Chile’s diverse geography includes regions with vastly different climates, ranging from hot deserts to cold, snowy mountains. Here are some of the coldest places to live in Chile:
1. Torres del Paine National Park: Located in the southernmost region of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park experiences cold temperatures year-round due to its high elevation and proximity to Antarctica. Winters are especially harsh, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall common.
2. Punta Arenas: As the southernmost city in Chile, Punta Arenas experiences cold, windy conditions throughout much of the year. Winters are particularly cold, with temperatures frequently below freezing and strong winds adding to the chill factor. Residents must be prepared for harsh weather conditions, including snowfall and icy roads.
3. Coyhaique: Located in the Aysén Region of southern Chile, Coyhaique experiences cold, wet winters and cool summers. The city is surrounded by the Andes Mountains, contributing to its cold climate and frequent snowfall during the winter months.
4. Puerto Williams: Situated on Navarino Island in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Puerto Williams is one of the southernmost settlements in the world. The town experiences extremely cold temperatures, especially in winter, with icy conditions and snowfall common throughout the year.
5. Puerto Natales: Another town in Chilean Patagonia, Puerto Natales experiences cold, windy conditions, particularly during the winter months. Snowfall is common, and temperatures often drop below freezing, making it one of the coldest inhabited areas in Chile.
6. Ushuaia: While not technically in Chile, Ushuaia is located just across the border in Argentina, near the southern tip of South America. Known as the “End of the World,” Ushuaia experiences frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall during the winter months, with cold, windy conditions prevailing throughout the year.
7. Villa O’Higgins: Tucked away in the Aysén Region of southern Chile, Villa O’Higgins is one of the coldest and most remote towns in the country. Its proximity to glaciers and high elevation contribute to its cold climate, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially in winter.
8. Antuco: Located in the Bio-Bio Region of central Chile, Antuco experiences cold temperatures, particularly during the winter months. The town is surrounded by mountains, including the Antuco Volcano, which can receive significant snowfall.
9. Temuco: While not as extreme as some of the other locations on this list, Temuco, located in the Araucanía Region of southern Chile, can experience cold temperatures during the winter months. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of, especially in the surrounding mountainous areas.
10. Valdivia: Situated along the southern coast of Chile, Valdivia experiences cool, wet conditions throughout much of the year. Winters can be cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing, although snowfall is rare in the city itself.
These are some of the coldest places to live in Chile, where residents must be prepared for harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.
