Atacama in May

April through May and September through October give you the sweet spot — clear skies, manageable temperatures, and fewer crowds. Daytime temperatures hover around 22°C (72°F), while nights drop to near freezing. The shoulder seasons mean you can actually enjoy hiking without melting or freezing. Summer (December-February) brings the worst crowds and the most extreme heat — up to 35°C (95°F) during the day. But summer also has the longest days for sightseeing. Winter (June-August) gets brutally cold at night, sometimes hitting -10°C (14°F), but offers the clearest skies for stargazing. The rainy season barely exists here, but when it does rain in January-February, roads can become impassable. Book accommodations well in advance for April-May and September-October — these months fill up fast with travelers who've done their homework.