Climate
One of the best things about shooting in Chile is a very benign Mediterranean climate in the main central region. What does this mean? There is almost no rain from the end of September through the end of March. This is the biggest single advantage Chile has over its Atlantic neighbours: almost certain sunshine.
The climate is very different from north to south, with so many different latitudes. The north is a true desert, the Atacama being the driest in the world. Water does flow from the Andes and San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis, with trees and grass, but in some parts of the same desert, rain never comes.
The central region possesses a Mediterranean climate, with a sunny summer lasting from the middle of September until late April. Rain is very sparse during this period. December averages 5mm of rain, January 0mm, February 2mm, and March 5mm. Sunny days are the norm, with long stretches of daylight. Vegetation in the cities and parks can easily fill in for Europe or North America. Forests can also be found in the region.
Southern Chile, not including Patagonia, has abundant rain in winter (May to August), and is therefore dotted with lakes, rivers, snow capped mountains and volcanoes, among old growth forests.
Patagonia, at the extreme southern end, has the most uncertain climate. You can have perfect sunshine or snow at any time of the year. Nevertheless, it is one of the most spectacular natural locations on earth.
The Antarctic continent, to which Chile lays claim on a swath, is of course the coldest, harshest climate anywhere, with a brief summer season with better conditions for shooting.
Temperatures in this period (September to April) average 27 to 29* C (80 to 85* F) in Central Chile with very low humidity (39% average) which keeps everyone in a mellow mood. Compare this to the countries on the humid and rainy Atlantic and you’ll see that weather days are very infrequent in Central Chile.