Autumn in Chile: March & April

March and April mark the beginning of autumn in Chile. Summer's energy softens rather than disappears, and landscapes – particularly vineyards and southern forests – begin to shift in colour, light and mood. A season of easing heat, quieter roads and a more reflective pace. There's something to be said for arriving as others leave.

By late March, Patagonia will start to feel autumnal, a beautiful time of year when the winds die down, the crowds diminish, and the southern beech forests turn bright shades of red. Days are still long and temperatures hold fairly steady.

Torres del Paine feels calmer and wilder, as it draws breath following a busy summer season. You can make great savings if you come to visit in April, rather than March. Whether pottering around in Paine, or exploring down Chile's Carretera Austral, it's one of our favourite times to visit Patagonia.

April is the last month of the season for cruises around Cape Horn.

Autumn suits the forests and waters of the Lake District beautifully. March still allows for hiking, lake crossings and outdoor exploration, often with clearer air and fewer people than summer. By April, deciduous forests take on golden and russet tones, and the region feels quieter, more contemplative. This is an excellent time for scenic drives, gentle walks, and staying put rather than packing in activities. The emphasis shifts from adventure to atmosphere – no bad thing.

In central Chile, autumn is closely tied to the land. March and early April coincide with the wine harvest, when vineyards are busy but welcoming and rural valleys feel especially alive. Temperatures are milder, making city exploration in Santiago more comfortable and coastal visits less crowded. It's a strong season for combining food, wine and culture – less heat, fewer crowds, and a more grounded, local rhythm than high summer. The country exhales a bit.

Autumn works quietly well in the Atacama. The summer heat begins to ease, nights remain clear, and high-altitude excursions are generally more comfortable. March can still carry traces of the summer rains in the far north, occasionally leaving the desert subtly altered – while April is typically drier, calmer. It's an ideal time for unhurried exploration: salt flats, lagoons and night skies experienced without extremes.

April through October is best time for this sort of altiplano adventure: Chile, Bolivia & Peru: A Private Guided Journey

Autumn is one of the most comfortable times to travel across Chile, but it still rewards thoughtful planning. Days shorten gradually, evenings cool, and regional contrasts remain pronounced. Layers are useful everywhere, particularly if you’re moving between desert, city and south. March is generally drier and warmer; April brings cooler temperatures and a slightly higher chance of rain in the south. Crowds thin noticeably after February, accommodation becomes easier to secure, and travel feels calmer without feeling closed down.