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Weather in Arica
Chile's northernmost city and surf legend
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About Arica
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, April, November, December
Things to do in Arica
Explore
Dine
Culture
Nature
Shopping
Day trips
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
April
24C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
May
21C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
June
19C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
July
18C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
August
18C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
September
19C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
October
21C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
November
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
December
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Arica calls itself the 'city of eternal spring', perched in Chile's far north where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific just a few kilometres from the Peruvian border. It's a city of warm year-round sunshine, surf breaks right in town, and the dramatic El Morro headland looming over the harbour. With Tacna in Peru a short hop away and the high-altitude lakes of Lauca National Park inland, Arica makes an easy, low-key base for exploring the extreme north.
Best areas to stay in Arica
El Morro / city centre
The historic core beneath the headland, with the cathedral, customs house, and main shopping streets.
Playa Chinchorro
A popular swimming beach close to the centre, lined with seafood restaurants and ceviche stalls.
Las Machas / El Gringo
The main surf beaches, with surf schools and board rental just outside the city centre.
Valle de Azapa
A green agricultural valley inland from the city, known for olives, mango groves, and ancient Chinchorro mummy sites.
Getting to Arica
✈
Flights
Fly into Chacalluta Airport (ARI), connecting via Santiago (SCL).
⏱
From London
~21-23 hours from London including connections via Santiago.
🚕
Getting around
Colectivos (shared taxis) and local buses cover the city and reach the Peruvian border at Tacna.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Arica?
Arica has a mild desert climate year-round with very little rainfall, so it's a viable destination at any time of year, though December to March is busiest with Chilean and Bolivian tourists.
Is Arica good for surfing?
Yes, El Gringo and Playa Las Machas are popular breaks right by the city, suitable for various levels, with a established surf school scene.
Can I visit Peru from Arica?
Yes, the border city of Tacna in Peru is around 50km away and easily reached by colectivo or bus, a popular day trip or onward route.
What is El Morro?
A steep headland overlooking Arica with a war memorial and museum commemorating the 1880 Battle of Arica, plus sweeping views over the city and coast.
How do I get to Arica?
Arica has its own airport (ARI) with flights from Santiago and Iquique; it's also a common overland crossing point from Peru and Bolivia.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
Great surf and the climate is genuinely perfect, sunny but not too hot. El Morro is worth the climb for the views over the city.
Andrés V. · October 2023
★★★★★
Used Arica as a base to cross into Peru for a couple of days then came back, super convenient and the ceviche on Chinchorro beach was fantastic.
Karen W. · January 2024
★★★★☆
Quieter than Iquique but I preferred it, less touristy and the desert valley tour to Azapa with the old mummies was fascinating.
Boris N. · August 2024
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