San Pedro de Atacama, Chile: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile? If you're planning to go to San Pedro de Atacama, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to San Pedro de Atacama
- Important essentials for San Pedro de Atacama
- Activities for San Pedro de Atacama
- San Pedro de Atacama in January: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in February: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in March: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in April: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in May: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in June: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in July: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in August: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in September: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in October: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in November: weather and what to pack
- San Pedro de Atacama in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Based on the climate and weather in San Pedro de Atacama, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Here are some general tips on what to wear in San Pedro de Atacama, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
General health necessities
San Pedro de Atacama is at a very high altitude, and may result in altitude sickness. For that reason, you will want to pack strong altitude sickness prevention products and treatments.
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Oximeter to check blood oxygen
Like this
- Consider asking your doctor about Diamox
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Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
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Over-the-counter medicine
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. This one works in most countries, but check with your hotel.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in San Pedro de Atacama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for San Pedro de Atacama, Chile by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in San Pedro de Atacama is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
February
February in San Pedro de Atacama is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
March
If you are traveling to San Pedro de Atacama in March, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
April
Traveling to San Pedro de Atacama in April, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
May
May in San Pedro de Atacama is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
June
June here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Extreme cold weather gloves
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Insulated ice boots
We use:
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Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
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Scarf/neck warmer
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Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
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Very heavy heated socks
Like these
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Fleece inner layer
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Pajamas
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Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
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Heavy sweaters
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Lip balm
The best is: here
July
July in San Pedro de Atacama is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
August
August for San Pedro de Atacama is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Scarf/neck warmer
September
Traveling to San Pedro de Atacama in September, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
October
October for San Pedro de Atacama is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
November
November in San Pedro de Atacama can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Activities for San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for San Pedro de Atacama.
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