off with some urban culture before flying south to frolic with thousands of penguins. Next, you'll spend several days trekking in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Finish in northern Patagonia's Aysén region for glaciers and marble cave formations you won't soon forget.

More Helpful Information

Chile in October
Chile in December
Best Time of Year to Visit Chile
How Many Days to Spend in Chile