Chile Santiago Weather in May — Climate Guide
May in Santiago is moderate
Santiago Weather in May — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 18° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 65mm · 6 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, Santiago in May averages a high of 18°C and low of 6°C with 65mm of rain over about 6 days. Late autumn into winter — cooler and damper, with the smog season starting. Highs near 18°C/64°F, nights around 6°C/43°F. A warm jacket, sweater, and a rain jacket. Layers for the day-night swing.
May is moderate for Santiago.
May tips Santiago toward winter — cooler days around 18°C/64°F, chilly nights near 6°C/43°F, and the start of the rainy season with the city's first damp, grey spells. The basin's smog season also begins as cold, stable air traps pollution.
It's firmly low season in the city — the best value of the year on hotels, with few tourists and a calmer feel. Indoor-friendly plans (the excellent museums — Pre-Columbian, Bellas Artes, Memoria — wine bars, and long lunches) suit the weather.
Travel score
Santiago May Weather Stats
Avg High
18°C
Avg Low
6°C
Rainy Days
6
65mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
70%
comfortable
UV Index
4
Moderate
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 20
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
May Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
38 μg/m³
PM10
60 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
17°C
Nighttime
5°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 20 km/h
Activities Recommended for May
May Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low season — best city value
- Few tourists, calm atmosphere
- Snow-capped Andes appear behind the city
- Ski season approaches
Cons
- Rainy season begins — grey, damp spells
- Smog season starts in the basin
- Cool days and cold nights
- Shorter daylight
May Events & Festivals
- Wettest period begins — winter rains set in
- Smog season starts as cold air traps pollution in the basin
- Ski resorts prepare to open (late May/June)
- Low season in the city — best value, fewer tourists
Santiago in May — Full Picture
May tips Santiago toward winter — cooler days around 18°C/64°F, chilly nights near 6°C/43°F, and the start of the rainy season with the city's first damp, grey spells. The basin's smog season also begins as cold, stable air traps pollution.
It's firmly low season in the city — the best value of the year on hotels, with few tourists and a calmer feel. Indoor-friendly plans (the excellent museums — Pre-Columbian, Bellas Artes, Memoria — wine bars, and long lunches) suit the weather.
Up in the Andes, the ski resorts begin gearing up, with the earliest snow and a possible late-May/June opening depending on the season's snowfall. The mountains start to whiten behind the city.
Note: smog can blur the Andes views and irritate sensitive eyes and throats on still days — check the daily air-quality index. On clear, post-rain days, though, the snow-dusted Andes behind Santiago are spectacular.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Late autumn into winter — cooler and damper, with the smog season starting. Highs near 18°C/64°F, nights around 6°C/43°F. A warm jacket, sweater, and a rain jacket. Layers for the day-night swing.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current22.7°C
8°C
3.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
15.7°C
4.3°C
6/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22.3°C
9°C
3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
29°C
11.3°C
1/mo
Santiago Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30° | 12° | 1d·1mm | 11h | 45% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| 29° | 11° | 1d·2mm | 10.5h | 47% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| March (Best) | 27° | 10° | 2d·5mm | 9h | 52% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 23° | 8° | 3d·15mm | 7h | 58% | 6 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 18° | 6° | 6d·65mm | 5h | 70% | 4 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 15° | 4° | 7d·80mm | 4h | 78% | 2 | Quiet | Shoulder | |
| 15° | 4° | 6d·75mm | 4.5h | 78% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 17° | 5° | 5d·55mm | 5.5h | 73% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| September (Best) | 19° | 7° | 4d·30mm | 6.5h | 65% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| October (Best) | 22° | 9° | 3d·15mm | 8h | 58% | 8 | Busy | Shoulder |
| November (Best) | 26° | 11° | 2d·8mm | 9.5h | 50% | 10 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 28° | 11° | 1d·3mm | 10.5h | 47% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Santiago May Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Santiago?
Santiago in May is moderate. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in Santiago in May?
Santiago May averages a high of 18°C and a low of 6°C.
Does it rain much in Santiago in May?
Santiago May averages 65mm of rainfall over about 6 rainy days.
What should I wear in Santiago in May?
Late autumn into winter — cooler and damper, with the smog season starting. Highs near 18°C/64°F, nights around 6°C/43°F. A warm jacket, sweater, and a rain jacket. Layers for the day-night swing.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Santiago in May?
Santiago May sunrise is 08:15 and sunset is 18:30, with 10h 15min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Santiago in May?
Santiago May air quality (AQI) averages 70, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 38μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Santiago in May?
In May, Santiago is great for Museums (Pre-Columbian, Bellas Artes, Memoria), Wine bars and long lunches, Snow-dusted Andes views post-rain.
Is May peak season in Santiago?
Santiago May crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Santiago
View Other Months
Planning a May trip to Santiago?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.