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Weather in Coquimbo
La Serena's twin on the Elqui stargazing coast
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About Coquimbo
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, April, November, December
Things to do in Coquimbo
Explore
Dine
Culture
Nature
Shopping
Day trips
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
22C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
22C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
21C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
April
19C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
May
17C
Cool, and mostly sunny skies.
June
16C
Cool, and mostly sunny skies.
July
16C
Cool, and mostly sunny skies.
August
17C
Cool, and mostly sunny skies.
September
17C
Cool, and mostly sunny skies.
October
18C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
November
19C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
December
21C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Coquimbo is a working port city on Chile's north-central coast, sitting just across the bay from the holiday town of La Serena and serving as a quieter, more local counterpart to it. Its hilltop neighbourhoods of colourful houses tumble down toward a busy harbour, while a striking Mosque-styled cultural centre on the headland reflects the area's eclectic immigrant history. It's also the gateway to the dark, clear skies of the Elqui Valley, one of the world's premier destinations for stargazing.
Best areas to stay in Coquimbo
Port area (El Puerto)
The historic harbourside district with colourful hillside houses and traditional fishing activity.
Cruz del Tercer Milenio
A hilltop cultural centre with Moorish-influenced architecture and panoramic views over the bay.
Coastal avenue toward La Serena
A long beach strip connecting Coquimbo to La Serena, popular for swimming and sunset walks.
Elqui Valley (day trip)
A scenic pisco-producing valley inland, known for vineyards, observatories, and small towns like Vicuña and Pisco Elqui.
Getting to Coquimbo
✈
Flights
Fly to La Serena Airport (LSC) via Santiago (around 1 hour), then a short transfer to Coquimbo.
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From London
~17–20 hours total from London including connections
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Getting around
Local buses and colectivos connect Coquimbo with La Serena along the shared coastline; tours run inland to the Elqui Valley.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Coquimbo?
The climate is mild and dry year-round, but the southern hemisphere summer (December to March) brings the warmest weather and busiest beaches, shared with neighbouring La Serena.
How do I get to Coquimbo?
La Serena Airport (LSC) serves both cities with flights from Santiago (around 1 hour), with Coquimbo a short drive or bus ride from the airport.
What's the food scene like?
Fresh seafood from the working harbour is the highlight — ceviche, congrio (conger eel), and shellfish feature heavily on local menus.
Is Coquimbo good for stargazing?
Coquimbo itself isn't ideal due to coastal light and cloud, but it's the gateway to the Elqui Valley inland, home to major observatories and exceptionally dark skies.
What language is spoken in Coquimbo?
Spanish is the primary language; English is limited outside hotels and tour operators focused on observatory visits.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
Stayed in Coquimbo rather than La Serena and found it more atmospheric — great seafood near the harbour and a short bus ride to the beaches.
Valentina S. · January 2024
★★★★★
Did a night tour to one of the Elqui Valley observatories from here — the skies were the clearest I've ever seen stars.
Mark E. · August 2023
★★★★☆
The Cruz del Tercer Milenio viewpoint was an unexpected highlight, with views right across the bay to La Serena.
Renata F. · March 2023
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