Chilean Climate Zones: A Comprehensive Classification
Coastal Desert with Abundant Clouds
Extends from the far north to almost 30 degrees south latitude. Characterized by high humidity, the presence of fog (camanchaca), and low thermal oscillation.
Normal Desert
Extends from the extreme north to Chañaral. Features low relative humidity, high atmospheric dryness, strong thermal oscillation, and a lack of rainfall.
High-Margin Desert
Located to the east of the normal desert. Presents low temperatures, low relative humidity, and rainfall concentrated in the summer.
Low Marginal Desert
Found south of the normal desert. Conditions are less stringent than those of the normal desert.
Coastal Steppe with Abundant Clouds
Extends from the Elqui Valley to Zapallar. Presents high cloud cover and rainfall exceeding 100mm.
Very Dry Steppe
Located east of the coastal steppe. Features strong daily thermal oscillation, erratic rainfall deficits, low cloudiness, and high solar radiation.
Warm-Temperate with Long Dry Season
Extends from Aconcagua to Itata. Temperatures vary between the coast and inland areas, with precipitation concentrated in winter.
Warm-Temperate with Dry and Rainy Seasons
Extends from Biobío to northern Puerto Montt. The annual temperature range is low, while precipitation is high and homogeneous throughout the year, increasing slightly in summer.
Temperate Rainy Climate
Extends from Puerto Montt to Taitao. Temperatures are lower than the previous area, with high rainfall and a weak annual temperature range.
Cold-Temperate Rainforest
Extends from Taitao to Magallanes. Features high cloudiness and precipitation throughout the year, with a mean annual temperature not exceeding 10°C.
Cold Steppe
Found on the eastern slope of the Andes, reappearing at 50° latitude. Features a high annual temperature range (13°C) and decreasing rainfall, which takes a snowy character in autumn and winter.
Ice-Height Effect
Found on the high peaks of the Andes mountain range. The warmest month remains below 0°C with high thermal oscillation.
Polar Climate
Located in the Chilean Antarctic Territory. The monthly average temperature does not exceed 0°C, with solid precipitation.
Subtropical Climate
Found on Easter Island. Features rainfall throughout the year and an annual average temperature exceeding 20°C.